So, you’re looking for a new car? What an exciting time! Whether it’s your first car, an upgrade on your old car, or you’re just looking to change things up now your circumstances have changed, buying a new car is always a thrilling time. From family-sized Fiat’s to savvy Skoda’s and beastly BMW’s, there’s something out there for everyone, and it’s just a case of finding the wheels that are right for you!

Here at ChooseMyCar, we’re all about helping you to find the right car, and that’s why we work with such a comprehensive network of dealerships; by working with over 2500 dealerships across the UK, we’re able to offer our customers one of the most varied selections of cars to choose from in the country. Our collection of vehicles ranges from small city cars, all the way through to bold, brash sports cars that just ooze elegance, and therefore, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to finding that car you’re after.

To help you out, we’ve brought together some of our favourite cars and collections – many of which are available for under £10,000 at ChooseMyCar – for you to take a look at below. We hope this helps to make your search for the perfect car a little easier!

Citroen C1

As a result of funky split-level headlights and a wide range of contrasting colour and trim choices, the Citroen C1 gives a strong first impression with its distinctive styling. Inside, the colour continues, giving the car a happy look, plus this new C1 is more lavishly fitted than the original.

Despite the styling, that still manages to look new, the Mk2 C1 has borrowed a lot from its predecessor. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder VTi 72 engine, with CO2 emissions of 108g/km, is available in the C1 lineup. The engine emits a charming, lively three-pot thrum when driven, refinement is better than before, and the ride is very active. The rear seat and boot is snug, but this little runaround is perfect for bobbing around the city centre.

The history of the Citroen C1 dates back to 2005, when, alongside its sister models, the Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo, the city car was introduced. It was the outcome of a joint venture between Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile (TPCA) and cars produced in the Czech Republic.

Billed as a second-generation model, but based on the old platform, the new C1 arrived in 2014 and shares a lot of similarities with its siblings over at Peugeot and Toyota. But although the former C1 and 108 were somewhat similar visually, the latest models are substantially different. A 1.0-litre engine was brought over from the old Citroen C1. On all models, a five-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, with no automatic option available.

The Citroen C1 is sleek, enjoyable and affordable, and does exactly the same as other more expensive city cars can do.

What could you waste £10,000 on instead of forking out for a Citroen C1? Well, have we got a dream for you…at the current value, you could buy 20 refurbished Sinclair C5’s to impress your mates down the park, because we wouldn’t want you taking one of those things out on the open road.

Skoda Citigo

The Skoda Citigo is a small city car that provides a lot more space than you would expect, as well as a lot more value for money. You can choose between three and five-door bodies, and while the entire range comes with petrol engines, all of them are economical and suitable for getting around country lanes, and city streets.

The Citigo is the same car under the skin as the Volkswagen Up and Seat Mii, and first went on sale in 2012. The last major change came in 2017, when a range of updates, including a new bonnet, grille and headlights were introduced by the Skandi car giants.

Open the door and head inside, and unsurprisingly, the interior of the Skoda Citigo is funky and typically stylish. To some eyes it may seem a little minimalist, but the last thing you can accuse it of is feeling cheap, and there are plenty of great controls inside.

In fact, when you consider how little the car costs, it’s extremely durable and very high quality. Many of the functions are managed on your smartphone via an app, which can be placed on the dashboard in a holder.

There’s plenty of room in the front too, with each model featuring a height-adjustable driver’s seat. There are also two sets of Isofix child-seat fittings in the back should you choose to use it as a family vehicle.

The boot is one of the largest you’ll find on the market, and can take 251 litres in a car of this size, including a baby buggy or a big suitcase. The rear seats are 60/40 split on most models and they fold down to give you 951 litres (or 959 in the five-door), which, if you remove a tyre, is enough space for a bike.

From its popping colour scheme through to its modern features, the Citigo is about as good as it gets when it comes to cheap city cars under 10k.

Mazda 2

ood looks, practicality and entertaining driving features mean that the new Mazda 2, in the city car class, is a serious contender. While other brands are looking for efficiency through small-capacity engines and turbocharging, Mazda adheres to bigger, naturally-aspirated engines that provide a decent economy and punchy performance.

The spacious, well-designed interior of the Mazda 2 has a feeling of quality for the most part, and the car is of good value and safe. The operating costs should be modest, and the high demand for versions used bodes well for residual values. All these factors ensure that the Mazda 2 is a supermini that can cater to both the heart, the brain, and the wallet.

