Revealed: What Car? Awards 2019 - the UK's best cars

The biggest single event in the UK car calendar was held at a glamorous ceremony at Grosvenor House in central London on Tuesday night.

For each class of car, awards were made across three different price-points – and then one of those was awarded the overall title for that class.

And then, chosen from those overall winners, there’s one final ‘best of the best’ award, which wins the title of What Car? Car of the Year 2019 – and this year, there’s a real surprise in store. Join us for a tour of Britain’s best new cars, and the ones we think you should be buying this year:

CITY CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Clever interior space. 2. Quiet and comfortable ride. 3. Good visibility. 4. Plenty of safety tech. 5. Low running costs. 6. Outstanding value for money.  

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £9000 - Suzuki Celerio 1.0 SZ2

No other city car offers so much for so little. Let’s start with the engine: the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit packs a modest 67bhp, but because the Celerio is light, it’s plenty gutsy enough for city work and doesn’t even feel too out of its depth on the motorway. Drive sensibly and the 57.8mpg we saw in our real-world True MPG testing is genuinely achievable.

The way the Celerio rides and handles should also be commended. True, it isn’t quite as supple or agile as rivals such as the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up, but it’s close enough, and remember that both of those rivals cost considerably more to buy.

Inside, the Celerio offers genuine space for four adults and the weekly shop, and its tall windows give you a great view out. The only downsides are that you have to do without aircon and Bluetooth with entry-level SZ2 trim, and standard safety kit is rather spartan. Suzuki has a brilliant reliability record; it finished first out of 31 manufacturers in the 2018 What Car? Reliability Survey. The Celerio itself scored an outstanding 98% in the same survey, beating the i10 and Fiat Panda.

BEST BUY - £9000-£11,000 - Skoda Citigo MPI 60 Greentech SE 5dr

Incredibly, this is the seventh time in a row that the Skoda Citigo has come out on top in this price point, thanks to a combination of a roomy interior, mature driving manners and keen pricing that sets it above rivals such as the Hyundai i10 and Vauxhall Viva – as well as the Volkswagen Up on which it’s based. Like the Up, the Citigo is great to drive, with a comfortable ride and agile handling, but it delivers that same big-car feel at a lower price.

It’s also more versatile than most other city cars, in that it’s available with three or five doors and an automatic gearbox. At the same time, it has plenty of room inside for four occupants, while the equipment list in our preferred SE trim is appealing; there are plenty of media and connectivity options, including Skoda’s Move&Fun smartphone app.

Other features include tyre pressure monitors, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a built-in umbrella. Although the Citigo, in this modestly powered, 59bhp 1.0-litre guise, is a little out of its depth if you venture out onto the motorway, the Citigo is nippy enough at lower speeds, making it an ideal city car.

BEST BUY - OVER £11,000 - Kia Picanto 1.25 3

Last year, the Kia Picanto stepped up to depose our long-standing favourite in the city car class, the Hyundai i10, and it’s still our pick in the top price point. Much as we like the i10, the Picanto is even better to drive and offers a smarter interior for a lower price. Although a gutsy new 1.0-litre turbo engine was added to the line-up in 2018, it’s not the one we recommend, because it can be had only in higher-spec versions. Our pick therefore continues to be this 83bhp 1.25-litre model in 3 trim.

The naturally aspirated engine is gutsy and responsive enough for any situation, including motorway cruising, while 3 trim comes with all the kit you’re likely to want, including rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and a responsive infotainment system that includes smartphone mirroring. The seats are more comfortable than the i10’s, too, and the Picanto is good to drive, with agile handling and a fairly composed ride. Meanwhile, Kia’s reliability record is enviable; it came fourth out of 31 brands in our latest survey. It beats every other marque on the market with its impressive seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, too.

Overall City Car winner: Kia Picanto 1.25 3

Keen readers will have noticed that the 2019 city car contenders are the same as last year’s crop, and that’s a testament to the strength of all three back then. The Picanto, then, had to take the title again, with the same great recipe of space, performance, comfort and equipment.

The lengthy spec list and high-quality interior also help to seal the deal for the Picanto over the Skoda Citigo and Suzuki Celerio, justifying its higher price point by offering a more complete package overall and making it the best combination of car for the money.

SMALL CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Attractive pricing and finance deals. 2. Smart and user friendly interior. 3. Space for four adults to sit comfortably. 4. The latest safety and connectivity features. 5. Big-car driving manners. 6. Low servicing costs and fuel bills. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £12,000 - Dacia Sandero 0.9 TCe 90 Essential

No new rival to the Sandero has gone on sale in the past 12 months, so it retains its position as the best small car for less than £12,000. But that doesn’t make it in any way less than exceptional. For starters, the Sandero remains Britain’s cheapest new car in entry-level form. And while we think the mid-level Essential trim lives up to its name, bringing creature comforts such as air conditioning and a DAB radio, this still represents amazing value.

Then there’s the space that the Sandero gives you. Its tall, boxy body ensures there’s loads of room for the driver and front passenger. Plus, six-footers can fit in the back without feeling cramped and the boot is one of the biggest in the class. Just two engines are available, with the turbocharged 0.9-litre petrol, producing 90bhp, being our pick because it needs fewer gearchanges than the non-turbo 1.0 and feels much more at home outside the city limits.

But whichever one you go for, you get a car with a supple ride. This all helps to explain why the Sandero has dominated this price point for no fewer than seven years.

BEST BUY - £12,000-£20,000 - Volkswagen Polo TSI 95 SE

At our 2018 awards, the Seat Ibiza took this slot, and it remains one of the best small cars you can buy. However, where previously it was significantly cheaper than the Polo, that’s no longer the case following a recent price rise. Given how closely matched the two always were – they’re based on the same mechanicals and ended up with the same number of stars when we initially tested them – that’s enough to tip the scales in the Polo’s favour. True, the Ibiza remains more entertaining to drive, thanks to stiffer suspension, and it comes better equipped.

But the Polo’s standard spec is far from stingy if you go for our favoured SE model, plus it has a classier dashboard and a more comfortable ride, and it holds its value better. As for which Polo you should go for, it’s hard to look past the turbocharged 90bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, because it’s punchy from low revs, eager to spin up to its redline and remarkably efficient in the real world. Add in a spacious interior, intuitive infotainment and great refinement and it’s easy to see why the Polo sees off not just the Ibiza but all its rivals in this price bracket.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £20,000 - Audi A1 Sportback 30 TFSI Sport

The original Audi A1 was a game-changer, proving that a small car could be every bit as luxurious as a big one, and as a result won our overall Car of the Year Award in 2011. So, it’s hardly surprising that the new model doesn’t stray too far from that formula. In particular, it makes driving a stress-free experience, thanks to its slick gearbox, crisp clutch action and uncanny ability to shut out wind and road noise on the motorway.

Plus, it’s about as smooth-riding as small cars come – on its standard 16in wheels, at least – absorbing even the most obnoxious bumps. Above all, it’s these qualities that help the A1 to edge out last year’s winner in this price point, the Mini 5dr Cooper. However, the A1 is also the more practical choice, and its 1.0-litre, 114bhp engine manages to pull as hard from low revs as the 1.5-litre unit in the Mini. Okay, the interior of the new A1 doesn’t feel dramatically different from that of the cheaper Volkswagen Polo on which it’s based. But that still means it’s one of the classiest around, with smart graphics and well damped switches. The touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and easy to fathom, too.

Overall Small Car winner: Volkswagen Polo TSI 95 SE

The Sandero is a staggering amount of car for your money, but its cost-cutting demands compromises. Meanwhile, the A1 is a fine all-rounder, but it doesn’t really do anything better than the Polo, despite carrying a hefty price premium.

So, it’s the Polo that’s the best small car you can buy. It sets the standard for comfort and refinement, while its frugal 1.0-litre petrol engine and strong resale values make it a good long-term buy, and Volkswagen has kept the pricing sensible. There are no weaknesses in the Polo’s armour.

FAMILY CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Plenty of practical space.2. Low running costs. 3. A comfortable ride. 4. A healthy equipment list. 5. Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside. 6. Rock-solid reliability. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £20,000 - Kia Ceed 1.0 T-GDi 118 2

Last year, the Kia Ceed lost out by a whisker to the Seat Leon in our lowest price point. However, this all-new Ceed is a much more convincing package, especially in entry-level 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol form. The three-cylinder engine is smoother and more refined than that of the equivalent Leon and gives more than enough power (118bhp) for everyday driving, while it will take on motorway miles without any fuss.

Inside, the Ceed gets a smarter interior and a better infotainment system than any rivals at this price, even if some of the top-spec infotainment and safety features are available only on the more expensive trims. We wouldn’t bother to upgrade; the Ceed makes far more sense at the lower end of its price list, and even entry-level 2 trim still comes with a healthy list of equipment, including a DAB radio, voice control and lane-keeping assistance. Kia came a commendable fourth equal in the 2018 What Car? Reliability Survey and continues to be a class leader with its seven year/ 100,000 mile-warranty, making for carefree ownership.

BEST BUY - £20,000-£28,000 - Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI 150 SE L

Whoever coined the phrase ‘less is more’ clearly hadn’t driven a Skoda Octavia. It’s long been a compelling family car, chiefly because it offers so much more space inside than its big-name rivals. How so? Well, despite undercutting the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, it has more rear leg room than many executive saloons.

The Octavia’s boot is also huge; indeed, we managed to fit 11 carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf, one more than the enormous Audi Q7 SUV swallowed. If that’s not enough of an incentive for family buyers to consider it the go-to choice, the Octavia also has a comfortable ride, a substantial equipment list and, if you go for our recommended 150bhp 1.5-litre, petrol engine, punchy performance.

A Ford Focus at this price makes do with a 1.0-litre engine that struggles to keep up in fast-moving traffic. The Octavia is beginning to fall behind some of its rivals in terms of standard safety kit, but it ranked ninth in class in the 2018 What Car? Reliability Survey, while Skoda came an impressive seventh out of 31 brands, well ahead of Ford and Volkswagen.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £28,000 - Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250 AMG Line

Although the new A-Class narrowly lost out to its arch rival, the Audi A3, in one of our group tests last summer, that match-up focused solely on the A180d diesel model. This range-topping A250 petrol is even better and actually edges its like-for-like rivals from Audi and BMW. For starters, the 215bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is a gem – capable of delivering the sort of acceleration that would trouble a Volkswagen Golf GTI when you want it to, yet remaining smooth and docile the rest of the time.

Then there’s the ride; high-end versions of the A-Class sit on more sophisticated suspension than their cheaper siblings, so they glide over bumps in a manner that would shame many an executive saloon. The same goes for the interior, which is simply stunning to look at. It’s more in line with what you’d expect to find in a luxury saloon than in a family hatchback, with lashings of shiny piano black plastic, leather, wood and metal in all the important places. Those things, and the fact that you get lots of standard luxuries, help this range-topping A-Class to justify its lofty price tag.

