Best for performance

To win in this category, a car needs to be able to overtake with confidence and pull strongly in all gears.

Plus, it shouldn’t demand the skills of an F1 driver to get off the line! Subaru’s second-generation Impreza ticks all these boxes. It delivers strong thrust from its 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four cylinder engine, and serves up supercar-rivalling pace for the price of a used Ford Fiesta.

The other two podium positions go to Jaguar’s S-Type and XF. The models’ automatic gearboxes are mated to silky-smooth petrol or high-powered diesel engines to provide effortless performance. Small cars dominate the other end of the chart – six superminis make up the bottom 10. Price and clever design have clearly taken priority over pace here.

The winners:
1. Subaru Impreza MkII – “My car is a fantastic drive and was an excellent purchase. It has great performance and handling for very little cost. Couldn't be happier.” Mr Tim Carey, Congleton, Cheshire.

2. Jaguar S-Type – “This is the best car I have owned with no exceptions. It has never gone wrong, pretty good on fuel, and a joy to drive.” Mr Percy Hull, Darlington, Durham. 

3. Jaguar XF – “Great all rounder, has both power and style yet accommodates the family needs well.  Reasonably economical yet fast when I step up the pace.” Mr Allan Curtis, Uckfield, East Sussex.