If you want anything different from your supermini, the Mazda 2 could be up your street right now. The Mark 4 version, which was launched in 2014, is the latest car. And while it’s gunning for sales in the hard-fought city car class, customers looking for a sporty little car, with friendly handling and a good economy are sure to find plenty to love from this car.

The sharp form is compact and elegant, while its appearance is complemented by the wide grille, distinctive eagle-eye headlights, and LED running lights on higher-spec vehicles. These days, the Mazda 2 only comes as a five-door supermini – if you want a compact Mazda with another type of body, the Mazda CX-3 small crossover or the sporty MX-5 two-seat roadster are your other choices.

There are plenty of Mazda 2 rivals in the supermini class. Proven models such as the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, and Citroen C3 are at the head of the pack, and while the Fiesta matches the 2’s handling fun, there is just something so exciting about a Mazda.

Fiat Panda

While only being 3650mm long, the Fiat Panda is, by no means, a baby car. In stature and sales, Fiat’s Panda is also important to the company. For over 30 years, the business has averaged more than 200,000 Pandas a year. Panda production has surpassed 6.5 million units, but this new model is just the third generation, and now offers the backbone used by both the Fiat 500 and the Ford Ka, with varying degrees of performance, of course.

In 2004, the previous Panda also received the coveted Car of the Year award and with this 3rd iteration, it looks like they have continued the theme.

It is a budget city car that is far more appealing than others and can be had with some enticing options, but, more importantly, the Fiat 500 and the Ford Ka have been based on their foundations. It definitely has all the charm of the old Panda and, as such, is one of the best choices around.

The TwinAir Panda may be the solution if your requirement is for a very small city car that also needs to be able to eat the miles. Regardless of model, the car is civilised, nice to sit in, spacious and very well-fitted. Unlike previous Pandas, this city car can double as your everyday car very well. And you can’t ask a lot more than that for budget wheels.

Sure, it doesn’t have the Volkswagen Up or Hyundai i10 slick city style, or even the cheeky character of the Fiat 500, but it’s much more robust and a huge improvement on an already useful and engaging vehicle.

Volkswagen Up!

The Volkswagen up! is more sophisticated than its size, and looks, suggest. It’s comfortable, it feels steady on the road and driving it is fun. It is intended to run in the city, but doesn’t sound out of its depth on the open road and still seems steady, calming down to become fairly quiet, relaxed and smooth at altitude.

The changes made by VW to the Up! made for a classier and more customisable car in 2016, and although the move to a sat nav system for smartphones would cater to younger buyers – it still remains as sophisticated and functional as ever.

The industry is full of talented models, including the Up!, the Skoda Citigo, and SEAT Mii. These two, however, are now available only as electric vehicles, while VW is still offering a petrol or diesel version of the Up! The Up! also has the Toyota Aygo, the Peugeot 108 and the Citroen C1 to compete with. However, none of them feels as well crafted or classy as the VW, despite being the same(ish) price.

Peugeot 108

A city car has never been more convenient, not only because they are a great size and limit congestion, but they deliver many big-car features that don’t hit the wallet hard – a great example of this is the Peugeot 108.

The 108 is similar, under the hood, to the Citroën C1 and Toyota Aygo, owing in part to the fact that each one is produced in the same factory, and uses the same three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine. However, the 108 has a very different identity to the other two and certainly stands out on its own.

It featured either a 1.0 or 1.2 three-cylinder petrol engine when the 108 first went on sale in 2014. This latest model has seen the range pared down, which doesn’t give it the same punch, but, the 72bhp unit is still an enthusiastic performer which likes to rev. This charming grunt gives the 108 a bit of character around the city. With a five-speed manual gearbox, it is a front-wheel drive, and there is a 2-Tronic version available as an option, but this blunts the performance of the car a little bit more than one might like.

Peugeot gives you the option of three, or five, doors, as well as a variant called the ’Top’, which includes a soft fold-back roof that makes it a cabriolet. There are four trims to decide between (three on top models), and all of them give the 108 distinct interior finishes and equipment.

With extra technology, and a wide range of optional styling touches, the new models have been given a boost, and the 108 is definitely an upgrade on the previous 107.

Seat Mii

A welcome newcomer to the burgeoning range of electric cars is the SEAT Mii Electric. All the best parts of the original SEAT Mii are kept in tact, but users can also enjoy the added benefits of zero emissions and relatively low operating costs.