Overall Family Car winner: Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI 150 SE L

We could start by saying: “For the price, the Octavia is a very impressive proposition”, but regardless of cost, it offers everything you could reasonably want in a family car. The Octavia’s biggest selling points, of course, are its massive boot and roomy interior, making it much more practical than our other contenders.

The temptingly priced Ceed and luxurious A-Class may be outstanding in their own ways, but neither can match the Octavia’s remarkable bang for the buck. What you’re looking at here is the very definition of the ideal family car.

SMALL SUV

In this category we look for:

1. A spacious interior for a car of this size. 2. Enough boot space for daily family life. 3. Nimble handling. 4. Low running costs. 5. Plentiful standard equipment. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £15,000 - Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SHVS 2WD SZ5

Last years True MPG Award winner, the Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SHVS 2WD, remains the most frugal car we’ve tested; the surprisingly spacious and practical city car-sized SUV’s electrically assisted 1.2-litre petrol engine returned an outstanding figure of 59.6mpg. But don’t think that efficiency comes at the price of performance, because the Ignis is quicker than the larger Renault Captur, with its 90bhp engine pulling willingly from low revs and providing plenty of in-gear zip. Admittedly, the Ignis doesn’t handle or steer quite as well as its French rival and leans a fair bit on roundabouts and twisting roads. But on the plus side, you can actually specify it with four-wheel drive.

The cheapest version of the Ignis is currently priced at just £11,849, making it a very appealing proposition, given how much car you get for the money, while SZ5 trim gets you a 6.2in touchscreen infotainment system and automatic emergency braking. The Ignis’s safety credentials could be better, but Suzuki’s reliability record is outstanding; the manufacturer beat 30 others to top our latest Reliability Survey.

BEST BUY - £15,000-£20,000 - Seat Arona 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology

No longer is Seat associated only with decent small and family cars; now the Spanish brand is leading the way with SUVs. The prime example is the Arona. Based on the excellent Ibiza hatchback, it’s very good to drive, with well-controlled handling, plenty of grip and responsive steering making it surprisingly entertaining. It’s certainly more agile than any of its rivals, which include the Citroën C3 Aircross and Suzuki Vitara.

The Arona offers 148bhp 1.5-litre and 114bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, but the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre unit is gutsy enough for town driving, providing plenty of pulling power to get you away from the traffic lights and good flexibility on the move, all while being more economical than the equivalent unit in the Vitara. It doesn’t feel lacking at higher speeds, either. The Arona is relatively roomy in the rear seats and has better-quality materials than the Vitara. It’s very well equipped, too; SE Technology trim adds a brilliant touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, a DAB radio and smartphone mirroring, as well as rear parking sensors.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £20,000 - Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 TSI Evo Design

There was a time when Volkswagen dealers would have had to offer you a hatchback with ‘GTI’ emblazoned across its rump if you wanted to be able to accelerate from 0-62mph in as little as 8.4sec, but today our favourite version of the T-Roc, with its 1.5-litre, 150bhp turbo petrol engine, can achieve that same turn of pace. Its performance, then, is very good – a lot better than the Mini Countryman Cooper’s. Yet even the cheapest Countryman costs more than this mid-range T-Roc, which just happens to be cheaper than the equivalent Audi Q2 as well.

Value for money, then, is one of its main virtues. Just look at this list of standard features for proof: adaptive cruise control, 17in alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting and an infotainment system that’s packed with features and is very simple to use. Choose the right wheel options (smaller is better) and the T-Roc becomes one of the best riding cars in the class, plus it handles tidily. Of course, a small SUV needs to offer enough space for a growing family, too, and the T-Roc sure does, with plenty of head and leg room all round and a voluminous boot.

Overall Small SUV winner: Seat Arona 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology

It may be a small SUV, but the Arona has a large number of things going for it. It dwarfs the Ignis, so it has much more rear head room and boot space, and it’s far better to drive, with a more settled ride and far tidier cornering manners.

The T-Roc represents stiffer competition, being closely related to this Seat model, but despite having a considerably higher list price, it isn’t dramatically more practical or better to drive. Surprisingly, it’s no classier inside, either. For the second year running, then, the brilliant Arona continues to be this class’s benchmark.

FAMILY SUV

In this category we look for:

1. Comfortable ride. 2. Feature-filled infotainment. 3. Space for child seats. 4. Robust build quality. 5. Practical storage spaces. 6. A boot fit for a family holiday. 7. Fuel-efficient engines.

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £18,000 - Dacia Duster Blue dCi 115 4x2 Essential

Taking a wide eyed second look at a list price is common place with supercars, but at the other end of the scale, we wouldn’t blame you for doing a double take at the Dacia Duster’s. The Romanian manufacturer has proven time and again, though, that its cars are more than just cheap; they have plenty of substance, too. The Duster has plenty to offer buyers in this segment.

It’s a family SUV with loads of room inside and a good boot. Pick this 115bhp 1.5-litre diesel model and you’ll get a punchy engine that’s capable hauling a full car around with ease, and in Essential trim it has, naturally, the essentials covered, including a DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports, along with air conditioning. But the price is the Duster’s main selling point.

Quite simply, nothing else comes remotely close to it. The MG GS is quicker and a bit bigger, but even that only gently approaches the orbit of the Duster’s pricing, and it isn’t as smooth riding. There really are very few cars on sale in any class that can match the Duster’s value-for-money offering.

BEST BUY - £18,000-£30,000 - Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150 SE L

Sharing is caring at the Volkswagen Group. When the Seat Ateca came along in 2016 and knocked the Nissan Qashqai off its perch, it was sitting pretty at the top of the class. Then its award-winning formula and basic underpinnings were given to fellow Volkswagen Group family member Skoda. It duly created the Karoq, which toppled the Ateca, offering a slightly more comfortable ride and more practical interior. The Karoq excels in a number of important areas. You’ll be hard pressed to find a rival that offers a more cosseting ride, for starters.

Whether battling through traffic in town or churning through motorway miles, the Karoq is a very comfortable companion. It also has a practicality advantage over its rivals; when you need to, you can remove the rear seats entirely, turning the Karoq into a small van. Those seats are standard in our favourite SE L trim, which also gets parking sensors, a reversing camera and one of the best infotainment systems in the class. Add to that the punchy 1.5-litre petrol engine and you get an extremely well rounded and practical family SUV.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £30,000 - Volvo XC40 D3 FWD R-Design Geartronic

This time last year, the Volvo XC40 was crowned our overall 2018 Car of the Year. So, has anything changed 12 months on? Well, our favourite engine was the D4 four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel. But since then some new engines have joined the line-up, and the pick of the bunch is the D3. It still offers gutsy performance (147bhp) so it will happily cruise along motorways and packs a punch for overtakes, while returning much better real-world fuel economy.

Aside from the engine, it’s the same XC40 formula we loved so much from last year. That means it still has a plush and high-quality interior, with a big boot and comfortable ride. In our favourite R-Design trim, it gets plenty of luxuries, such as cruise control, a digital instrument display and leather seats. Plus (it is a Volvo, after all) it recorded an outstanding Euro NCAP crash test result and comes with an impressive list of active safety aids. It’s not been without its challengers in the past year, either – most notably the new Audi Q3. But the XC40’s superior ride and smoother engines ensure that it maintains its position at the very top of its price point.

Overall Family SUV winner: Volvo XC40 D3 FWD R-Design Geartronic

Last year’s Car of the Year retains its position as the very best family SUV you can buy. The Dacia Duster is incredibly cheap, but put it next to the Skoda and Volvo and you’ll notice a gulf in quality and driving dynamics. The Karoq, meanwhile, impresses with its polished interior and versatile seating, but even that car is beaten by Volvo’s ultra-smooth, refined and plush XC40, which also gets outstanding safety kit. The new additions to the XC40 line-up ensure that it continues where it left off, leading the pack of family SUVs.

LARGE SUV

In this category we look for:

1. A practical interior with masses of space. 2. Seats that can be reconfigured easily. 3. A really big, square boot to swallow a large family’s gear. 4. The ability to cover long distances in laid-back comfort. 5. Reasonable running costs, despite these cars’ size. 6. A sense of high quality without a sky-high price. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £28,000 - Mazda CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv-G 165 2WD SE-L Nav+

Mazda has tweaked its large SUV since the lower-powered 2.2-litre diesel model emerged as our pick in the middle price point at last year’s awards, improving standard equipment and giving the range-topping diesel more power and standard four-wheel drive. The diesels remain refined and gutsy, but it’s the cheaper 2.0-litre, 163bhp petrols that now stand out as the best value, with a starting price of less than £25,000, even though they produce less low-rev grunt than the diesels.

What hasn’t changed is the CX-5’s superb interior, which looks and feels really smart and is extremely well equipped, even in entry level SE-L Nav+ form. As with all other large SUVs in this price point, such as the Citroën C5 Aircross and Ford Kuga, you can’t have the CX-5 with seven seats, but there’s nevertheless no shortage of space inside. The CX-5 now comes with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic alert, too, making it even safer. The fact the CX-5 is also more rewarding to drive than any of its competitors completes a very strong package, so it becomes our pick at the more affordable end of the class.

BEST BUY - £28,000-£35,000 - Peugeot 5008 Puretech 130 Allure

Our 2018 Large SUV of the Year returns to defend its honour in a different price point, because it costs a little more to buy these days. The Peugeot 5008 still stands out next to its rivals, though, being stylish and among the most practical. Seven seats are standard, with those in the middle row individually sliding and reclining and the third row more usable than that in the Seat Tarraco and Nissan X-Trail. The boot is bigger than those cars’, too. A 1.2-litre petrol engine might seem weedy for a car of this size, but you’d be surprised by its 128bhp.

Peugeot’s smooth turbocharged unit is gutsy enough for quiet, relaxed motorway cruising, plus it’s capable of excellent economy, so you needn’t pay for one of the bigger options. Second-tier Allure trim remains our pick, because it’s loaded with kit, including parking sensors at each end and a rear-view camera. The 5008’s interior features plush materials and a quirky but effective driving environment, although the infotainment system is a bit fiddly to use and the optional panoramic roof really restricts head room. Otherwise, this is an incredibly versatile car for what is still a reasonable price.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £35,000 - Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport

The Audi Q5’s stranglehold on the posh end of this class is as solid as ever, mainly because it’s such a complete package. Luxurious yet practical, quick yet frugal and comfortable yet good to drive, the Q5 is a high achiever in so many areas that none of its rivals, not even the excellent BMW X3, can touch it. It’s hard not to be dazzled by the Q5’s classy and spacious interior, with its high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The Q5 is equally strong when it comes to ride comfort; on optional air suspension, it’s one of the smoothest-riding cars you can buy.

What’s more, Audi’s 2.0-litre diesel engine, producing 190bhp, is quieter than the equivalent unit in the X3, as well as being gutsy and surprisingly frugal. Noise levels in general are extremely low at cruising speeds, and the Q5 is even reasonably agile on twisty roads, although it isn’t quite as rewarding to drive as the X3. Other than the fact that you can’t have a third row of seats, making it less useful for large families than the Kia Sorento or Land Rover Discovery Sport, there’s almost nothing about the Q5 worth singling out for criticism; it’s that well rounded.

