Hatchback

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

ABARTH

Sports

124 SPIDER

The Abarth 124 Spider was a sportier and more expensive version of its Fiat namesake

Used Abarth 124 Spider 2016-2019

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The story behind the Abarth 124 Spider is rather convoluted, with it being essentially a sportier version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/124-spider/sports/review/n17213">Fiat&nbsp;124 Spider</a>, which is itself based on the hugely successful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/sports/review/n17349">Mazda MX-5</a>. Abarth, you see, is Fiat's in-house tuner. However, you won't find any Fiat badges on this car and it was sold in separate dealerships.&nbsp;

What you get is the two-seat interior and rear-wheel drive platform from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a>&nbsp;(and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/fiat">Fiat</a>), but with stiffer suspension, a traction-enhancing limited slip differential and a more powerful version of the turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine found in the Fiat.

So, the Abarth is the fastet version of this fine-handling sports car, but it's also the most expensive.

While the engine in the Fiat 124 Spider produces 138bhp, Abarth has extracted an extra 30bhp from it, which cuts the 0-62mph time from 7.5sec to just 6.8sec. There’s a little turbo lag, which sets you back for a moment each time you upshift, and can be annoying in traffic, but once on song the engine pulls strongly.

The six-speed manual gearbox helps, with a short, neat action that makes it easy to stay within the ideal power band. It's a much better option than the optional automatic, which can't seem to decide which gear it should be in. True, you can override it using paddles behind the steering wheel, but these manual shifts aren't very smooth.

The Abarth 124 Spider sounds racy in the mid-range, but there’s a bassy drone from the exhaust below, while high revs bring a loud, strained engine note, and this soundtrack remains prominent even with the roof up. You also have to put up with a fair amount of wind noise as well as that exhaust drone on the motorway. Taller individuals may find the top of their head blasted by wind with the top down, too.

Much more positively, the revised suspension tames the body roll that you get in this car's Fiat and Mazda cousins, yet the ride is still fairly supple. The limited-slip differential provides fantastic traction out of corners, and this is a thrilling car to drive down a winding road, because it's as involving as it is playful, and you can adjust your line with ease using the accelerator.

The problem is that the Abarth starts to feel raggedy the harder you push it. The stiffer suspension causes the body to wobble more over bumps and sometimes you can’t quite tell how much grip the front tyres have. Take it to a track and you might be disappointed, especially as the cheaper MX-5 handles more sweetly.

The interior design is identical to that of the Mazda MX-5 and Fiat 124 Spider, aside from some different finishes. However, that means all-round visibility is very good and head room just about acceptable for most six-footers.

Dropping (or raising) the manual roof is a moment’s work, and can be done without leaving your seat. And although the range of seat and steering wheel adjustment is limited, most people will find it easy enough to get comfortable.

Clear instrumentation is viewed through the chunky steering wheel, with a prominent rev counter taking centre stage. Meanwhile, the infotainment system is easy to use and responsive to both touchscreen inputs and a rotary controller, even though the sat-nav maps can be a little slow to load.

The upper swathes of the interior are coated in tactile materials, but you'll find scratchy plastics if you look further down - something that's acceptable in the Mazda and Fiat, but a little disappointing here given the Abarth's higher price.

There’s sufficient space for most adults in the 124 Spider, although some may find the non-height adjustable driver’s seat to be mounted too high. That means we’d definitely recommend trying one with the roof up before buying, though; some of our testers can’t fit without having the top down. Leg room isn’t an issue but the narrow interior does push you close to your passenger making it feel claustrophobic with the roof up.

What you do get is a pair of flimsy, movable cupholders, one of which can be fitted next to the passenger’s right leg. Alternatively, both can be mounted on the transmission tunnel, in prime position to be knocked by your elbow.

The boot loads from the top like an American washing machine, but is sadly far less capacious at just 140 litres. The boot’s shape is irregular, too, so to get a week’s luggage for two inside you’ll need to bring squashy bags and go easy on the packing. At least the boot doesn’t get smaller with the roof down like some cabrios.

It’s not like you get plenty of room inside for your belongings, either. Oddment storage is stingy as it has no glovebox, the cubbies in front of and behind the gearlever are tiny, and the three compartments behind the seats are pokey, too.

