VerdictOur family has a real love of Alfa Romeos, and – almost a quarter of a century after a 156 helped bring us together – the first signs are that my husband and I will enjoy life with the brand’s smallest SUV.   Mileage: 4,599 Economy: 38.5mpg There is just something about Alfa Romeo; the name a...

VerdictThe Peugeot 408 comes across as an unorthodox, interesting and practical family car. The jury’s still out on the 1.2-litre engine in such a substantial model, but it’s usefully cheaper than plug-in alte atives.  Mileage: 1,250 Economy: 43.5mpg The Peugeot 408 is a relative newcomer to the Aut...

VerdictWe’ve been fans of the DS 4’s comfort from the start, but it has proved to be a practical hatchback, too. Some of the tech takes getting used to, but overall we’ll miss it. Mileage: 13,264 Economy: 42.8mpg After a brief four and a half months on our fleet, it’s time to say goodbye to the DS 4...

VerdictI’m getting along with the Cupra just great, a few initial niggles aside. But they can’t detract from what is a thoroughly capable and talented car that (despite what the Bluetooth system says) feels like a true Cupra. It’s a standalone model with its own personality that’s dazzled me with mo...

VerdictWe’re really sorry to see the Transporter go – this Sportline version delivers cool looks and excellent performance – but the car-like comfort that the Caddy Cargo offers is helping to ease the pain somewhat. We just wish that the tech were better integrated, and more of it were available as ...

VerdictThe MG4 deserves all the silverware it gets. It puts paid to the notion that all EVs cost far more than the petrol-powered equivalent. Spacious, good to drive and – for now – quite efficient, it’s genuinely enjoyable to live with. Mileage: 9,626 Efficiency: 3.8mi/kWh We called it late last ye...

VerdictThe more I drive the C5 X, the more I like it. It ticks many boxes on my wish list, including comfort, safety and simplicity. The fact that the fuel economy has jumped when out of town is another big plus point! Mileage: 6,025 Economy: 42.9mpg I often find that the longer I live with a car on...

VerdictIt’s a flawed car, but the SQ5 has still won me over thanks to the ease with which it integrated with my life. That’s one of the most important qualities of all in a vehicle. The engine is still a monster, even if diesel might be an odd choice for the sporty flagship model in a range. But whi...

VerdictThis Volkswagen SUV may be seen more often on the school run or doing the supermarket shop, but there’s a surprising sporting side to the T-Roc for those who take the time to seek it out. Mileage: 1,526 Economy: 42.9mpg Volkswagen’s T-Roc is not the first car that would come to mind when cont...

VerdictWe love the Citroen C5 X. It’s a great car to just jump in and drive on long or short jou eys. It feels solid and comfortable, with impressive safety and tech features. We are just hoping for improved fuel-economy figures. Mileage: 3,391 Economy: 32.2mpg After nearly three months testing our ...

VerdictYes, there were a few niggles with the Alpine, but overall we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time with the A110 GT. It’s a great cruiser and stacks of fun on the right road or when belting around a track. Mileage: 13,825 Economy: 34.8mpg There were some big questions that needed answering conce in...

VerdictOverall, I’m a fan of the BMW X1 so far when, initially, I feared I might be anything but. Maybe I’m growing up? Maybe a good-to-drive small SUV is just what I’ve been missing all these years? I think it’s a bit of both. Mileage: 2,189 Economy: 41.1mpg The third-generation BMW X1 is a Marmite...

VerdictIf you’re nervous of making the leap to an EV, the Lexus hybrid system is a great way to see if it will work for you – and in an SUV package that gets a lot of what matters right. Mileage: 6,489Economy: 70mpgSometimes things just go right, and that’s what happened with the arrival of the Lexu...

VerdictInstead of highlighting how the VW Group is now a software-led company, the Bo is doing rather too good a job of demonstrating that Cupra can make cars, but struggles to get the ones and zeros in the code of its infotainment set-up properly aligned. This vehicle’s biggest flaws are all in the...

VerdictWhile the Peugeot 308 is good to drive and oozes style, the space on offer in the hatchback is definitely a struggle with a family. Hopefully our new 308 SW estate should solve that issue, though. Mileage: 6,306Economy: 72.4mpgThe term ‘family hatchback’ applies to a lot of cars, with almost ...

VerdictIt’s not going to win any fashion contests whether it has wheel trims or not, but the Corolla Commercial is still delivering plenty of appeal. It’s not the most spacious ‘van’, but the car-like comfort makes up for it.Mileage: 2,739Economy: 60.2mpgIt’s safe to say that unless you’re buying a ...

 VerdictOur cross-cha el jaunt reinforces our first impressions of the car. Its cabin is genuinely nice, and there’s plenty of space, but the powertrain is a major weak spot, especially next to seriously polished rivals.Mileage: 2,824Economy: 42.7mpgIt’s always interesting to try a car late in its d...

VerdictPicking the right level of electrification requires a razor-sharp focus on your usage patte – and in this respect, we’re finding the Niro Hybrid an excellent choice. It doesn’t require plugging in, but it has a great mix of performance and efficiency – allowing us to enjoy the practical inter...

VerdictThe idea of a family estate car seems a little old fashioned in this day and age – but time with the Focus has shown that, in lots of ways, it’s a choice that has lots of appealing facets, beyond mere practicality. Mileage: 4,595Economy: 43.3mpgI love estate cars, but it’s fair to say that th...

VerdictFrom one electric SUV to another, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is fitting into daily life well. The cold temperatures haven’t done the range any favours, however, and there are a couple of bits of kit I’m missing more as time passes. With fewer optional extras available, it means picking the right...