Overall Large SUV winner: Peugeot 5008 Puretech 130 Allure

This category is another in which almost nothing has changed, with three strong contenders continuing to stand out. But the Mazda CX-5’s progress and the Audi Q5’s continued brilliance can’t persuade us not to give overall victory to the Peugeot 5008 again. Our reasoning hasn’t changed: the 5008 has most of the quality, technology and driving manners you get from the Q5 yet is cheaper to run and even more practical. So, although it’s a shame that it isn’t as cheap as it used to be, the 5008 is still the go-to choice for larger families.

SPORTS SUV

In this category we look for:

1. Strong performance. 2. Agile, entertaining handling. 3. Precise and engaging steering. 4. Decent ride comfort. 5. Spacious and practical interior. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £40,000 - Cupra Ateca 300

As the first model from Seat’s freshly spun-off performance brand, the Cupra Ateca needed to be special. Sure enough, it has what marketing folk call a ‘unique selling point’, because no other sports SUV offers anywhere near as much pace for less than £40,000. The reason it’s so fast, reaching 62mph from rest in just 5.2sec, is a 296bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which it shares with Volkswagen’s Golf R flagship hot hatch. Indeed, the Cupra Ateca will out-accelerate anything from the Honda Civic Type R to the Porsche Macan, which costs £10,000 more.

Don’t think Cupra has created a car that’s quick only in a straight line, either. Even in standard, Seat form, the Ateca is one of the best-handling family SUVs, so with its lower and stiffer suspension, the Cupra car’s body is propped up excellently through fast corners. Accurate and well-weighted steering adds to the fun. And yet when the suspension is in the softer of its two settings, the ride doesn’t feel any firmer than the Seat Ateca’s. The only thing that really disappoints is the exhaust note, but then again only compared with bigger-engined SUVs that cost a lot more.

BEST BUY - £40,000-£60,000 - BMW X3 M40i

With fifty grand, you’re able to buy Mercedes-AMG’s lairy GLC 43. However, we’d go for the BMW X3 M40i, because it’s more rewarding to drive on a twisty country road, as well as being faster. Even when it’s in Comfort mode, body lean is more saloon car than sailing boat, while stiffening the suspension results in still tighter control without making the M40i feel like it’s going to throw itself off the road should you hit a particularly nasty bump. The turbocharged six-cylinder, 355bhp engine is a real peach, too, howling its way to the redline and firing you from 0-62mph in 4.8sec.

Yet when you’re not compressing your groceries into an amorphous blob, it settles right down, with the help of an eight-speed automatic gearbox that’s as keen to select the highest ratio possible when you’re not in a hurry as it is quick to shift down when you are. If there’s a downside, it’s that the M40i doesn’t look too different from lesser X3s, inside or out. But it’s still very pleasant to sit in, because unyielding plastics are tucked away, BMW’s infotainment is class-leading and everything is angled towards the driver.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £60,000 - Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo 510 Q4

After years in the doldrums, Alfa Romeo is finally on a roll, finishing in the top 10 of our Reliability Survey and building some of the best-handling cars around. The Quadrifoglio version of the Stelvio is the latest example. This benefits from the same 503bhp twinturbo 2.9-litre V6, developed by Ferrari, as the brilliant Giulia Quadrifoglio saloon, so it can blast from 0-62mph in just 3.8sec and emits delicious crackles from its four exhaust pipes. However, it’s not simply a boisterous toy like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 or Range Rover Sport SVR.

Instead, the Stelvio feels light and responsive, thanks to steering that’s super quick without making the car feel overly nervous. Added to that, Alfa Romeo has managed to replicate some of the rear-wheel drive Giulia’s delightful willingness to let you alter your line mid-corner via the accelerator. Add in great body control and four-wheel drive traction and the Stelvio continually encourages you to make the most of its performance. True, its ride is stiffer than the Giulia’s, due to the need to keep its extra mass in check, but we reckon it’s an acceptable trade-off for such composure at high speeds.

Overall Sports SUV winner: Cupra Ateca 300

Price is far from the be all and end all in this class, but it’s what gives the Ateca the win, because Cupra has managed to produce a car that’s just as much fun to drive as the BMW X3 M40i and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, despite undercutting them by more than £16,000 and £33,000 respectively. Okay, both of its rivals for the title have sweeter sounding engines, plus the X3’s interior feels classier. But in terms of smiles per pound, the Cupra is unsurpassed, and it actually has the comfiest ride of the trio, so it’s easiest to live with on a daily basis.

LUXURY SUV

In this category we look for:

1. A special interior with classy furnishings and top-notch build quality. 2. Plenty of space, and bonus marks if there are more than five seats or clever seating configurations. 3. A broad range of dynamic abilities, with the car being powerful and fast yet effortless to drive. 4. Superb ride comfort. 5. Minimal road and wind noise. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £60,000 - Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro S line

Can a car costing nearly £60,000 really be called ‘good value’? We think it emphatically can, because the Audi Q7 is so much more than just a big SUV with a posh badge. Not only does it ride like a limousine, accelerate like a hot hatch and accommodate people and luggage better than most MPVs, but it also delivers a level of cruising refinement that some cars costing twice as much can’t match.

Stand next to our chosen 45 TDI model as it ticks over at rest and you may be able to guess that it’s a diesel, but the 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 231bhp is so smooth and muted on the move that you’re barely aware it’s running at all.

And it isn’t just the engine that’s hushed; the Q7 is also better at shutting out wind and road noise than rivals such as the Volvo XC90. This good news continues inside. True, the dashboard won’t catch your eye in quite the same way as the BMW X5’s, but its more conservative design makes it more logical, and the precise action with which the buttons and dials scattered across it operate puts a few Swiss watch makers to shame. To top all that off, the Q7’s rotary dial-operated infotainment is one of the most intuitive systems around.

BEST BUY - £60,000-£100,000 - Land Rover Discovery SDV6 HSE Luxury

The Land Rover Discovery is from good stock: the third-generation model took home our overall Car of the Year award back in 2005. This latest car offers much the same stellar practicality and go-anywhere ability while cranking the luxury up to a whole new level. With cues taken from pricier Range Rover models, the Discovery is more luxurious inside than the competition, which includes the Mercedes-Benz GLS and high-end BMW X5 variants. The hectares of leather draped over the dashboard, doors and seats almost make you feel as though you’re in a luxury yacht.

SUV fans will love the penthouse view of the road afforded by the comfortable driver’s seat, while there’s space for five adults in the rear, with more room in the third row than the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90. The Discovery is even good to drive – particularly if you prefer wafting around sedately to zig-zagging your way along a country road. There are cheaper versions of the Discovery, but for the best experience you really need the creamy diesel V6 (255bhp), while HSE Luxury trim’s generosity with creature comforts means you needn’t trouble yourself with the options list.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £100,000 - Bentley Bentayga V8

A V8-engined Bentley Bentayga won our top luxury SUV price point last year – but it wasn’t this one. Nope, it was a model that you can no longer buy now the British brand has ended its short-lived fling with diesel. But in many respects, the new petrol V8 (542bhp) is even better. It sounds fruitier, for starters, plus it’s even faster. Of course, fuel economy is vastly inferior, but if you’re shopping in such a haughty price point, are you really going to be concerned about a few MPG? Indeed, you’re more likely to be miffed about having to stop more often to fill up the tank.

The Bentayga uses the same underpinnings as the Audi Q7, but it has a more overtly striking interior, with polished wood, chrome organ stops and acres of hide punching home the old money message. And that’s before you’ve got busy with the details; you can even choose the colour and type of the stitching on the seats. As you’d expect, the Bentayga is also great to drive. It’s surprisingly sharp when you want it to be yet suitably cosseting the rest of the time – especially if you can resist the temptation to fit really big wheels. 

Overall Luxury SUV winner: Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro S line

If you’re assuming the Q7 wins simply because it’s the cheapest candidate, you’re wrong. On merit, especially as an allrounder, this seven-seat behemoth outshines the go-anywhere Land Rover Discovery and even the extravagant Bentley Bentayga. How so? Well, the Q7 rides more plushly than either of those cars, has a significantly better infotainment system and better keeps noise out of its sumptuous interior. Indeed, the fact that it racks up more stars in our test criteria than any other car on sale today means it isn’t just the best luxury SUV, but one of the best cars full stop.

MPV

In this category we look for:

1. Space, and lots of it. 2. Versatile seats that can be adjusted and stowed with ease. 3. A comfortable ride that won’t cause travel sickness. 4. An engine that’s gutsy enough to deal with a loaded car. 5. Affordable running costs. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £20,000 - Citroën Berlingo Puretech 110 Feel M

If you’re after the ideal family car and think an SUV is your best option, think again. Despite costing only about the same as a midrange Seat Arona, even the smallest version of the Citroën Berlingo has a larger boot than the massive (and much more expensive) Audi Q7. High-mounted seats and a seriously lofty roofline mean you get a great view out of the tall windows and you won’t wreck your back when you’re lifting children in and out. Handily, all versions get sliding rear doors to make dealing with tight spaces easier, too.

Although a range of frugal diesel engines is available, we’d recommend plumping for the 1.2-litre, 109bhp petrol engine. A turbo means it’s muscular enough to deal with a full load, while its diminutive size helped it return more than 40mpg in our True MPG testing. If five seats aren’t enough for you, remember that there’s a longer XL version with a third row that’s genuinely big enough for two tall adults. Yes, the Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life are the same cars underneath, but the Berlingo’s keener pricing, better level of standard equipment and slightly plusher interior earn it the win.

BEST BUY - £20,000-£30,000 - Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI 115 SE

Just because you’re wearing your most sensible trousers when buying a new family wagon doesn’t mean you have to slum it. Opt for a Volkswagen Touran and you’ll find the same level of plushness that you’d get in a Golf but with far greater practicality. The Tiguan has three equal-sized, independently sliding and reclining seats in the second row, each with an Isofix child seat mounting point, and there’s a flat floor to keep your central passenger happy.

Fold one of the outer seats forward and you’ll find there’s a big gap to clamber into the third row, which is spacious enough for an average-sized adult and features more Isofix points. To drive, the Touran is much like the Golf, too, with precise steering, minimal body lean and strong grip in corners, while the ride is comfortable, provided you stick with small wheels. And while we’d have the super-frugal 1.6-litre, 115bhp diesel, there’s a range of cracking engines if you fancy a bit more punch. That adds up to a car that is classier and drives better than the rival Citroën C4 Picasso while being more affordable than the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £30,000 - Ford Galaxy 2.0 Ecoblue 150 Zetec

As good as our other price point winners are, we suspect some of you will be needing something even larger. If that sounds like your predicament, check out the Ford Galaxy. The big Ford has enough width to comfortably sit three adults across the middle row and enough head room to put a couple of six-footers in the third row. Flexibility is good, too, with three middle-row seats that slide, recline and fold individually. But the Galaxy isn’t just huge; it’s also one of the best-handling MPVs out there and has a comfortable ride, so long-distance drives won’t be a chore.