It’s convenient, well designed and easy to drive, on top of being quite a smart-looking motor. A car designed to be an electric car from the ground up might offer fewer compromises, but the Mii Electric is sufficiently affordable to warrant your serious attention.

The first production electric car from SEAT is based on its relative, the Mii town car. Following the electric version’s success and the demise of the petrol model in 2019, the new SEAT Mii is the only one you can buy in the UK.

The Volkswagen e-up! is closely linked to the Mii, as is the Skoda Citigo e-iV. This means you get the same battery of 36.8kWh and an electric motor of 61kW (82bhp). A Mii Electric can offer 161 miles of electric range when it is fully charged, but, obviously, taking this car on the motorway for long periods may well change that figure.

An amazing amount of ‘big-car gear’ and a true ‘big-car feel’ are packed in the Mii Electric. It also promises to offer incredibly low operating expenses. Inside, four adults will enjoy the comfortable ride and the surprising amount of headroom. The boot is an ideal size, given it is a city car and is essentially unaffected by the transition from fuel to electricity.

For its comfortable riding results, the Mii Electric enjoys a few more bonus points, and it conquers potholes and speed bumps in a way that it arguably shouldn’t, given the kind of car it is.

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto has become a rarity. That’s because it’s a dinky town car that runs on petrol at a time when most of its competitors have either gone electric or been totally withdrawn from sale.

It appears that making ’value’ petrol cars isn’t as beneficial to manufacturers anymore. And there is the simple fact that you’re more likely to fork out a thousand more on a small SUV, like a great Ford Puma, or a hybrid vehicle, like the new Fiat 500.

However, if you don’t want to spend that much money and don’t need a lot of space, the conventional city car, such as the Kia Picanto, is still a very compelling proposition. Here, all the key ingredients for a winning city car are present and correct, making the Picanto an appealing, friendly, and easy-to-drive offering that should be on the shortlist of every city car buyer.

The Kia Picanto is the smallest car for sale in UK Kia dealers, and all models come, as standard, with five doors. There is a simple line-up of engines, plus an automatic gearbox option should you prefer that way of driving. There’s even a version of the SUV-aping X-Line available, but that’s more about sexy looks than practical rough-and-tumble driving.

There are still good alternatives out there for you to consider, despite competition for the Picanto being ever scarcer. For example, take the Hyundai i10, or the Toyota Aygo and Volkswagen Up!, which are direct competitors to city cars. However, thanks to impressive interior dimensions, for its size, a reasonable price list, low insurance, and operating costs, it still remains a strong contender in the city car class.

Audi TT Convertible

The Audi TT Roadster has provided elegant open-top motoring for fashionistas and cool cats everywhere since the first model was released in 1999, the same year Cher released ‘Believe’ and everyone was worried about the Millennium Bug.

A combination of striking good looks, a high-quality interior, fair running costs, and German efficiency has seen Audi TT well into its third generation, having taken the sports car scene by storm at launch.

The TT, which has been strongly revised for 2019, offers a choice of four-cylinder petrol engines, manual and automatic gearboxes and front or four-wheel drive. For those that look something beefier under their foot, the quicker TTS is available, and there is also a seriously hot TT RS that gets its very own analysis.

Regardless of which model you choose you’re going to enjoy a pretty nippy time in a TT.

The regular TT has four seats, unlike its soft-top counterpart which has two. With the soft-top, you sacrifice the back two seats in favour of a folding fabric roof that is seriously quick to do its business.

The BMW Z4 and Porsche 718 Boxster are the TT’s chief rivals. This third-generation TT is, like its sibling, the soft-top Roadster, a more chiselled and sharper-looking take on the familiar TT design concept on the outside. There is a minimalistic but high-tech cabin inside, complete with TFT LCD displays where mere dials once existed, how modern!

As standard, each TT comes with four airbags, along with a ’secondary collision assist’ system that helps bring the car to a stop after a crash as soon as possible. It also features a blind spot alert system, hill-hold assistance and traffic sign recognition, all of which are included in an optional package.

BMW 3 Series Convertible

If you just want the thrills of a convertible, but can’t live without a proper boot and back seats, the BMW 3 Series convertible might well be for you. The three-piece metal roof provides far more than extra protection and comfort, and its operation is also a genuine party piece! Capable of opening in just 23 seconds, the electrically driven arrangement converts the four-seat convertible from a coupe to a cabriolet at the touch of a button.

