Best for handling

If a model reacts to every steering wheel input with precision, corners keenly and feels planted on the tarmac, it will end up at the top of this chart.

If it wallows around bends, it’s likely to book a place at the bottom. Picking up the gold medal is Subaru’s old-shape Impreza. Its rally-bred chassis has ensured owners are blown away by the sharpness of the handling.

Add 4WD, and drivers have supreme confidence in any weather. Second place goes to the hugely responsive Mazda MX-5. While the roadster isn’t the most powerful model on the road, it’s top of the class for putting a smile on the driver’s face.

There are three Vauxhalls in the bottom five, but the wooden spoon for handling agility goes to Citroen’s ageing Xsara Picasso.

The winners

1. Subaru Impreza MkII – “It's the fastest thing I've ever bought. Really good fun car, and to get anything else with the same performance i would have to part with a lot more money.” Mr Stewart Metcalf, Pontefract, West Yorks.

2. Mazda MX-5 (new) – “Fantastic car to look at and to drive. Nothing beats the wind in your hair thrill of an MX-5 and with low running costs it simply cannot be beaten in its class.” Mr Daniel Gill, Wakefield, West Yorks.

3. MG ZT – “Fantastic. Totally reliable, economical to run, handling and performance are excellent. Best car I've ever owned.” Mr Steven Scott, Rochester, Kent.