That, more than anything else, is where it gains its advantage over similar-priced rivals such as the Seat Alhambra and Volkswagen Sharan. We’d opt for the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine for its combination of punchy performance and affordable running costs. Meanwhile, entry-level Zetec trim gets you all the equipment you’re likely to need, including rear parking sensors and an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen. Although satnav isn’t included, it’s a reasonably priced upgrade, just like the other options.

Overall MPV winner: Citroën Berlingo Puretech 110 Feel M

The Berlingo offers so much for so little. You’ll be hard pushed to find something more cavernous for the money. That said, it isn’t just spacious and cheap. With a ride that’s softer than the Touran’s and similar performance to that and the Galaxy, you’ll find the Berlingo a relaxing place in which to cover miles.

Yes, the interior plastics are hard, but you can be sure they’ll be hardwearing, while a few colourful details help to lift the overall ambience. Put simply, cars don’t get much more practical than this, especially for such a low price.

ESTATE CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Enormous boot. 2. Flexible and spacious seating. 3. Strong, efficient engines to pull heavy loads. 4. Helpful practical touches inside.

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £18,000- Skoda Fabia Estate 1.0 TSI 95 SE

Expensive rear-end makeovers are all the rage. But in the automotive world, the £1000 required to go from the modestly booted Skoda Fabia small car to the load-lugging Fabia Estate represents exceptional value. Rear seats up, it has much more boot space than the Fabia hatch, while an impressive 1395-litre capacity with the rear seats folded down gives it real load-lugging ability. The Fabia Estate’s boot is bigger than that of anything else in this price range, apart from the Dacia Logan MCV, but that car is nowhere near as polished.

SE trim brings rear parking sensors and a 6.5in infotainment system, along with roof rails, so you need only choose the optional height-adjustable boot floor to remove the step between the folded seats and the floor. The turbocharged 1.0 TSI 95 engine, meanwhile, can zip a full car around while returning decent fuel economy. The Fabia Estate may not have sent other manufacturers rushing to bring out rivals when it was released in 2000, but it continues to be a highly recommendable ruler of the niche it has carved out.

BEST BUY - £18,000-£30,000 - Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology

The Skoda Superb Estate’s boot is so big that you could probably earn some extra cash by offering it up as a part-time live music venue. Rear seats up or down, it absolutely wipes the floor with any estate car rival you could choose to name. In the back seats, you’ll be able to stretch out and relax in the kind of comfort you’d expect in a limo on the way to an A-list red carpet event. But it isn’t just space where the Superb excels. It rides smoothly, too, and the 2.0-litre, 150bhp diesel engine easily manages motorway trips or B-road overtakes, with plenty of low-end pulling power to ensure it’ll manage even if you’re carrying your family and a small sofa.

Opt for company-car-driver-focused SE Technology trim and you’ll get an 8.0in touchscreen system with sat-nav, a comfortable electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and roof rails. The Ford Mondeo Estate is slightly more entertaining to drive, but it doesn’t ride as well as the Superb. The Volkswagen Passat Estate, meanwhile, comes closer than most in terms of space but still doesn’t offer such staggering value for money as the Superb. 

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £30,000 - BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE

What’s better than a Sunday roast? Two Sunday roasts. And BMW has taken a similar ‘more is more’ approach with the 5 Series Touring. The standard 5 Series is an outstanding luxury car, and the estate version takes all the elements that make it brilliant but adds an even bigger boot. You still get a plush and premium-feeling interior, outstanding refinement at motorway cruising speeds and a long kit list that includes dual-zone climate control and BMW’s brilliant iDrive infotainment system.

In addition, the 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers plenty of pace and pulling power, all with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. As for space, there’s plenty up front and in the back, and the boot’s helpful square shape gives it a capacity that’s among the best in class, beaten only by the cavernous Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. However, find a twisting bit of country road and the 5 Series’ sharp handling will leave a bigger smile on your face than the E-Class would. Build quality inside is more robust, too.

Overall Estate Car winner: Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology

Space is the name of the game in the estate car class, and so the Skoda Superb Estate wins for the fourth year in a row. With masses of storage room and palatial comfort for passengers, it’s one of the most impressive family cars you can buy.

Even if it is a bit niche, the Skoda Fabia Estate remains an excellent budget choice, while the BMW 5 Series Touring is better to drive and has a plusher-feeling interior. Still, it’s the Superb Estate that strikes the sweet spot of practicality, comfort, low running costs and value.

PICK-UP

In this category we look for:

1. A gutsy engine with plenty of pulling power. 2. High maximum payload and towing capacity figures. 3. Genuine usability for leisure as well as work. 4. The ability to tackle serious off-roading. 5. A spacious interior for five people. 6. Minimal compromise to the ride when the load bay is empty. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £25,000 - Ssangyong Musso 2.2 EX auto

Surprise, surprise: A Ssangyong is our pick in the lowest price point of the pick-up category. Surely that’s just because the new Musso is cheap and cheerful? Well, if those thoughts are currently running through your head, can we advise you to park your preconceptions at the door, because the new Musso is a great pick-up regardless of price.

For starters, it’s massive inside, offering more head and leg room than any of its immediate rivals; the Nissan Navara feels positively cramped by comparison. And because it’s based on the Rexton SUV, the Musso benefits from an interior that puts those in more expensive offerings, such as the Mitsubishi L200, to shame; it features soft-touch plastics, well-damped switches and a responsive infotainment system.

Even its 176bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine impresses, remaining smooth and subdued under hard acceleration. On top of all that, it’s strong; the Musso is the only pick-up currently on sale that can carry its full payload (1058kg) while towing a 3500kg trailer. Consider all this and suddenly the Musso’s place here is much easier to understand.

BEST BUY - £25,000-£30,000 - Ford Ranger Double Cab 2.2 TDCi 160 4x4 XLT

Ford knows how to build a good pick-up truck. Not only is its iconic F-150 the bestselling vehicle globally, but also the Ranger is currently the best-selling pick-up in the UK. It’s easy to see why from behind the wheel. Compared with similarly priced rivals such as the Fiat Fullback Cross and Toyota Hilux, the Ranger feels surprisingly upmarket, with an impressively responsive infotainment system and materials that feel like they’ve been borrowed from one of Ford’s road cars.

Indeed, even the way the Ranger handles feels surprisingly car-like. For example, compared with those aforementioned rivals, the steering is accurate and responsive, and while its firm suspension results in a slightly choppy ride around town, the upside is that body lean is kept to a minimum. Don’t go thinking Ford has compromised on the ruggedness of the Ranger to secure impressive on-road dynamics, though. In fact, the Ranger is arguably more at home off road than it is on it, sporting class-leading departure and breakover angles and a Range Rover-beating wade depth of 800mm. The Ranger is a pick-up that can truly do it all.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £30,000 - Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI BMT 204 4Motion Trendline auto

Volkswagen was late to the pick-up party when it launched the Amarok in 2010, but there’s no harm in biding your time when you launch so impressive a product. The Amarok is a truck you can use every day, and with a growing number of people buying these load-luggers as ‘lifestyle vehicles’, that’s important. Even compared with the more expensive Mercedes-Benz X-Class with its sophisticated coil spring rear suspension, the Amarok is by far the best-riding pick-up on sale.

Better yet, you can’t go wrong on engine choice, with even the 161bhp version of the 3.0-litre V6 pulling stoically regardless of payload. Indeed, our only criticism of that unit is the woolly six-speed manual gearbox to which it’s linked, so we recommend the 201bhp version with the flawless eight-speed automatic. As a bonus, it boosts maximum payload to a very impressive 1146kg. The Amarok’s bombproof interior manages to look both upmarket and reassuringly robust. Plus, it’s vast in size, offering the widest interior of any pick-up currently on sale. As a result, fitting three people across that rear bench a breeze.

Overall Pick Up winner: Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI BMT 204 4Motion Trendline auto

If you want a pick-up that can put in a hard shift during the week and then be family transport at the weekend, look no further than the Amarok. It rides better than the Ford Ranger, even if it doesn’t handle quite as well, plus it has a far smoother engine and isn’t far behind in terms of off-road capability.

The Ssangyong Musso is quite a bit cheaper, but the Amarok has a superior load capacity, better infotainment and far slower depreciation. So, the Amarok excels in every area, just as a modern pick-up should.

EXECUTIVE CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Effortless mile munching ability. 2. A supple ride and good isolation from unwanted noise. 3. A comfortable driving position. 4. Luxury equipment as standard. 5. An advanced infotainment system. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £25,000 - Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology

All the jokes and puns about nominative determinism have already been made, but that doesn’t stop the Skoda Superb from being exactly what its name suggests. That’s because it represents a lot of car for the money. Nothing else in this class offers as much space, whether that’s up front, in the back or in the boot. It’s truly limousine like. But don’t write the Superb off as just another sensible load-lugger; there are plenty more strings to its bow. Sure, the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6 are more fun to drive, but the Superb still offers a silky-smooth ride, and our favourite 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers decent performance while remaining impressively frugal.

Few rivals have an interior that is quite so well screwed together as the Superb’s, either. It’s understated but classy, with plenty of pleasant-to-touch materials throughout. SE Technology trim’s equipment list is lengthy, too, with dual-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control fitted as standard. Plus, you get one of the easiest infotainment systems to use in the class, with sat-nav, a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

BEST BUY - £25,000-£30,000 - Audi A3 Saloon 35 TFSI Sport

The Audi A3 is quite the shape-shifter: it’s available as a five-door family hatchback, a convertible and – you guessed it – a saloon. The latter is so good that it comes quite close to treading on the toes of the larger and pricier A4. For example, it feels like a genuine premium executive car inside, with high grade materials throughout that you’d expect to find only in much pricier models, as well as super-intuitive infotainment.

This contrast to humdrum rivals such as the Mazda 3 Fastback is a big part of why it wins this price point. The A3 Saloon’s handling also sets it apart. It’s very agile, capable and composed and therefore capable of seeing off any of its rivals on a twisty B-road.

The 35 TFSI model features a punchy 150bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that provides flexible performance and competitive running costs, helped in part by clever cylinder deactivation technology. The car’s compact proportions make it easy to drive around town and to park, too. Yes, that means it isn’t the most spacious executive car, but there’s no doubting that it’s a stylish, comfortable and entertaining one.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £30,000 - BMW 3 Series 320d Sport auto

Virtually any new BMW carries with it a huge weight of expectation, but even then, few are weighed down quite so heavily as a new 3 Series. But boy oh boy, has this latest one delivered. It has seen off the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its price point – a huge achievement – as well as usurped the Jaguar XE as the best-handling car in the class. The XE has long been held up as the last word in driving dynamics when it comes to executive cars, but the 3 Series offers chassis dynamism that will plaster an even bigger smile across your face.