Strong petrol engines and powerful, economical diesel models are included in the range. To save fuel and boost the overall economy, all four-cylinder models offer stop-start technology as well. Yes, there may be more modern, more exciting drop-tops but, for what the car gives you in terms of fun and practically, it’s pretty hard to beat.

The BMW 3 Series is a perfect car to drive, whether you have the roof up or the wind is flowing through your hair. The diesel engines all deliver good acceleration, but the turbocharged 335i 3.0-litre petrol is very hard to beat when it comes to pure speed.

The suspension is flexible enough to maintain comfort and the frame is well-engineered while being suitably sporty. It shrugs off bumps, unlike many of its competitors, and rides over them effortlessly.

The steering is very precise and gives the driver plenty of input. With the BMW 3 Series convertible, you get what you pay for and the value for money comes from high levels of equipment, badge desirability and strong build quality that feels deserving of its premium status. Standard equipment includes leather seats that reflect the sun to keep the seats cool, alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, an on-board computer and a six-speaker sound system.

BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel-drive, convertible two-seater sports car with a conventional folding roof made of fabric, a range of powerful front engines, and a reasonably sized rear boot. There is no coupe version, but, if you really do want a fixed roof, there are plenty of alternatives, like BMW’s very own 2 Series. There’s also a separate hardtop you can buy, for an extra fee.

Over three generations, the BMW Z4 has been a great success for the German giants, and although the previous model looked a little more like a boulevard cruiser with its folding hard-top, the new iteration has returned to a conventional soft-top canvas, giving that sleek, waspy look that made it so popular in the first place.

It’s a format that fits the Z4 in its execution, which is very old-school, featuring a large engine up front under the long bonnet, rear-wheel drive and a single cockpit with two seats. With plenty of strength and impressive road manners to back up its sporty theme, it works on country lanes, and motorways, as well as it ever has.

While the Porsche 718 Boxster or Alpine A110.0 may be slightly lighter, opting for one of the two four-cylinder models will negate that and make the Z4 just as enjoyable to drive, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. As reasonably priced sports cars go, this one is up there.

All Z4 variants are well-fitted, as befits their prestigious image. For Z4 Sport models, there are 18-inch alloys, an impressive Live Cockpit Specialist infotainment system with smartphone connectivity (but not to Android), heated seats, two-zone climate control, cruise control, and LED headlights.

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is a remarkable motoring institution, with the newest car upholding a proud, iconic, tradition of sporty two-seater rear-wheel drive from the Japanese behemoth.

The powerful combination of moderate horsepower, and a nimble frame, makes it a perfect beast to tame, while, at the same time, offering the kind of stellar reliability, and regular usability, that simply cannot be matched by its competitors.

And, if that wasn’t enough, it also overlaps the convertible class, and makes a good argument in other car categories. Yes, for comparable, or less money, you can find rivals such as the Mini Convertible and Fiat 500C, but neither provides quite the same typical sports car appeal nor do they have that iconic ‘look’ that has made the MX-5 such an icon.

The Mazda MX-5 fourth-generation fits the classic roadster template and delivers plenty of excitement. It is the best-selling two-seat sports car on the planet, and in its 25-year history, it has gained legendary status, being as ubiquitous as the British sports cars it emulated when it first arrived in 1989. The new MX-5 returns to the original car’s formula and delivers a genuine thrill for sports cars, and we’ve got a fair few of these models at ChooseMyCar for under £10,000!

The Mk4 was revised in 2018, but as a consequence of customer reviews, it was a slight facelift in traditional Mazda design. Both models of 1.5 and 2.0 litres received a slight boost in power and had more safety features added, as was a telescopic steering column for a more comfortable driving position. Further revisions were made with a realigned model lineup and additional standard equipment at the beginning of 2020.

Whichever make or model of Mazda MX-5 you find, you’re sure to love it.

MINI Convertible

The MINI Convertible is now in its 3rd generation, and it’s treated itself to a new facelift, making it the best looking model yet!

The 3rd iteration of MINI Convertible is the largest and most spacious ever, like its brother, the hardback. As well as good looks, it also feels much more upmarket and is fitted with turbocharged power units which have made it quicker and more economical. As standard, this MINI, which isn’t that mini when you first look at it, has custom LED headlights, Union Flag rear lights, new daytime running lights, fresh paint and wheel options and an upgraded sat nav screen, meaning you get a lot of bang for your 10k (or less) buck!