The Abarth 124 Spider comes with four airbags and cruise control with a speed limiter as standard. It hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but expect a similar overall score to the MX-5’s four stars out of five. Both cars are only held back by a relative paucity of driver assistance equipment.

If you're interested in buying a used Abarth 124 Spider, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">here</a>.&nbsp;

Page 1 of 5

124 SPIDER Sports

500e

Abarth has successfully transplanted some old-school hot hatch fun into the electric 500e. Its range and practicality are&nbsp;limiting, though

Used Abarth 500e 2023-present

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

This is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/abarth/500/hatchback/review/n25801">Abarth 500e</a>, a small&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car (EV)</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;doubles as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatch</a>. Now, to many, mixing those two types of car&nbsp;will&nbsp;sound like a recipe for disaster, like pouring Jack Daniel's into an Innocent Smoothie. To some, it might come as&nbsp;the kind of crazy they've been longing for in&nbsp;an EV.&nbsp;

In essence, the 500e takes&nbsp;the character&nbsp;of the petrol-powered <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/abarth/595/hatchback/review/n17259">Abarth 595</a>&nbsp;and makes it plug-and-play,&nbsp;rather than fuel and go. And, when we say character, that includes&nbsp;the 595's signature, raucous exhaust note – you read that correctly.&nbsp;

Performance &amp; Range:&nbsp;Press the starter button and you'll hear the 500e's 'engine' come&nbsp;to life:&nbsp;by that, we mean the external speaker hanging from its bottom. At a standstill, it burbles away, more loudly than&nbsp;some combustion-engined hot hatches. When you accelerate, the burbly idle&nbsp;remains present – for some strange reason – but is joined by&nbsp;a muscular roar.&nbsp;

At least initially, we suspect most people&nbsp;will find the noise amusing, even if it's quite clearly contrived.&nbsp;As well as&nbsp;adding a layer of drama to an otherwise silent (bar a bit of wind and road noise) driving experience, it&nbsp;also gives you a good sense of speed –&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;more so than a lot of EVs do.

The system is far from perfect, though, and it can soon transition into an annoyance, particularly at higher speeds. You see, the 500e's speaker doesn't hush down at any point and it doesn't mimic gear changes, meaning a steady cruise at 50-70mph ends up sounding like you're ringing an imaginary engine's neck and constantly so. Sifting&nbsp;through a set of menus (and only when&nbsp;stationary) and unticking a box is your sole means of turning it off and, for the vast majority of journeys, we can see a lot of owners leaving it as such.

Speaker on or off, though, the 500e is fun to drive and more so than any other front-wheel-drive EV. In many ways, it feels like a traditional hot hatch, with&nbsp;its pint-sized dimensions&nbsp;and lively acceleration making it positively a laugh&nbsp;around zig-zagging city streets and country roads. Putting a smile on the driver's face is the key mark of a good hot hatch and we believe&nbsp;the 500e achieves that.&nbsp;

We admit that&nbsp;150bhp and 0-62mph in 7.0sec might sound puny by Tesla standards, but the 500e still feels suitably quick. It'll even outrun&nbsp;the standard 595 and, if you're not careful, a&nbsp;hearty right foot can result in a bit of wheelspin. This is accompanied by&nbsp;a&nbsp;(perfectly manageable) dose of torque steer – where&nbsp;the steering wheel is tugged left and right as the front tyres fight for grip&nbsp;– that&nbsp;feels reminiscent of&nbsp;old-school pocket rockets.&nbsp;

While it has the same battery as the mechanically related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500 Electric</a>, the Abarth can't match&nbsp;that car's 199-mile official figure. Instead, your&nbsp;official range is 157 miles&nbsp;and, as shown in our summer <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-really-go/n24836">real-range test</a>, it'll return an underwhelming 138 miles on a good day.&nbsp;

Ride &amp; Handling:&nbsp;With its heavy&nbsp;37.8kWh (usable capacity) battery working against it, the 500e never feels as agile or&nbsp;playful as the sharpest&nbsp;petrol-powered hot hatches, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n140">Ford Fiesta ST</a>.&nbsp;However, the 500e&nbsp;feels decently pointy&nbsp;and composed on a fast, twisty road, while the steering, a particular highlight, is accurate and has a good amount of natural feel. All in all, the 500e is fun to drive, as we previously mentioned.&nbsp;

The sacrifice for all this fun is a firm, fidgety&nbsp;ride, but it's nothing a traditional hot hatch enthusiast won't be used to. It's tolerable and, in fact,&nbsp;the 500e&nbsp;actually has a slightly more settled and better-cushioned ride than the 595.