It’s the best-steering BMW of recent times and matches this with stellar body control and plenty of grip. Despite all that, it still manages to serve up a comfortable ride and relaxing refinement when you’re on the motorway. In addition to making a strong 187bhp, our recommended 320d model’s diesel engine is impressively efficient, while Sport trim gets you a great contingent of standard kit. Add to all that a class-leading infotainment system, plenty of space front and rear and a comfortable driving position and you can see why the new 3 Series is so deeply impressive.

Overall Executive Car winner: BMW 3 Series 320d Sport auto

The Skoda Superb is cavernous, cosseting and great value, but it won’t set your heart alight when you’re at the wheel, while the Audi A3 Saloon looks the part and is fun to drive but isn’t all that roomy. The new BMW 3 Series, on the other hand, offers outstanding handling and a great engine, making it scintillating to drive, yet also rides well enough and can be fuel efficient on the motorway. That plus a comfy, spacious interior and brilliant infotainment equals a car that encapsulates all of the attributes required in this market – and then some.

LUXURY CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Hushed progress at motorway speeds. 2. A supple ride. 3. Effortless pace.4. A sumptuous interior. 5. The latest technology. 6. Comfortable seats. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £40,000 - BMW 5 Series 520d SE

Our 2017 overall Car of the Year is still impressing, a full two years on from that success, and that’s despite some serious new competition being available. This year, it has faced challenges from Mercedes-Benz’s updated E-Class and an all-new Audi A6, yet it’s still numero uno – which goes to show how far ahead of the pack the 5 Series was when it was launched. Powered by a punchy yet frugal 188bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, it will swoosh along pretty much any road more calmly and quietly than its rivals, and if you factor in its impeccable driving position, piloting a 5 Series is as relaxing as a Swedish massage.

Speaking of which, massaging seats are on the options list, but you get plenty of other equipment as standard, including what is easily the best infotainment system in the class; it’s so simple to use, despite being loaded with features. Heck, you can even impress your friends by turning up the volume or switching things on and off by waving your hands around, using the optional gesture control. The BMW 5 Series really does have something for everyone.

BEST BUY - £40,000-£60,000 - BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo 630d SE

A few months ago, we conducted a group test that was dedicated to luxury cars with coupé-like looks. The obvious contenders were the Audi A7 Sportback and the Mercedes- Benz CLS, but the hitherto unfancied BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo was the third runner. Okay, we know that, to some eyes, it doesn’t look as svelte as its rivals, but is it our job to tell you what looks good? Absolutely not; that’s your prerogative. But we do quantify how good luxury cars are, and it turned out that the 6 Series GT was objectively the best car of the three.

It possesses an exquisite interior that you can’t fault for sturdiness or plushness, and despite that raked roofline, there’s acres of space, front and back, in which to stretch out. The 6 Series GT not only trounces the A7 Sportback and CLS in this respect but is also roomier than most limos. In addition, it has a 265bhp six-cylinder diesel engine that pulls strongly – which is good, because it has tonnes of standard equipment. Factor in the competitive price and you can see that, whatever you think of its looks, the 6 Series GT is really rather compelling.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £60,000 - Audi A8 50 TDI quattro Long Wheelbase

Where there’s an established pecking order, life tells us that it’s difficult to disrupt the status quo. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was always the top dog of luxury cars, and frankly we thought that was likely to always be the case. And perhaps it would have been, had Audi not thrown everything at the A8 to usurp its rivals, which also include the BMW 7 Series. What’s most impressive is that, while both of its rivals remain extremely fine cars, the A8 goes that little bit further where it counts. For example, its ride is slightly more supple, it’s a tad more refined at 70mph and when you prod any part of the interior or twiddle its knobs and buttons, it feels as if it has been constructed to tolerances one or two microns tighter.

Go for the long-wheelbase version and the A8 is transformed into a proper limousine, too, with more space to stretch out in the rear seats than in the S-Class. This 50 TDI model comes with a luscious 282bhp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that is smooth and utterly effortless in its performance, yet it’s more economical than the equivalent S-Class. That’s still a valid factor if you happen to be paying the bills.

Overall Luxury Car winner: BMW 5 Series 520d SE

It would be easy to give this to the Audi A8; it is one of the most luxurious cars on the planet. The 6 Series GT, too, is a car with exceptionally good pampering techniques. Yet the 5 Series is just as good in so many ways, and we can find no area in which it drops the ball.

The interior is virtually identical to the 6 Series’ and just as well made, but for a comparatively bargain price. The infotainment system is the same, too, and you can, if you want, spec it up with nearly every luxury feature that the A8 offers. It’s the supreme luxury package without the exclusive price tag.

HYBRID

In this category we look for:

1. Low running costs. 2. Tax-friendly CO2 emission. 3. As practical and refined as petrol or diesel-engined equivalents. 4. Good to drive. 5. Seamless transition between electric and petrol power. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £20,000 - Toyota Yaris Hybrid Icon

The Yaris Hybrid remains a unique proposition in the small car class, mixing a 1.5-litre, 100bhp petrol engine with a small electric motor, a combination that allows you to cruise around town partly on electric power. Aside from the emissions benefits that brings, this is also the most comfortable Yaris to drive. Toyota has counterbalanced the hybrid’s increase in weight over the regular car by fitting stiffer suspension; as a result, it soaks up bumps well while controlling body movements better than the more floaty conventionally powered alternatives.

Like all Yaris models, the hybrid has light controls and a tight turning circle, making parking in town or negotiating narrow streets a doddle, while the petrol and electric power sources interact so smoothly that you’ll barely be aware of it happening. And despite having a slightly smaller boot than regular Yaris models, there’s still more space than you’ll find in rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa. To top it all off, the Yaris Hybrid has the best town True MPG figure of any car we’ve ever tested, returning 80mpg in city driving – so it should save on your fuel bills.

BEST BUY - £20,000-£30,000 - Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Premium

Last year’s category winner remains the best hybrid car at this price point. It’s able to carry more luggage than the Toyota Prius, as well as being cheaper to buy and quicker. It’s also smarter inside, with higher-quality materials throughout and a user-friendly layout, while the driving position is comfortable and highly adjustable. The Ioniq feels reassuringly ‘normal’ to drive, with an automatic gearbox combining with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor – together producing 139bhp - to ensure that drive is distributed smoothly.

Yes, the Prius officially uses less fuel, but the fact the Ioniq Hybrid costs so much less in the first place means this isn’t a major issue. Go for our recommended Premium trim and there’s plenty of standard equipment, too, including an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen that’s easy to get along with, plus heated front seats and wireless phone charging. You can have the Ioniq as a plug-in hybrid instead, or even as a fully electric vehicle, if the longer electric-only range fits your lifestyle, but it’s the regular hybrid that we think makes the most sense for most people.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £30,000 - Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD SR

Honda took a bold decision by not offering its new CR-V large SUV with diesel engines. Given that, this new hybrid version needed to be very good indeed. And so it is, delivering diesel-like fuel economy from its 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor (181bhp). In most situations, the CR-V hybrid’s engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly; instead, it’s used to charge the battery, meaning that the electric motor is doing most of the heavy work. Only when you call for a surge in acceleration – or select the appropriate driving mode – does the engine power the wheels by itself.

Add in steering that lets you place the car accurately on the road, a comfortable driving position and plenty of space in the rear and the CR-V hybrid is an attractive proposition. There’s a big boot on offer, too, helping to make up for the fact that there’s no seven-seat version, unlike with non-hybrid CR-Vs. Compared with the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, the CR-V looks like an expensive choice, but it emits less CO2 and should get you farther between stops at the petrol station.

Overall Hybrid winner: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Premium

Most buyers considering a low-emissions car don’t want to go fully electric straight away, and that’s why hybrids continue to make a lot of sense, especially when they feel like conventional cars to drive. That’s where the Ioniq shines. While both the Toyota Yaris and Honda CR-V hybrids offer the low running costs and tax advantages that will entice buyers, it’s the Ioniq that presents the most polished package. It remains the best choice for those who want to switch to low-emissions motoring without breaking the bank.

PLUG-IN HYBRID

In this category we look for:

1. Electric-only range must be good.2. Seamless transition between electric and petrol power. 3. Great fuel economy. 4. Low tax bills. 5. Easy charging. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £30,000 - Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid Premium

We already think the Ioniq is the best hybrid car you can buy, but the truth is that it’s also among the best plug-in hybrids – especially if you can charge it up at home or at work. In fact, if your regular commute is a round trip of less than 31 miles, you can get the whole way to the office and back again without spending a penny on petrol. When the Ioniq’s 1.6-litre petrol engine joins in on longer journeys, it generates barely more than a background thrum.

It’s slightly irksome that even when you’re travelling in EV mode, the engine starts up if you call for anything other than gentle acceleration, but this is something that also affects the Ioniq’s biggest rival, Toyota’s Prius Plug-in. Like the regular hybrid, what separates the Ioniq from others in this class is its sense of normality; it simply doesn’t feel like a car that’s overly different to drive than any conventional family hatchback and is actually better in this respect than many of them. Add in an interior that features high-quality materials, as well as a boot that can carry more than most rivals’, and it’s easy to see why the Ioniq is such a tempting proposition.

BEST BUY - £30,000-£50,000 - BMW 5 Series 530e SE

BMW’s 5 Series is already a fantastic luxury saloon, and taking away some of its running costs is only likely to sweeten the deal for prospective buyers. Like the Ioniq above, this 530e’s electric driving range of 29 miles could get you to work and back again without its 2.0-litre petrol engine having to do a lick of work. Plus, with CO2 emissions of just 49g/km and equally friendly fuel economy, it’ll save you a bundle on tax and petrol costs. The BMW’s hybrid system is clever as well; for example, if the first part of your journey is on a motorway and it ends in a city, the engine will be used for the faster roads and the electric power will be saved for when it will be most useful.

Just be aware that, like most plug-in hybrids, once the battery is depleted, the 530e’s fuel economy suffers, even to below the level of a 520d diesel. As with any 5 Series, interior quality and the infotainment are among the best you’ll find anywhere. The only downsides are that the extra weight of those batteries blunts the handling slightly and the 530e costs quite a bit more than our absolute favourite, the 520d.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £50,000 - Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription

Think of the benefits of a plug-in hybrid and your mind will quickly settle on running costs, but this plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 T8 luxury SUV offers something entirely more exciting than a favourable balance sheet. That’s because it’s actually the quickest model in the range, covering the 0-62mph sprint in a sports car-baiting 5.6sec. That’s not to say it’s not frugal as well, though. It will get you 25 miles into your journey before its 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in, and its low CO2 emissions make it cheap to run as a company car.

Indeed, it sits in the same tax band as the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid and returns better fuel economy. It’s also supremely practical, being the only plug-in hybrid SUV to retain its third row of seats; all of its rivals have had to remove theirs to make space for the all-important batteries. Those two rearmost seats aren’t merely a token gesture, either; they’re comfortable enough for average-sized adults. Even when it comes to boot space – an area where hybrids usually suffer again due to their bulky battery packs – the T8 retains the generous space of the regular XC90.