There are also customisable, 3D-printed door sills, dashboard panels, puddle lights and side indicator inserts can also be found on certain models. Unlike its compatriot, the Fiat 500, the MINI is a true convertible which is perfect for those warm days (however rare they may be!)

As well as style, the MINI has substance too, mainly because it is based on the three-door version of the MINI hatchback, making it a perfect everyday runaround.

There is an Apple Mac’s amount of technology onboard, especially when compared to the previous MINI Convertible versions, which ensures it is safer and more suitable than ever for everyday life. The interior feels well made, and the funky style inside and out will continue to mean that this car is attractive to all sorts of people. By going for the entry-level Cooper, you can keep things reasonably inexpensive, and in fact, our awesome range of nippy MINI convertibles are all under 10 grand.

Porsche Boxster

If you’re after a two-seater convertible that is going to sound, go and look as good as you want, there is really only one choice – the 718 Boxster.

The Porsche 718 Boxster really is the default option, assuming that your budget does not run into the territory of the McLaren 570S Spyder, and let’s face it, unless you find a few hundred grand behind your sofa you won’t be getting one of those. It is essentially a Porsche 718 Cayman, one of the best sports cars on offer today, with the roof removed.

The Boxster is therefore comparable not only to other drop-top cars such as the Audi TT Roadster, BMW Z4 and Jaguar F-Type Convertible, but also to hard-top, hard-core sports cars such as the Alpine A110 and Toyota Supra. This car really can mix it with the high-flyers!

The Boxster earned straight A’s and went to the top of the class when Porsche released it in 1996. Driving this motor was a lot more enjoyable than its obvious competitors, and it could also take on far more expensive sports cars and comfortably beat them. For under 10 thousand pounds, when you check out our range at ChooseMyCar, you’re investing in a real giant killer.

This third version of the Boxster is so much more user-friendly than you would think and, while original designs divided opinions, the Porsche underdog has cemented itself as one of the best looking, and best value, convertibles around.

Renault Wind

The Renault Wind holds plenty of attractions as one of the smallest and most affordable convertibles on the market for under £10,000 here at ChooseMyCar.

There’s only one body type on offer, a strict two-seater, but many of the mechanicals are shared with the Twingo supermini. The Wind is an enticing prospect, offering good looks and a fine handling chassis, a potent trio from a car manufacturing behemoth.

To improve its visual flair, the Gordini edition adds a range of cosmetic extras that give it that ‘va-va-voom’ we’ve come to know and love. In terms of models, there is a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre unit with 131bhp and a turbocharged 1.2 with 99bhp, both of which are petrol engines and available for under £10,000.

The chassis of the Wind was tuned by the famous Renault sport team, who are responsible for some of the best hot hatches in the game. This experience is felt when you get behind the wheel, as the Wind is suitably poised around corners, with light direct steering and plenty of grip on any kind of road surface.

For such a tiny vehicle, The Wind has a great deal of kerbside appeal. It does a fine job of impersonating a much larger sports car with the wheels pushed firmly to each corner, a sculpted bonnet and high boot line. In just 12 seconds, the ’Targa’ style roof folds away, and all models come standard with alloy wheels.

Coloured alloys, white racing stripes on the bonnet and leather seats are applied to Flagship Gordini models. Within, the Wind whips about you and you’ll soon feel like Thierry Henry in those iconic ads. The subtle grey touches found on the interior also make it a nice place to sit and when you purchase from ChooseMyCar, your wallet is sure to thank you too!

Toyota MR2

The MR2 developed from a coupe in the 1990s to a two-seat roadster to take on the iconic Mazda MX-5 just in time for the new millennium. The mid-engine, mini-supercar layout sticks to this generation and, like the MX-5, has just the right amount of power to be great fun, but without scaring the pants off newcomers or costing a wedge to drive. Compared to more expensive counterparts such as the Fiat 124, the MR2 is a snip.

Borrowed from its cousin, the Celica coupe, the 138bhp 1.8-litre engine whizzes away merrily through all five of its gears, with the sleek gearshift only adding to the sense of fun as the RPM needle dances on the dials. All this fun is topped off with a mid-engine layout which makes for outstanding handling especially in dry conditions.

