What Car? Best Buys - Family cars

Here's our pick of the best models on sale in every class, but you can find our full overview of new and used family cars by clicking here.

1. Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 140 Edge
Price £17,595 Target Price£16,292
The Mondeo gets a new look, new technology and new levels of quality, and the great news it that it'll cost you less than before.

This is Ford trying to steal some sales back from so-called premium brands that have been hurting it - and succeeding.

The great drive of earlier models remains, but now with much more comfort and refinement.
What Car? Full Verdict

2. Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 S Price£17,662 Target Price £16,430 Toppled by the new Mondeo, which now has the edge over the Passat for quality and driving ability - but it is still an excellent family saloon. Every model is generously equipped, spacious and comfortable, and the 2.0-litre diesel is strong and frugal. What Car? Full Verdict

3. Mazda 6 1.8 S 5DR Price £14,180 Target Price £13,136 A petrol car in a class dominated by diesels, but when it's one as talented and cheap as this, you can't say no. Forget stodgy Mazdas of old - this one's great to drive. And like all Mazdas, it's built to last. What Car? Full Verdict

The green option
Toyota Prius 1.5 T3
Price £17,777 Target Price£16,614
Petrol-electric hybrid that can seat family in comfort. Works best in town when it uses mainly electric power.
What Car? Full Verdict

Low-cost option
Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTI 150 Exclusiv
Price £17,825 Target Price£15,312
Refined, brisk, economical, well equipped and a decent drive. Resale values are poor, but big discounts are available.
What Car? Full Verdict

The top five... company car CO2 tax-busters
1 Toyota Prius 106g/km, 12%
2 Volvo S40 1.6 D 129g/km, 18%
3 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI 132g/km, 18%
4 Citroen C5 1.6 HDI 139g/km, 18%
5 Peugeot 407 1.6 HDI 140g/km, 18%

Group Test New Reg '07
Ford Mondeo Toyota Avensis Vauxhall Vectra Volkswagen Passat
For a copy call our library on 08456 777814.