Overall Plug-In Hybrid winner: Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription

What separates the Volvo XC90 from the BMW 5 Series and Hyundai Ioniq is the breadth by which it stands out from its class rivals. So, while both of our other price point winners will save you money on fuel and tax, the Volvo adds an extra dose of practicality.

Keeping seven seats and a big boot in the plug-in hybrid transition is impressive – and it’s a trick rivals can’t match – but what seals the win for Volvo is that the XC90 also remains good to drive, has a luxurious interior and is still one of the safest cars of its type. If you want a practical plug-in hybrid, it’s the best there is.

ELECTRIC CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test. 2. Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points. 3. Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few. 4. As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £30,000 ­- Renault Zoe R110 Dynamique Nav

Our 2017 Electric Car of the Year remains a compelling proposition two years on – and that’s some achievement, given the pace at which things are moving in this class. Chief among the Zoe’s appeal is still its low price. But unlike other sub-£25k pure electric options, such as the Smart Fortwo EQ, you don’t have to put up with a feeble range. In fact, in our Real Range tests, the Zoe outperformed many much pricier options by managing 146 miles on a full charge.

You can opt to buy the Zoe outright (that’s the ‘i’ model), but we reckon you’re better off buying just the car and leasing the battery from Renault. Why? Well, you’ll pay a much smaller up-front cost, and you’ll also benefit from a lifetime battery warranty, so you won’t need to worry about the potential of a huge bill in the future if the car’s range starts to tail off due to battery degradation. We’d go for the R110 model over the Q90 version for three reasons: it’s a bit cheaper and faster, plus you get a slightly longer range. The only downside is it’ll take you 1hr 40min to recharge from 0-80% via a 43kW rapid charger; the Q90 can manage that in 1hr 5min.

BEST BUY - £30,000-£60,000 - Kia e-Niro First Edition

Two hundred and fifty-three miles. That’s how far the e-Niro managed on a full charge in our Real Range tests. That’s exactly the same figure achieved by the £64,000 Jaguar I-Pace and 49 miles farther than the £70,000 Tesla Model S 75D managed. And that’s the e-Niro in a nutshell: a world class range at a price point that won’t have you dreaming about receiving an inheritance from a long-lost aunt. But it’s also a fine car because it has loads of luxuries as standard, including keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, leather seats (heated in the front) and a heated steering wheel.

The mechanically similar Hyundai Kona Electric deserves a mention, because it’s a fraction cheaper to buy and can do even more miles (259) between charges. Had it been launched a year ago, it would have won this award at a canter. But the e-Niro is just that little bit better in too many key areas: it rides bumps more comfortably, is more composed through the corners, has more space and feels more premium inside. It’s definitely the best sub-£60,000 electric car you can buy.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £60,000 - Jaguar I-Pace EV400 S

Tesla has made this price point its own over the past five years, so it’s a measure of Jaguar’s achievement that it has managed to topple the American brand at the first time of trying. The I-Pace has all the ingredients you’d expect from a £64,000 Jaguar – and more. It’s fantastic to drive, unnervingly quick (0-60mph takes 4.5sec) and has an interior that’s far more impressive to look at and touch than those in Jaguar’s regular models. It also delivers a better real-world range than Tesla’s Model S 75D and is cheaper to buy.

If you want your I-Pace dripping with luxuries (and we wouldn’t blame you), SE or even HSE trim is worth a look, but entry level S trim makes the most sense. You don’t need to bother with optional air suspension, although you’ll probably want to pick a couple of creature comforts from the options list. Yes, it’s still pricey, and yes, it’s a shame there’s no Tesla-style 120kW Supercharger network to recharge your I-Pace in 30-odd minutes. But it is compatible with the new 100kW charging points that are just starting to appear, so an 80% charge within 45 minutes will soon be possible.

Overall Electric Car winner: Kia e-Niro First Edition

Uncompromised electric car ownership has, so far, been the privilege of those able to afford a Tesla, which is why the e-Niro is such a game-changer. While the Zoe deserves praise for offering a decent range for less than £30k and the I-Pace for giving well-heeled buyers a better option, we think Kia’s success in making a long-range electric car that’s within the reach of many deserves the most credit. The winds of change are blowing fiercely in the land of electric cars, so we can’t say how long the e-Niro will be on top. But right now, that’s exactly where it sits.

CONVERTIBLE

In this category we look for:

1. Impressive quietness, whether the roof is up or down. 2. Little wind buffeting. 3. Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps. 4. Practical enough for everyday use. 5. Seating for four. 6. A luxurious interior. 7. A roof that is quick and easy to raise and lower. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £25,000 - Mini Convertible Cooper Classic Comfort/Navigation:

If you were to design the ideal drop-top for the UK, you’d probably end up with something resembling the Mini Convertible. Small enough to fit down tight B-roads yet large enough to carry four adults in relative comfort, it’s little wonder Mini has managed more sales of the car here than anywhere else. Of course, there’s more to the Convertible’s success than just its size. The Mini brand has a reputation for premium interiors, and this car truly lives up to that, with plenty of soft-touch materials on the dashboard and solid-feeling knobs and switches.

Combined with retro touches, such as a rocker starter switch and a ring around the infotainment system that’s reminiscent of the old central speedometer, it’s more eye-catching inside than, say, the Fiat 500C, while representing good value compared with more upmarket drop-tops. Admittedly, the Convertible isn’t the best Mini to drive, with a juddering ride over broken roads, but its 134bhp, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is a corker, serving up smooth, linear acceleration and being quiet at all speeds. It’s so good, in fact, that there’s no need to step up to the Cooper S version.

BEST BUY - £25,000-£50,000 - Audi A3 Cabriolet 35 TFSI Sport

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of our favourite family cars makes an equally fantastic convertible when you lop off its roof. Benefiting from the same impressively upmarket interior as the five-door Sportback, the A3 Cabriolet feels far plusher inside than the similarly priced BMW 2 Series Convertible, while standard kit compares favourably with rivals’; our recommended Sport trim comes with cruise control, rear parking sensors and an excellent infotainment system.

There’s also no doubt that the A3 Cabriolet is one of the most refined convertibles on the market, regardless of price. Wind and road noise are well contained when its roof is up and there’s very little to indicate that you’re in something less rigid than a normal hatchback. As for the engines, the 1.5-litre (148bhp) and 2.0-litre (188bhp) turbocharged petrols are particularly smooth and hushed, but even the diesels aren’t too vocal once you’re up to motorway speeds. The A3 Cabriolet doesn’t come cheap, but it depreciates slower than most of its rivals, including the 2 Series Convertible, so you’re likely to get a greater chunk of your outlay back when the time comes to sell.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £50,000 - Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet S560 AMG Line

In its saloon and coupé forms, Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S-Class is a breathtakingly competent vehicle, but with its roof removed it becomes something truly exceptional. Not only do you get the additional touch of glamour that comes with a drop-top, but also an incredibly upmarket interior that looks and feels more luxurious than anything else this side of the Rolls-Royce Dawn. Better yet, this can be enjoyed by four tall adults, since the space in the rear is genuinely usable, with far more leg and shoulder room than you’ll find in the Aston Martin DB11 Volante.

Even the S560’s 463bhp petrol V8 plays the hushed cruiser brilliantly; quiet at idle and smooth under power, it’s suavely managed by the nine-speed automatic gearbox, which is smart enough to rely on the massive torque rather than downshift when you accelerate. As if that isn’t impressive enough, despite the loss of some of the rigidity that comes from a fixed roof, scruffy roads simply glide beneath you; the ride quality is fabulous. Put simply, the S560 should serve as a lesson to other manufacturers on how to build the ideal all-round cabriolet.

Overall Convertible winner: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet S560 AMG Line

From its exceptional ride comfort to its luxurious and spacious interior, the S-Class Cabriolet is an utterly fantastic drop-top. Contrary to the Mini Convertible, it shows practically no sign of its reduced rigidity, and unlike smaller drop-tops, it has enough space inside to allow three passengers to lounge and bring all their things. Add in performance that rivals sports cars, one of the smoothest engines there is and exceptional refinement and you can easily see why the S-Class Cabriolet is our favourite convertible.

HOT HATCH

In this category we look for:

1. Engaging handling. 2. Thrilling performance. 3. A characterful engine with an enticing soundtrack. 4. Reasonable running costs. 5. Not hard to live with day to day. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £22,000 - Ford Fiesta ST ST-2 Performance Pack 3dr

The previous-generation Fiesta ST will forever be written in the annals of history as a mega supermini rocket, and in 2018 Ford had to come up with its successor. When this car arrived and went head to head with the new Volkswagen Polo GTI, it didn’t just win; it won by a huge margin. Why? Well, the Polo had slightly more outright pace, but when it came to sharp accelerator response and purposeful midrange welly, the Fiesta had it covered. Then there’s the fruity parp from its three-cylinder, 197bhp, 1.5-litre engine that makes your hair stand on end; the Polo’s anodyne-sounding motor won’t.

And while the Polo has an efficient dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the ST’s tactile manual ’box adds another dimension and a sense of connection between you and the car. Speaking of connection, the ST’s pin-sharp handling connects you to the road perfectly – especially if you opt for the Performance Pack, which adds a limited-slip differential for mind-boggling traction out of bends. But it has a playful edge, too, so that at any speed, the Fiesta ST offers more thrills than other car for the money.

BEST BUY - £22,000-£27,000 - Hyundai i30 N 2.0 T-GDi 250

When Hyundai launched the i30 N last year, there was some scepticism that a brand known for long warranties and practical hatchbacks could capture the essence of fun required to make a hot hatch sparkle. However, naysayers were knocked down with Korean feathers when it was discovered that the i30 N grips and handles better than the rival Seat Leon Cupra. Not only that, but its rev-happy, turbocharged 2.0-litre engine has the poke to keep pace with the Volkswagen Golf GTI. And do you know the best bit? You don’t have to spend top dollar on the top-spec, 271bhp Performance model, because this 247bhp entry-level car is the better-balanced and sweeter version to drive.

The Leon Cupra may be a bit quicker, but it costs the thick end of £5000 more, as do the Golf GTI and the Peugeot 308 GTi – really, anything else offering similar performance. In addition, the i30 N comes bristling with so much standard equipment that you won’t need to spend a penny more on extras. Frankly, it’s a hot hatch that pleases both the head and the heart.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £27,000 - Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo GT

Did you know that the Civic Type R achieved more than 35mpg in our True MPG real-world fuel test? That highlights what a brilliant all-rounder Honda’s hot hatch is, but above all, the reason it has remained on the top step is that it’s utterly sublime to drive. Over the past two years, it has demolished the BMW M140i and the now-defunct Ford Focus RS, soundly thrashed the Volkswagen Golf R and toppled even the hotly anticipated new Renault Mégane RS.