Interior &amp; Practicality:&nbsp;The interior is largely unchanged next to the Fiat 500 Electric, which is to say it's cheap but cheerful. Plus, the Abarth gets a healthy selection of sporty touches to help set it apart. There are figure-hugging yet comfortable seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel, while range-topping Turismo cars add&nbsp;aluminium brake pedals and&nbsp;lovely swathes of Alcantara.

The driving position&nbsp;isn't especially sporty, because you sit up rather&nbsp;tall and upright –&nbsp;the 595 is a little bit worse for this. The upside is good all-round&nbsp;visibility – the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-convertibles/n17007">convertible</a> version's&nbsp;tiny rear windows and fabric sliding roof seriously reduce your view out of the rear, though,&nbsp;especially when you have the roof down.

Every 500e comes with a DAB radio, built-in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat nav</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;smartphone mirroring. You have&nbsp;a 7.0in instrument screen that sits behind the steering wheel, as well as&nbsp;a 10.25in infotainment touchscreen high up in the middle of the dashboard:&nbsp;the icons are a bit small and fiddly to prod on the move, but it's otherwise a crisp, responsive and logical system – it's easier to use than&nbsp;the rather confusing setups found in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">VW ID 3</a>.

With no rear doors and just two rear seats, the 500e is far from spacious in the back.&nbsp;The odd, short trip involving a couple of six-foot individuals in the back should just about be fine, but that's the extent of its abilities.&nbsp;

If you go for the regular hardtop, the hatchback tailgate lifts to reveal a 185-litre boot. You have more space at your disposal than&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/honda-e/hatchback/review/n20882">Honda e</a>&nbsp;does, but the Born and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>&nbsp;offer much more – in excess of&nbsp;300 litres.&nbsp;

Trims &amp; Equipment: If you discount the short-lived&nbsp;Scorpionissima (that was effectively a launch edition of Turismo), there are two trim levels to choose from: entry-level 500e and top-spec Turismo. The standard car comes reasonably well-equipped, with 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic wipers and lights, climate control and a JBL sound system.

Turismo introduces 18in wheels,&nbsp;those&nbsp;aforementioned Alcantara touches and&nbsp;aluminium pedal covers, as well as heated front seats, heated door mirrors and keyless entry.

Interested in buying a used&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/abarth/500/hatchback/review/n25801">Abarth 500e</a>? Visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Cars For Sale</a>&nbsp;pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

500e Hatchback

Pint-sized pocket rockets don’t come much smaller than the Abarth 500; it’s an entertaining car for tackling the city streets

Used Abarth 500 2009-present 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Engaging handling </li> <li>Thrilling performance </li> <li>A characterful engine with an enticing soundtrack </li> <li>Reasonable running costs </li> <li>Not hard to live with day to day</li></ul>

A popular choice with UK buyers since the days of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI, the hot hatchback mixes everyday practicality with higher performance and the sort of handling and agility that’s ideally suited to British roads. A good hot hatch should be fun and, since it’s likely to be your daily drive, it should also deliver respectable running costs.

Hot hatch

The Abarth 500 is the little <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-used-hot-hatches-for-less-than-pound20000/n18955">hot hatch</a> that could. It may resemble its cutesy <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n22352">Fiat 500 </a>cousin – Abarth uses&nbsp;that car as a basis – from a distance, but just a few minutes with it will show you that it's&nbsp;quite a&nbsp;different animal. Many&nbsp;will appreciate its madness, even if it isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.&nbsp;

It competes with rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/used-review/n499">Mini Cooper</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n17271">Vauxhall Corsa VXR</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n140">Ford Fiesta ST</a>. The 500 is at a disadvantage size-wise, but it does offer competitive performance – the kind you won't see from cars of a similar heft, like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/up/hatchback/review/n17310">Volkswagen Up&nbsp;GTI</a>.

Speaking of power, the 500 only has one engine size, a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol. But, it can be had in various states of tune. When it was launched, the 500 came with 133bhp or 158bhp in the Esseese version. Later versions were rebadged 595 and came with three different equipment levels and three power outputs ranging from 143bhp to 178bhp. Then there was the ultra-expensive 695 Biposto that had 187bhp.

