Large City & Urban Car Handling

The dynamic duo of the eighties and nineties, the Golf and Polo provided neat city runarounds and a built-to-last engine. For the new millennium they've been transformed from compact city tykes in to imposing urban-savvy hatchbacks that are powerful and extremely satisfying to drive. Recent new release the Fox is the smart little brother of the two, offering a more complete entry-level driving experience than the average supermini.

Tough & Durable VWs

With the enlarged front ends and much tougher-looking body, along with plenty of safety kit available inside, Volkswagen is more than adequate in the Euro NCAP tests. Top marks were awarded for adult safety to their family cars, the Touran (their compact family MPV) and the Passat (the stylish family saloon), the latter of which holds very reasonable running costs for its type, running up and average of roughly 43 mpg. Amongst the smaller ranges, the Golf 2.0 litre scores best, which averages just a little less than the Passat.

External Bodywork & Interior Specifications

If it's style you're after, the Beetle is simply to die for. The curved arch design may restrict viewing a little, but the image is unique and the interior specs on the newer models include all mod cons inside plus some fancy trim on higher versions. Expect some monster engines in the Golf and Passat, which usually weigh in at the 2.0 litre mark.