In-depth reviews

Boasting excellent on-tarmac dynamics, a practical interior, decent mud-plugging ability and strong performance, BMW's X3 impresses

The Polo is a very grown up supermini that exudes quality, though rivals offer a sharper, sportier drive

The competent Toyota is only let down by its cramped rear seats and high prices.

Subaru Legacy (2002-2009) review

The Honda feels half-hearted. The weedy electric motor means the engine is used too often, and that ensures fuel economy is poor. The Toyota Prius is …

Nissan Patrol (2004-2009) review

Renault Modus review (2004-2012)

The temptingly priced and rapid Focus ST delivers real thrills and practicality in abundance. I

The Panda is great to drive, nimble, and has an eager character.

The amazing SL coupe-convertible remains a first-rate GT, particularly since the latest round of revisions.

The A3 scores highly thanks to its top quality and classy appearance

The Flying Spur's W12 engine is great and the cabin beautifully trimmed - but VW-sourced parts let things down slightly.

Mercedes B-Class (2005-2011) review

The A-Class is hard to recommend unless you need compact MPV space.

The M5 is a stunning super saloon that is fast, practical and, considering its talents, relatively affordable.

The Micra is a charming supermini that in many guises looks a steal - especially given the firm's reputation for quality and longevity.

This is by no means Nissan's best car, and it doesn't bring anything new to the class.

BMW 7 Series (2002-2008) review

The Astra VXR is every inch the no-holds-barred performance car, and keen drivers won't be disappointed.

The Merc has dramatic styling, road presence and sheer class.

A technical tour de force that drives beautifully, yet is also easy to live with, the Porsche 911 is the world's best sports car.

Skoda Superb (2001-2008) review

The C4 looks smart and is keenly priced, while it's a very refined cruiser, but you should be wary of depreciation.

The X-Type is the car that Jaguar hoped would bring in serious volume sales to the company, competing against the best of the German competition on bo…

The Arnage benefited from major revisions in 2006.

The Magentis is solidly put together, inoffensively styled and offers excellent rear legroom. But it's outdated and lacks personality

Born from a similar mould to the one that gave us the Citroen Berlingo Multispace, Renault's Kangoo is also based on a van.

The Alfa is charismatic and fun, but ultimately flawed

One of a number of 'family-vans' that compete in entry-level compact MPV price range, the Partner Combi is Peugeot's twin to Citroen's Berlingo.

Lexus GS (2005-2011) review

The Yaris proves you can buy an upmarket, well built supermini without breaking the bank.

Competing in the prestige coupe and cabriolet market the CLK has it all.

Suzuki Ignis reviewed - one of the "forgotten cars", but is it any good?

The Espace has a funky cabin design and superb diesel engines, but an inflexible seating layout, high prices and poor residuals mark it down

The Golf TDI diesel is something of an institution, and with economy, torque and in-gear urge, it's not hard to see why.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VII (2003-2012) review