Road Tests

Recommended. Good looking, well equipped and cheap, the ix35 looks set to continue the success Hyundai has enjoyed with smaller cars. Make sure you pick the right engine though.

Recommended. Aston Martin attempts to combine the glamour and performance of its coupes with a four-seat, four-door limo - and it's succeeded.

Recommended. Big and comfortable, Audi has taken the top spot over the Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 7-series. It's just a shame it doesn't look as good as it is to live with.

Recommended. Effortlessly cool and beautifully finished, the DS3 makes a good alternative to the Mini or Fiat 500.

Recommended. Peugeot's new 5008 doesn't quite lead the MPV class, but it's a serious contender.

Average. Good looks and low costs make the Spark a decent runabout or second car.

Highly recommended. The 458 Italia is the new supercar benchmark, delivering genuine supercar performance and handling, all the thrills you expect from a Ferrari, plus surprising refinement and ease of use.

Recommended. Excellent off-road and surprisingly well-mannered on it, the Land Cruiser reaffirms its reputation as a very dependable 4x4.

Recommended. Better and more all-rounded than the SLR McLaren, the SLS is about to give the supercar establishment something to think about

Recommended. A very capable addition to the small SUV market from BMW that should appeal to premium buyers looking to downsize.

Recommended. Stylish and comfortable, the C3 has now become a serious proposition in the small family car market.

Highly recommended. The LFA is a spectacular supercar that competes with the best - but it comes at a hefty price

Recommended. It has an unknown badge and it has no diesel option, but there are compensations.

Recommended. More refined, better inside and good value, the Punto Evo is a worthy and appealing supermini, if not a class-topper.

Recommended. A much-improved Astra, especially in terms of interior finish, space, ride, handling and refinement. Small diesels apart, it's up there with the Ford Focus and VW Golf class best.

Recommended. Better to drive and more comfortable than ever, the latest Sport is a compelling package.

Highly recommended. Updated Discovery addresses the old model's shortcomings and makes it an undisputed class-leader.

Average. While the Avensis is a fine car, it doesn't possess enough flair to stand out from its rivals in a competitive segment.

Highly recommended. A world-beating luxury car by any measure - and now with more economical engines and first-class equipment.

Recommended. Spacious MPV is better to drive and well priced, but not as user-friendly as some rivals.

Recommended. Mercedes is back on form with its most important model. It has all the traditional qualities of discreet good looks, refined performance and quality construction.

Recommended. After its Cayenne SUV, Porsche enters the last remaining premium segment - the luxury saloon.

Recommended. Capable and accomplished in many ways, the Yeti makes a lot of sense - although some buyers will be put off by its oddball looks.

Highly recommended. The new-generation Prius looks better, drives better, is great value and is still by far the greenest family car you can buy.

Average. Quirky looks won't be to everyone's taste but the Nemo Multispace is a practical and robust alternative to a conventional MPV.

Recommended. Lotus's 2+2 offers a compelling alternative to a Porsche 911, with fine handling, a supple ride and more extreme looks. Some quirks let it down but, overall, it's an impressive package.

Recommended. Fifth generation Polo is frugal, precision engineered, comfortable, quiet and benefits from a sharp, timeless design. But it's not as fun as a Ford Fiesta.

Recommended. Latest Z4 is a compelling and quick sports car made easier to own with a folding metal roof and more fuel efficient engines. The looks are still an acquired taste, though.

Recommended. Second-generation hybrid SUV improves on its predecessor and is efficient in the real world. But you'll have to pay a very high price to own one.

Recommended. This classy, elegant and roomy coupe is good value. The models with four-cylinder engines handle well, but the E500 V8 is disappointing.

Average. Budget city car from a trusted brand is very cheap and drives surprisingly well, but the looks are bland and it doesn't have much character.

Not recommended. Subaru's attempt at a supermini is slow, dull and expensive compared to rivals.

Recommended. A characterful city car that proves cheap doesn't have to mean cheerless.

Average. This funky looking small car from Toyota is moderately appealing, particularly for young families. But the high price is a problem.

Recommended. Renault's mid-sized people mover is competent and roomy. Its new looks might be a little conservative, but it does everything an MPV should.

Recommended. Peugeot's first crossover is the most practical and comfortable on sale, despite offering just five seats and no four-wheel drive.

Average. Competent but uninspiring MPV could do with more luggage space but can seat seven with ease.

Recommended. Macho, aggressive and rapid with it, the 370Z builds on the talents of its predecessor to take the fight to Porsche's Cayman.

Recommended. Stylish, practical and cheap to run, the C3 Picasso is one of the best small MPVs you can buy

Average. Good looks, a classy interior and a competitive price tag make this a tempting proposition from Chevrolet.

Recommended. Honda's latest Insight is the most affordable hybrid car on the market, but also one of the best. No longer can the Prius be the default choice of eco-conscious drivers.

Recommended. Ferrari drop top is much more than a boulevard cruiser. It has the pace and the poise to keep up with thoroughbred siblings.

Highly Recommended. One of the purest driving experiences money can buy, but not an everyday sports car.

Recommended. The Soul has switched from motor show stand to showroom, but despite its concept car credentials this is an impressively practical car, offering loads of space, stylish convenience and low running costs.

Average. Seat's latest family saloon is actually a reworked previous-generation Audi A4, offering the same robust, premium qualities with a hint of Spanish flair mixed in. It brings nothing new to the party, though.

Average. A vastly improved interior and a sexy three door 'Coupe' version aren't quite enough to make up for this Megane's lifeless steering and the plain looks of the hatch.

Recommended. A stylish and well-rounded SUV, not to mention one of the safest, the XC60 makes owning a Volvo almost cool.

Recommended. Style, sophistication and lots of fun; Alfa's venture into the B segment is good enough to worry Mini, but not too much.

Average. Once you've got past its unusual looks; the Qubo makes an affordable and spacious alternative to an MPV.

Recommended. Searing performance, dramatic looks, a spine-tingling sound-track - everything you want from the Prancing Horse, though it's pricey.