Why is it so good? As with our other winners, it’s not its pace away from the lights – the Golf R proves more energetic from 0-60mph – but once the Civic Type R is rolling, it’s explosive. And the way it revs out so intensely is way more invigorating than the Golf R, as is its cornering. Push the Golf R really hard and it loses its composure; the Civic Type R, meanwhile, is so sweetly balanced that you can keep pushing all the way to the edge and it remains incredibly composed and rewarding. The Mégane RS gets closest to matching the Type R dynamically, but it’s neither as fast nor as pleasant to live with day in, day out.

Overall Hot Hatch winner: Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo GT

We love the Fiesta ST’s feistiness and the i30 N’s sweet-natured charm, but no other current hot hatch comes close to matching the accessible thrills of the Civic Type R. Put it on a race track with some supercars and it’s capable of producing even higher cornering speeds, yet it’s not so hardcore that it makes for a compromised road car; far from it. When you’re done having your fun, you can simply soften off the suspension and the Type R becomes a regular, perfectly civilised Civic again. It’s going to take a truly exceptional car to topple it.

COUPÉ

In this category we look for:

1. Sharp performance. 2. Good ride comfort. 3. High build quality. 4. Decent practicality. 5. Sophisticated appearance. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £30,000 - BMW 2 Series 218i Sport

The Audi TT has dominated this price point for years, but we weren’t able to drive the facelifted model in time for it to be considered for the 2019 awards. Don’t think this means the BMW 2 Series wins by default, though. Our preferred 218i Sport model, with its turbocharged 136bhp, 1.5-litre engine has more than enough power to make motorway cruises comfortable and responds eagerly when you put your foot down. What’s more, the 2 Series is rear-wheel drive, which helps to give it an entertaining handling balance.

It remains neatly controlled at all times, yet it’s still great fun to drive, whether you’re making the most of a quiet B-road on a Sunday afternoon or simply using it on your daily commute to work. Sleek, stylish coupés tend to focus on form rather than function, sometimes imposing compromises on you, but there’s no such issue with the 2 Series. Unlike the cramped TT, it has rear seats you can actually use, making it more practical than the likes of the Subaru BRZ too. Meanwhile, its interior is solidly put together and you get BMW’s industry-leading iDrive infotainment system. 

BEST BUY - £30,000-£50,000 - Audi A5 Coupé 40 TFSI Sport

The Audi A5 Coupé continues to impress in this segment, mainly because it takes all the best bits of the brilliant A4 executive saloon but packages them in a sleeker and sportier coupé body. That means the A5 has a settled and composed ride and handles in a capable manner, thanks to well-weighted steering and fine body control. Our favourite version is powered by a turbocharged, 187bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine that is smooth and provides strong acceleration even at low revs, thanks to its impressive torque.

The A5 isn’t all about performance, though. It’s also relatively frugal and doesn’t emit too much CO2. Indeed, it’s more efficient than the equivalent Mercedes C-Class Coupé, making it a cheaper company car. It’s also more practical, with a much bigger boot, and is classier inside than both the C-Class and the BMW 4 Series, although the latter has more engaging handling. When you also consider that even entry level Sport trim is very well equipped, the A5 Coupé emerges as a better all-rounder than its peers and a highly desirable package.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £50,000 - Aston Martin DB11 V8

Buyers intending to shell out £150,000 on a coupé want it to offer glamour, luxury, performance, mile-covering ability and handling finesse – usually in that order. Step forward the Aston Martin DB11 V8, which took this price point win last year after seeing off the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupé. And so it continues. The DB11 leads the way with a sporty driving experience that the S63 just can’t match. It scythes through corners with astonishing agility for such a large car and offers incisive steering, a sharp front end and excellent body control. 

On top of that, it has a hugely powerful (503bhp) and characterful twinturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that excites with every prod of the accelerator. Those finely honed driving manners have also helped it to see off a huge challenge from the new Bentley Continental GT. The Continental may be more cosseting on a long trip, but the DB11 is still a relaxing cruiser, and it’s more fun. And while the interior of the S63 is slightly more visually arresting, DB11 owners won’t feel hard done by. At this price point, coupés don’t get any better than the DB11.

Overall Coupé winner: Audi A5 Coupé 40 TFSI Sport

There’s been a big shake-up in the coupé category this year, even though it’s another Audi that takes over from the TT as class champion. The DB11 hogs some of the limelight with its power and excitement, and the 2 Series offers practicality and style, but the A5 offers the best of both.

It’s sleek, fast and good to drive, plus it offers usable rear seats and plenty of boot space. The A5’s competitive company car tax rates make it an even more compelling package. Overall, it offers everything a coupé buyer could possibly want.

SPORTS CAR

In this category we look for:

1. A strong engine that also sounds great. 2. Driver involvement and fun, even at moderate speeds. 3. Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness. 4. A modicum of practicality would be welcome, although it’s not a top priority. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £30,000 - Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav+

With our convertible category now focusing on four-seat drop-tops, the MX-5 has been reclassified as a sports car. It’s certainly a natural fit, because it’s how this car drives that is key to its appeal. And while we sang its praises last year (and the two years before that), our tune is even more joyous in 2019. A facelift introduced an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre petrol engine to get it through the latest emissions regulations. While that sounds a trifle dull, Mazda cunningly used it as an excuse to boost power to 181bhp at a heady 7000rpm.

Don’t think that having to spin the engine so hard is a chore, either. It has a seriously rev-happy nature and cheeky rasp, so you’ll enjoy wringing out every last horsepower, unlike the wheezier turbocharged engine found in the Fiat 124 Spider. Thankfully, the chassis is more than up to the task of corralling the extra ponies; its light weight means it’s wonderfully agile and there’s enough suppleness to deal with the roughest of roads. The best bit? One of the most entertaining cars on sale today is both cheap to buy and run.

BEST BUY - £30,000-£60,000 - Alpine A110 Pure

Although for some time it seemed as if the Porsche 718 Cayman was unbeatable, Alpine’s 21st century reimagining of the classic A110 has toppled the might of Stuttgart. Like the original, featherweight construction is the secret to its success. The A110 is around 250kg, or two burly rugby players, lighter than the Cayman. The fact that the A110 doesn’t weigh a lot means it doesn’t need particularly stiff springs, wide tyres or a big engine to perform at the same level as the Cayman.

But although we could talk numbers, it’s what the A110 does when faced with a bumpy, scruffily surfaced B-road that’s so remarkable. Although the soft springs result in a little more lean than you might expect, they allow the A110 to breathe with the road surface. And because the car isn’t being thrown around, you can appreciate the nimble handling and delightfully communicative steering. The revvy and tuneful 1.8-litre four-cylinder, 249bhp engine has enough power to make the A110 quick, but there isn’t so much that you’re always in fear of your licence when you open the taps. You really can relish every drive.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £60,000 - McLaren 570S Coupé

British sports car brand McLaren has some staggeringly fast models in its line-up, including the 720S and 600LT. But the truth is, unless you’re blessed with the talents of a certain Fernando Alonso and have unfettered access to a wide, fast race track (Silverstone, perhaps?), you simply won’t get close to exploiting the potential of those. True, the 570S is hardly a puppy dog, with its 562bhp twin-turbo V8, but it feels more at home on narrow country roads and is still blessed with the sort of savage acceleration that may well leave you with a stiff neck.

It’s the precision of the 570S’s steering and its willingness to change direction that really impress, though, along with the way it remains composed over the roughest of roads. Genuinely, it’s more comfortable than a number of hot hatches we could name. And let’s remember that the 570S costs some £60,000 less than the 720S (which gets 710bhp from an uprated version of that V8), yet it’s every bit as spacious inside for two people, who will enjoy similarly pleasing material quality. All in all, this is a superbly rounded sports car that’s worth its hefty price.

Overall Sports Car winner: Alpine A110 Pure

Alpine may have lain dormant since 1995, but its reborn A110 is a real triumph. By focusing on engagement over outright ability, it’s a car that entertains its driver at sensible speeds. Sure, the MX-5 does that rather well too, but where that car can lose composure when you’re pushing on, the A110 just gets better the harder you try.

Yes, the McLaren 570S is more at home on a racing track thanks to its stiffer suspension and grippier tyres, but ask yourself this: how often can you use all that performance on the road? With that in mind, the most intoxicatingly brilliant B-road assassin, the A110, has to win.

PERFORMANCE CAR

In this category we look for:

1. Strong and characterful engine. 2. Sports car-rivalling acceleration. 3. Entertaining soundtrack. 4. Engaging handling. 5. Great driving position. 6. Impressive day-to-day usability. 

BEST BUY - LESS THAN £50,000 - Kia Stinger 3.3 T-GDi GT S

If you’re looking for maximum bang for your buck, it’s hard to look past the Kia Stinger GT S, which has the more affordable end of the performance car category pretty much sewn up at present. With 365bhp from its twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine, straight-line pace is never anything other than mesmerising; the run from 0-62mph takes just 4.7sec. That’s quick enough to keep pace with out-and-out sports cars such as the Porsche 718 Cayman.

The rear-wheel-drive Stinger combines that performance with tactile, adjustable handling that makes the car feel alive beneath you on twisty country roads, without being in any way intimidating. Its handling prowess makes sense when you remember that the chassis was tuned by the same chap who used to head up BMW’s M performance division. What really sets the Stinger apart, though, is the fact that once you’re done having fun, you can soften off its suspension and enjoy what is one of the most cosseting long distance cruisers currently on sale. It’s a trick that a lot of other performance cars haven’t mastered anywhere near as well.

BEST BUY - £50,000-£80,000 - Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo 510

Unlike the new Audi RS4 Avant and the revised Mercedes-AMG C63, the Giulia Quadrifoglio doesn’t rely on flared arches or gimmicky colour schemes to garner attention. Instead, Alfa took a more subtle approach with its super-Giulia, both in terms of its styling and the way it drives. Indeed, in a class where performance too often comes at the detriment of ride and refinement, the Quadrifoglio has the kind of pliancy and composure that is usually the preserve of high-end supercars.

This, combined with light but delightfully quick steering, massive front end grip and a planted rear axle, makes for a performance car that is confidence-inspiring in all conditions. In fact, even with the traction control dialled down, the Quadrifoglio isn’t wayward (in the dry, at least), allowing most drivers the opportunity to explore its limits. That’s despite it having a 503bhp twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 under the bonnet. Factor in a competitive list price, a comprehensive list of standard equipment and day-to-day usability and it’s no surprise that this price point was an easy win.

BEST BUY - MORE THAN £80,000 - Mercedes-AMG E-Class Estate E63 S 4Matic+

If there is such a thing as the perfect all round performance car, the Mercedes-AMG E63 AMG S Estate is surely it. With a ripsnorting 604bhp twin-turbo V8 up front, a luxurious interior and a boot reminiscent of a jumbo jet’s cargo hold, the E63 S Estate really is a car that can do it all.

Now, you might argue that quick estate cars are nothing new, and that the Audi RS6 has had the market sewn up for years. But what separates the E63 S from the RS6 is that the big Merc is not simply a point-and-squirt weapon; it’s genuinely entertaining to drive. That’s because, despite being four-wheel drive, the E63 behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car on the road.