The standard car has all the essentials: air con, Bluetooth, seat height adjustment and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The 178bhp 595 Competizione from 2016 onwards adds climate control, Xenon headlights, auto-dipping rear view mirror, parking sensors, uprated suspension, bigger brakes, stickier tyres and a sports exhaust.

To drive, the 500 is quite rapid in town thanks to its powerful engines. However, out in more open country, it isn’t quite so comfortable. Being rather tall and narrow means that stiffer suspension and fat anti-roll bars need to be fitted to control body lean. This has an impact on the ride, which is very firm in the 500, and is made worse by some of the special editions with even stiffer springs fitted. The 500 isn’t particularly great in the bends either, tending to understeer more readily than rivals.

Space is also at a premium with the 500, and some of the ergonomics will infuriate. Like the seat height adjuster that’s impossible to use unless you open the door. To make up for that, the 500 has lots of uprated bits of interior decoration that really help give it a sporty feel. The outside has unique bumpers, alloy wheels and spoilers that make it look the part. Then there’s the exhaust that pops and crackles on the overrun to give the car a character all its own. Indeed, there’s a sense of occasion to the 500 that has a way of charming you.

If you're interested in buying a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/abarth/595?">used Abarth 500</a>, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">here.</a>&nbsp;

Page 1 of 5

595 Hatchback

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Alpine (pronounced 'Al-peen') only makes one model, but if you’re in the market for a sports car, this French brand is worthy of your attention.

Its A110 is one of the best-handling cars on sale today. And while it’s not especially powerful, it’s still properly quick, thanks to its low weight.

The looks and character of today’s A110 were inspired by a legendary namesake that won the first ever World Rally Championship back in 1973. But the new car is undoubtedly a worthy successor.

ALPINE

Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.

Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building fast, expensive and sporty SUV.

ASTON MARTIN

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.

BENTLEY

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Picture a Chevrolet and chances are something huge and all-American springs to mind. However, in reality, the cars sold on these shores were all a sensible size, aimed at budget-conscious buyers.

The early cars, for example, started life as Daewoos but were rebranded after Chevrolet’s owner, General Motors, bought the ailing South Korean firm’s car division. Meanwhile, later models were based on Vauxhalls.

Chevrolet withdrew from Europe in 2015 after struggling to make an impact, but used examples do at least have the virtue of being incredibly cheap.

CHEVROLET

Chrysler has built an eclectic range of cars over the years – everything from radically styled hatchbacks and brash, all-American saloons, to small family cars and boxy yet hugely practical people carriers.

It decided to pull out of the UK in 2015, after struggling with declining sales. However, there are still some Chrysler models that are worth considering if you’re buying used.

The Grand Voyager, for example, is one of the few MPVs that has room for luggage even when all seven of its seats are occupied, while the 300C – based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class – is a refreshing alternative to the traditional executive saloon choices.

CHRYSLER

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

Daihatsu specialises in building small, budget cars, and while it pulled out of the UK market in 2011 when the strong yen made it impossible for it to make a profit here, there are still plenty of its models on the used market.

The best of the lot is the Charade hatchback, which feels perfectly suited to city driving and is surprisingly spacious for something so small. However, its back catalogue also includes the tiny Terios and Fourtrak SUVs and the Copen convertible, which featured a Mercedes-Benz SLK-style folding metal roof.

DAIHATSU

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

One of the world’s most famous brands and an integral part of the Formula 1 grid since the first championship in 1950, Ferrari fully lives up to its exalted reputation, producing some of the best sports cars money can buy.

Its entry-level model (although that term hardly seems appropriate) is the Portofino convertible, which is powered by a twin-turbo V8 and capable of blasting from 0-62mph in 3.5sec.

Then further up the range you find the mid-engined 488s, in coupé and Spider forms, and two GT cars: the GTC4 Lusso and the appropriately named 812 Superfast, a V12 monster that can hit 211mph.

FERRARI

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota: the premium arm of a mainstream car maker.

Infiniti’s current model range includes the Q30 hatchback, Q50 executive saloon and Q60 coupé, all of which go head to head with cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There’s also the QX30, a small SUV.

The brand has so far struggled to make a big impact on British buyers due to high prices, but most of the time that’s partially offset by a long list of standard equipment.