When you go to remove the roof, the retraction is a marvel, and folds effortlessly from the driver’s seat with one hand, slotting into a locked position when folded to avoid it flapping around, and all this shouldn’t be a surprise given who is making the motor.

The cabin has a good, cosy and sporty feel inside, and just enough equipment to be comfortable. While not all models have air conditioning installed, the fact you can simply drop the hood should be reason enough to ignore this small whim.

The Mk3 of the MR2 is a powerful roadster that will bring a grin on your face, rain or shine, and are cheap-as-chips when you go with ChooseMyCar. It’s a true driver’s car, with a Torsen limited-slip diff and an economy of about 38 mpg, and with near-perfect weight distribution, you won’t go wrong with an MR2 under £10,000.

Volkswagen Eos

By choosing a VW Eos, for £10,000 or less with ChooseMyCar, you really do get the best of both worlds from this classy coupe convertible. It’s refined and airy with its folding metal roof, and, thanks to the built-in glass sunroof, at the click of a button, you can enjoy the great outdoors with style.

For stylish convertibles there is sometimes a trade-off, be it boot space, or back seats, but not with the Eos. The structure feels solid, there is a lot of grip, and the body moves minimally when leaning into the corners. All in all, you get amazing results for a great price!

For style, convertibles always trade dynamics, but not the Eos. The structure feels solid, there is loads of grip, while the body lean is kept to a minimum. You can also get amazing results, depending on your choice of engine.

With quality materials and construction used throughout, build quality is up to VW’s normal level. The Eos also receives a fair amount of kit for safety and protection.

The Eos has excellent attention to detail, all the way down to the drive system. VW is proud of the fact that, thanks to the excellent rigidity of the vehicle, it was able to fit a narrower, more upright windscreen. The Eos, in reality, feels as shake-free as many roadsters that are made for serious drivers.

As a result, the ride is flexible, the handling is taut and balanced, with strong steering, and the VW is a great cruiser thanks to fine insulation. The most common engine option for the Eos will be Golf GTI-sourced 2.0-litre turbo. With pace, effortless grunt and crisp cornering, it’s one of our all-time favourite convertibles. The action of the gearshift is pleasant too. All in all, the Eos is a proper piece of kit.

Volvo C70

The Volvo C70 combines the best parts of both coupe and convertible versions and matches them. When it’s up, the folding metal roof offers a closed coupe atmosphere, but you can drop the top at the push of the button and enjoy the sunshine.

When the roof is up, the boot is one of the biggest in this class, but as with a lot of convertibles, once the roof is down the boot space does decrease.

The C70 has put on a few pounds in order to fit the folding roof configuration, and this has made it one of the heaviest cars in its category. However, despite this extra weight, it is not bulky or difficult to drive, though it isn’t as agile as rivals such as the Volkswagen Eos. Think of it as a high-speed, comfortable cruiser rather than a sharp, sporty number. Picture yourself driving along the coast on a warm summer’s evening, not thrashing it around a race track.

The C70’s underpinnings are the same as its siblings, the S40 saloon and V50 estate. The same wheelbase is shared by both the S40 and C70, but the C70 is a little larger, although it is positioned in the middle of its main rivals, shorter than the Audi A5 Cabriolet and longer than the Volkswagen Eos.

With most of its rivals opting for a cloth roof, the C70 is also in the minority. The benefit of the hard-top is that, at speed, there is very little wind noise and strong thermal insulation. This is a car built with reverence for the cold of Swedish winters, not the Amalfi coast, and given that the car is made by Scandi’s, can you blame them?!

Audi A5 Sportback

Yes, we know this is the regular Audi A5, not the Sportback 😃

When it launched, the original CLS Mercedes may have been the first brand to blend coupe style with executive car practicality, but that car came with a hefty price tag. That expensive decision left the door open for Audi to come along and democratise the formula with its first-generation Audi A5 Sportback. Before long, the idea of owning a coupe, and enjoying all the trappings of style and sophistication, was in reach.

The A5 Sportback was, and still is, an Audi A4 saloon in a well-tailored outfit, offering an extra pair of doors, and a more functional hatchback-style tailgate over the A5 Coupé and Convertible models. There is the potential for this edition to be the best yet.

The standard A4 Sportback line-up, which starts off with the Sport edition, has four trim levels. You can expect LED headlamps, with titanium black grilles, rear diffuser, plus leather-trimmed sports seats, climate control, and MMI Navigation Plus with a 10.1-inch touch control panel, as well as Audi’s excellent digital 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit dashboard.