So, although it has the kind of traction that allows it to rocket from 0-62mph in just 3.5sec, it also exhibits genuine adjustability in corners via the accelerator pedal – something you just don’t expect from a car of this size. As with any E-Class, the E63 has its rivals licked for practicality, too. The fact that it can carry a family of five adults plus their luggage in luxury makes it the most complete car you can buy at this end of the market.

Overall Performance Car winner: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo 510

It’s often said that getting to the top is easier than staying there. So by that reckoning, the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s second Car of the Year category win is arguably a greater success than its first. But it should be no surprise. We’re talking about a comfortable, spacious, well-equipped saloon that’s more fun to drive than the cheaper but less involving Kia Stinger GT S and almost as fast as the nearly £40,000 more expensive Mercedes E63 S Estate. That it can’t quite match our other contenders for quality hardly matters; you’ll be having too much fun to care.

And the What Car? Car of the Year 2019 is... the Kia e-Niro First Edition

The BMW 3 Series would have made a worthy overall winner, having overcome a former Car of the Year to take class honours, while the Citroën Berlingo and Cupra Ateca were also strong contenders. However, those cars have had the misfortune to be launched in the same year as Kia’s game-changing e-Niro.

Put simply, the e-Niro beats its rivals via knockout rather than on points, because it’s the first sensibly priced electric car that can fit into most people’s lives. Its huge real-world range helps, allowing you to get to where you’re going without any fear that you’ll end up stranded by the roadside. But it also makes a very practical family car, comes loaded with luxuries and strikes just the right balance of comfort and composure. In short, the e-Niro is a stunning achievement.

There were several other awards handed out on the night in special categories:

SAFETY AWARD

In this category we look for:

1. The list of contenders comprised the 16 models that gained the full five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests in 2018 2. Judges considered how well each car performed for both passive safety – the protection provided in a crash – and active safety (its ability to avoid an accident) 3. They looked at how well each car did in the two new automatic emergency braking (AEB) tests that were introduced last year: the night-time pedestrian test and cyclist avoidance 4. UK road accident data was studied to see how effective active safety systems are in the real world 5. Finally, they took into account the list prices and sales volumes of the models 

Finalist: Audi Q3

As a family SUV, the Audi Q3 competes in one of the most popular car classes. More than 1.1 million have been sold since the first generation car went on sale in 2011, so the latest model looks set to sell well and in doing so will help to improve road safety. The latest Audi Q3 gained the second-highest overall score of 2018 in Euro NCAP tests. For a start, it has very good passive safety to protect occupants in a crash, and it gained the year’s highest score in the Safety Assist test, which measures the ability of a vehicle to avoid a crash in the first place.

Active safety systems that come as standard include blind spot monitoring and a lane-keeping system that steers the vehicle back into its lane if the driver hasn’t indicated. The lane-keeping system not only looks at road markings with a camera but also uses radar during overtaking manoeuvres to detect if there is an oncoming vehicle; it can even steer the car back into its original lane to prevent a head-on collision. However, the Q3 doesn’t have a pop-up bonnet, so it doesn’t score as well as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class for impacts with pedestrians and cyclists.

Finalist: Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The A-Class is an upmarket family hatchback with widespread appeal, and the latest version, launched in 2018, is the most advanced one yet, especially on the safety front. Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assistance, a driver alertness monitor and a pop-up bonnet to cushion the impact if the car strikes a pedestrian. Optional safety systems include a Driving Assistance Package that uses radar sensors and 3D stereo cameras to monitor the surroundings and enable the car to be driven on cruise control and continuously maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.

On rural roads, this system can slow the car down as it approaches a bend, roundabout or T-junction. After making the manoeuvre at an appropriate speed, the car accelerates to the speed previously set. There’s also an Advanced Navigation Package that shows the driver a camera image of the road ahead and scans for speed limit signs. Another system enables the car to notify the driver of hazards ahead, such as stationary traffic, and voice control lets you activate the sat-nav without taking your eyes off the road.

Finalist: Volvo XC40

The XC40 offers very high levels of passive and active safety. Like the Q3, it’s in the ever expanding family SUV class, so it’s certain to sell in large volumes. The XC40 gained the highest score of the year for adult occupant protection, with an almost-perfect 97% rating. It also performed very well in the child occupant tests. Standard equipment includes traffic sign recognition and an Oncoming Lane Mitigation system, which can intervene if the car inadvertently crosses onto the wrong side of the road.

It also comes with an AEB system that recognises pedestrians and cyclists. This system worked well in night-time tests when a pedestrian was walking in the same direction as the car, but not quite as well when the person was crossing the vehicle’s path.

Although it performed adequately in new cyclist detection tests, the system wasn’t as effective as the newer ones on cars such as the Q3 and A-Class. The optional Intellisafe Pro Pack can reduce fatigue by steering, accelerating and braking for the driver and is a step towards greater vehicle automation. Blindspot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert are also cost options. 

Overall Safety Award winner: Mercedes-Benz A-Class

With an overall score of 90%, the A-Class gained the highest marks of all the cars Euro NCAP tested in 2018, in what were the toughest test procedures to date. As well as gaining very high scores for adult and child occupant protection, the A-Class was the highest scorer when it came to protecting vulnerable road users, gaining 92%.

It performed strongly in impacts involving pedestrians’ heads, upper and lower legs, and its AEB system was effective at spotting pedestrians and cyclists. The optional Driver Assistance Package is very capable at supporting the driver on motorways, too. The previous A-Class was a top 10 seller in the UK and this model is likely to be as popular, so it’s likely to have a significant effect on overall road safety. 

TECHNOLOGY AWARD

In this category we look for:

1. Technology Award celebrates innovation in all of its forms 2. Particular attention was paid to technology that helps car buyers and/or makes driving easier or safer 3. Manufacturers were invited to pitch an entry from the past year 4. Our panel of judges then chose a winner 

Finalist: Audi virtual door mirrors

The upcoming Audi E-tron electric SUV will be the first production car to come (optionally) without door mirrors. Instead, it will have two cameras that will feed their views onto small screens inside the car.

Cameras have long been included on concept cars, but they are usually among the first things to be taken away as the concept becomes production-ready. Not so with the E-tron. Not only do the ‘mirrors’ look suitably 22nd century, but you can also use touch controls to adjust each camera to, for example, zoom in so that vehicles appear larger on the motorway, or change the angle of the camera when turning.

Each camera also features a kerb view to aid parking and an indicator view that extends the field of vision when you’re changing lanes. Light sensors adjust the brightness of the screens, so they don’t dazzle the driver. The frame of each screen turns green when you indicate, changing to yellow if a car is in your blindspot. Having spindly camera stalks rather than big, bluff mirrors improve the E-tron’s aerodynamic efficiency, allowing you to eke out more range, and as a bonus reduce its overall width by 15cm.

Finalist: Mazda Skyactiv-X

A petrol engine with the ability to deliver the fuel economy of a diesel: for many, that’s the motoring holy grail. And Mazda thinks it can do just that with the Skyactiv-X 2.0-litre petrol engine, which it says can return fuel economy on a par with that of its current 2.2-litre diesels. The Skyactiv-X engine is designed around compression ignition technology, which uses glow plugs to ignite the fuel inside an engine, rather than the spark plugs of conventional petrol engines. It’s the absence of a spark and the increased pressure inside the engine that allow fuel to be used much more efficiently.

Previously, compression ignition could only be used within a very narrow band of power delivery, but Mazda’s approach means the technology is active for 80% of driving. Outside of that window, the Skyactiv-X uses conventional ignition. The new Mazda 3 family hatchback will be the first car to be offered with a Skyactiv-X engine when it goes on sale in the spring. Because 85% of cars are expected to still use combustion engines of some form until 2030, compression ignition could be vital in lowering emissions and fuel consumption.

Finalist: Hyundai electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology

Hyundai is on a roll when it comes to electrified cars. The Ioniq family car is already our favourite hybrid, while the more recently launched Kona Electric SUV has the longest real-world range of any electric car, recording an impressive 259 miles between charges in our Real Range test. That’s more than 20 miles farther than the Tesla Model X 75D managed on the same route. However, unlike other manufacturers who have chosen to put all of their eggs into one electrical basket, Hyundai also continues to invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology.

When it was launched in 2013, the ix35 Fuel Cell SUV became the world’s first production car to feature fuel cell technology, and Hyundai’s most recent effort, the Nexo, is the most credible car of its type. The key to the Nexo’s success is its lengthy range, because it can travel for close to 500 miles on a single tank. On top of that considerable advantage, it can also be refuelled in just a few minutes and even emits cleaner air from its exhaust than went in through the front grille. In short, it has the potential to be another game-changer for Hyundai.

Overall Technology Award winner: Hyundai electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology

Having created an electric car that can travel farther than rivals that cost more than twice as much, Hyundai could have shut down its hydrogen fuel cell development and concentrated on one technology rather than two.

But it hasn’t; instead, it has reached the point where it claims it can lower the price of its fuel cell vehicles by at least 30% by 2025, making them competitive with equivalent petrol and diesel models. So Hyundai wins for not only building the EV with the greatest real-world range we’ve tested so far, but also for developing technology that could one day offer car buyers greater electric range without the hassle of recharging a battery.

READER AWARD

We asked What Car? Website users which new car appearing in 2019 they were most looking forward to. These are the top three:

3RD: VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

The Golf will become roomier and more high-tech in its next generation. Inside, there will be a huge infotainment touchscreen, similar to the one in the latest Touareg luxury SUV, that will be able to do things like show the latest fuel prices and always find the strongest radio signal, thanks to an eSIM that keeps the car permanently connected to the internet. Fuel-saving mild hybrid technology will feature on most engines, too.

2ND: VAUXHALL CORSA

Just 14 votes separated second and third places, but the Vauxhall Corsa eventually won out, despite the fact that not even a preview image has been released yet. Priced from around £14,000 when it goes on sale early next year, the new small hatchback will be the first car to come from Vauxhall since the brand became part of the PSA Group. Perhaps most exciting is that an electric version, the eCorsa, will join the line-up, with an official range of up to 250 miles.

Winner Honda Urban EV

Judging by the crowds that packed Honda’s stand at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, the Urban EV was a popular car from its very first outing – so popular, in fact, that Honda confirmed a production version of the concept car, before the dust had even settled. What Car? readers clearly can’t get enough of it, either, because the Urban EV garnered almost eight times as many votes as our second-placed car. Put simply, it’s by far the car you’re most excited about seeing in 2019. And so you should be, because the Urban EV is shaping up to be a true game-changer for Honda.

It’s the brand’s first electric car to be sold in Europe, and with it being shorter than its Jazz stablemate yet potentially even more spacious inside, as well as having an electric range of around 155 miles, it will be ideally suited to city streets. There’s a large digital screen for the instruments and infotainment system, plus smaller screens that show feeds from two cameras mounted on the car’s exterior in place of door mirrors. PICTURE: Concept car