Philip Shoulder

The trusty Vauxhall Corsa has been a familiar sight on our roads for many years, with buyers attracted by its combination of affordability, reliability and practicality.

With the introduction of the new V40 in 2012, Volvo finally brought to market an attractive medium – sized premium hatchback alternative, to compete with the usual German crowd.

A familiar site on our roads for the last decade, the previous generation smart fortwo has been replaced with this all-new model, built in collaboration with Renault.

First launched in 2002, the Jazz 5 door supermini has always stuck to the winning formula of compact exterior dimensions with generous interior space and enviable reliability.

Suzuki’s new Swift promises to continue from where its predecessor left off in providing affordable hatchback fun.

Here is the second generation Volvo XC90 SUV, replacing the outgoing model that was first launched in 2002. This new XC90 is one of the first models to carry the company’s new more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille.

Back in the sixties and seventies, MG was world-renown for making fun and affordable small sports cars. The same ethos is being rekindled here by the re-launched brand, now under Chinese ownership.

Premium sub-brand of Citroën – DS Automobiles – this year refreshed its popular DS3 and DS3 Cabrio range – the latter promising all the appeal of the sporty hatch combined with the option of al-fresco motoring.

Since 1954, Mercedes’ SL has been synonymous with prestige, panache, comfort and effortless performance.

The Mitsubishi Mirage replaced the Japanese firm’s long running Colt supermini in 2013 to compete with other affordable small cars such as the Fiat Panda, Kia Rio and Dacia Sandero.