There are a great range of engines to choose from too. The range begins with the 148bhp 1.4 TFSI 150PS petrol, followed by a 201bhp or 261bhp 2.0 TFSI in 204PS and 265PS forms. The three options for powertrains are 35 TFSI, 40 TFSI and 45TFSI Quattro, respectively. The high-performance S5 Sportback is now only available as a diesel, but there is the monster RS 5 Sportback with a 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo petrol generating 444bhp.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which follows the same formula of being a more practical five-door coupe built on the back of a two-door coupe, is the only direct competitor of the A5 Sportback. The , Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia are other cars worth considering for stand-out competitors too.

Hearing that snarl, as your used A5 Sportback from ChooseMyCar eats up the miles, will send shivers down your spine and offer you a fantastic driving experience.

Audi TT

Does familiarity really spawn disdain? Well, not in the case of the Audi TT. This coupe is a prime example of something that, as the years roll by, gets increasingly enticing.

Launched back in 1998, the original TT had seriously eye-catching looks, but it was not especially sparkling to drive. In comparison, it was arguably easier to drive the second-generation TT than to gawp at it. In one, sharply styled kit, this third-generation TT pushes things on again, offering you the looks and the driving experience. No wonder, then, that the TT outsells competitors like the Ford Mustang and BMW 2 Series comfortably.

It is so good, in fact, that it’s won the What Car? Award for the Coupe of the Year over and over again since it launched. The versatile appeal of the TT is now underpinned by a refined offering of four petrol engines and new styling updates. All these changes ensure the TT remains as significant and competitive as ever, despite no longer being offered as a diesel.

In particular, the interior sets new standards, from the Audi Virtual Cockpit’s technological wizardry to the overall architecture, fit and finish. The Audi TT has been on sale in the UK for over 20 years and has since developed itself at the cutting edge of the German company’s design and technology. The TT has developed into a pint-sized supercar with the arrival of the R8 supercar, but it suits this brief quite well with equally athletic looks, engaging handling and technology.

All this for £10,000 or less with ChooseMyCar is quite the steal, and you really do get a lot of car for your buck.

BMW 1 Series Coupé

For many coupes, the problem is that they’re pricey and impractical. The BMW 1 Series Coupe, however, manages to be both fair in price, and style.

Unlike other competitors, the rear-wheel-drive offers tight handling and strong control of the body. The ride remains enjoyable on all but the roughest of roads, which is pretty amazing when you consider its sporty nature. The engines are refined, and at higher speeds, there is a great deal of drama going on.

Within, you get consistent instruments that are clearly labelled and stylish. In the front, there’s plenty of room and the driving position is excellent and the boot is a big one for a coupe.

Although beauty is in the beholder’s eye, few would claim that the 1-Series Coupe two-door appears ungainly. It has a sense of enthusiasm or individuality but may not turn heads the way an Audi TT does. However, it is said to be a complete four-seater, which does position it between trendy coupes and top-end hatches such as the Audi A3, VW Golf R32, Volvo C30 and Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe.

There are three types of trim, ES, SE and M Sport, combined with three engines for your delectation. There are two states of tune for the 2.0-litre diesel, and there is also a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine on offer. Those two options are supplemented by a 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.

The way the 1-Series goes, and slows down, is absolutely outstanding. The 135i gets a remarkable twin-turbo petrol engine, that blasts it to 60mph in only 5.1 seconds. That’s in the same league as the V8 Vantage Aston Martin! Even the two diesel options, especially the twin-turbo 123d, are just as fantastic and not as brutal on the wallet.

BMW 3 Series Coupé

The BMW 3 Series Coupe takes the tried and tested formula of the excellent saloon of its dad, the 3 Series, and gives it a twist that is slightly sportier. The result is a car with a wide range of engines that is spacious and affordable.

Always a sharp looker, the BMW 3 Series Coupe had a recent facelift, in 2010, to refresh the style while keeping that timeless look. From every angle, the body looks slender and trendy. With a classy black leather-effect trim on the dash, and fine fabrics for the seats and doors, it is well finished inside, too.

With sharp steering, good grip and great balance when cornering, it’s awesome to drive. The ride is on the firm side, which on bad surfaces can be close to irritating but certainly not a deal-breaker and, for most of the time, is just about reasonable. It should be remembered that the closest competitors to the BMW 3 Series Coupe, the Mercedes C-Class Coupe and the Audi A5, are both newer and more practical, but neither is as much fun to drive.