Future plans include a new range of electric vehicles and a smart petrol engine that is said to offer diesel-like fuel economy.

INFINITI

If you’re in the market for a pick-up truck, chances are you’ll have heard of Isuzu. The Japanese brand makes buses and lorries for markets all over the world, but it’s most famous for the D-Max.

A rival to the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok, the D-Max pick-up is aimed at drivers who need rugged go-anywhere ability and lots of space, and for whom a conventional SUV just won’t cut it.

ISUZU

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

Lamborghinis have been adorning bedroom posters since the mid-1960s. Not bad for a company whose origins lie in making tractors.

Today, Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, and as well as bolstering its core sports car portfolio, it has branched out to launch the Urus – a luxurious SUV that’s a rival to the similarly rapid Bentley Bentayga W12 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

LAMBORGHINI

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

LOTUS

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

These days, Maybach exists as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz and focuses on adding even more luxury to the already opulent S-Class saloon and G-Class SUV.

In the case of the S-Class, for example, Maybach adds more space inside, a V12 petrol engine and a list of standard equipment that’s as long as your arm.

As you might expect, Maybach models cost considerably more than the cars on which they’re based – and at this price point, buyers expect ultimate luxury whether they’re driving or being driven.

We’re expecting Mercedes-Maybach to return to its roots, however, and create its own bespoke model. This car, which is expected to take the form of an electric SUV, would do battle with premium rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

MAYBACH

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

One of the most famous names on British roads, MG is owned by Chinese firm SAIC these days and it's slowly beginning to rebuild its model line-up.

At present, just two cars are offered: the MG 6, which aims to match cars like the Skoda Octavia on space while beating them on price, and the Ford Fiesta-rivalling MG 3. Both cars look good value for money, but resale values have been an issue, as well as cabin quality and the tax bills created by relatively high CO2 emissions.

Things could improve with the arrival of the GS, a Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV that will bring a new transmission and new turbocharged petrol engines, as well as a revised diesel motor. It's scheduled to go on sale in 2016 - although it wouldn't be the first MG to have been delayed during the brand's rebirth.

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.

There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.

More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.

MITSUBISHI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

When Proton sold cars in the UK, it highlighted their low-cost, no-nonsense appeal. Sadly for them, neither What Car?’s testers nor many buyers were won over – but that does mean that those now found on the used market can be exceptionally cheap to both buy and run.

Buyers are most likely investigating one of a trio of different-sized hatchbacks (the Satria, Neo or Savvy) or two saloons: the even more oddly named Impian and Wira.

Highlights beyond the low asking prices include the fact that the cars were often generously equipped compared with rivals, in a bid to woo buyers, and sometimes comparatively spacious too.

While used cars for sale now will be out of warranty, Proton offered generous cover on its cars when they were new, suggesting that it was confident they would last. Anecdotal evidence supports this claim, although not enough owners have responded to the annual What Car? Reliability Survey for us to offer a verified view.

PROTON

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Once a bastion of the British car industry, Rover is no longer a going concern anywhere but in the used car market.

For the canny buyer, that can be as good news as it is for the enthusiastic collectors of the firm’s finer models. Some of the cars from its later history remain in reasonable supply, can prove mechanically sound and come at rock-bottom prices.

Most collectable of them all is the Rover Mini, but for those looking to buy some no-nonsense transport for pocket money, the likes of the 25, 75, CityRover and Streetwise can make sound investments, especially if you can find later examples that aren’t yet overwhelmed by having covered giant mileages.

ROVER

Find a good example and Saabs make famously great used cars; they are generally well priced, well equipped and reliable.

The firm was declared bankrupt in 2012, so any used models on the market are now generally old and at the budget end of the spectrum.

Barring collectors’ curiosities, you’ll find the 9-3 and larger 9-5 filling the classifieds, in saloon, estate and convertible variants. Petrol and diesel options are available, and the brand’s long-time link-up with parent firm General Motors means that they were generally well equipped.

Prices vary significantly according to age, mileage and condition, but there are certainly some bargains to be had if you compare what your money will buy you against that of comparable rivals.

SAAB

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Ssangyong has made giant strides in recent years, after it was taken over by a new owner and given a injection of investment to help its bid to become a credible car maker.

The result so far is a range of cars dominated by SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard but all of which have merits, including the amount of space and practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight in the range is currently the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It is very roomy and has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

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