What’s more, the trademarked traction control system of BMW, or DSC as it’s called, is very powerful, and, for those looking to test the limits of the car’s handling, it can be manually turned off. Petrol engines rev cleanly and offer lots of power, particularly the turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0-litre unit in the 335i, but it’s the diesel engines that offer the most impressive performance. The star of the show is the 335d, which sprints in 5.9 seconds from 0-60mph.

Since it’s refined and relatively free of road noise, passengers can enjoy riding in the 3 Series Coupe. For four people, there’s enough leg space, but the sloping roofline affects the rear headroom, and anyone over six-foot will suffer.

Honda CR-Z

Describing a car as a fun hybrid might seem strange, at least when discussing conventional hybrids. Conventional hybrids tend to, like Dracula, suck the enjoyment out of driving – because the machine chooses which engine to use to save fuel. However, the Honda CR-Z, like raw garlic or a wooden stake, is a salve to that and looks to buck the trend

For instance, this hybrid is a manual, while its contemporaries commonly use automatic transmissions as a way to bring the power of the engine to the wheels using ‘constantly variable transmissions’, or CVT for short.

But since the electric motor is more of an assistant to the engine, the Honda CR-Z hybrid system is distinct. Regenerative braking charges the battery pack below the boot floor and then sends power to the integrated electric motor that gives the wheels an extra bit of shove when you need it. It’s a lightweight, compact device, meaning it can be made to work like the CR-Z in a small car.

In order to minimise emissions and help improve fuel economy, the engine also uses a start-stop system to turn off the engine in traffic. There are three driving modes for you to choose from, which, depending on your mood, change the throttle mapping and driving features meaning you can really give it some oomph or take things slowly. There’s also an Eco Assist Gauge that helps coach you through healthier driving habits that are more economically-conscious, which is a nice touch.

The compactness of the hybrid motor suggests that the CR-Z will maintain its manual gearbox. This gives the car an extra dimension of driver engagement absent from its peers. A proper hybrid that doesn’t make you hate driving, surely not?!

Jaguar XK

The XK is the true manifestation of Jaguar’s motto: ‘Space Rhythm and Grace’. This stunning piece of kit is fast and sleek enough to parade around the streets of Monaco without crippling your budget. It really does have the same ‘wow’ factor as cars such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage minus the operating costs. Think James Bond, but he is trying to save a few quid.

Its size might lead you to believe that, instead of a full-blown sports car, the XK is a cruiser. This is simply not true, you can certainly take it easy, and the great refinement and smooth auto gearbox of the Jag make it easy to get around town, but on fast roads, is when it really comes alive.

The lightweight aluminium body makes the XK very agile, and there are masses of grip that allow you to corner confidently, and with a smile on your face. The standard car is fast, but if you opt for a supercharged R model, you get the performance of junior supercars and the enthusiasm of an 8-year-old seeing a Ferrari for the first time.

The supercharger of the R version boosts the 4.2’s output to 420bhp and the 5.0’s to 503bhp. To give you an opportunity to make the most of it, the chassis has been modified. And, yes, the 5.0 XKR-S with 542bhp is here too.

The XK is every inch the spectacular Jaguar sports car, with a low nose, pert tail and eye-catching proportions. It looks much better than a Mercedes SL and manages to create as much of a stir as the much more costly Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

The best way to describe the inside is plush. There’s plenty of space up front and a nice driving position with electrically-adjustable steering and seating. Each surface is covered in soft leather, quality wood or hard metal, and as standard, there is much satellite navigation equipment, a six-CD in-dash changer, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control and stability control.

Mercedes CLS

The Mercedes CLS was the original four-door luxury coupe. It beat an entire generation of Audi A7s and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupes and was noted for its sleek styling and tech-filled interior. It set the benchmark, while its hybridised engine range ensured running costs were kept to a minimum.

This four-door coupe is more attractive than ever, with more powerful hybrid engines, a plethora of engineering choices and modern, sleeker styling. Driving is super soothing and the sumptuous interior is laden with gear. A new four-cylinder engine is also helping to reduce the once lofty price-tag.

The CLS comes in only one body style, technically, but it is closely related to the E-Class, which comes in Saloon, Estate, Coupe and Cabriolet versions. Just one trim (AMG Line) is available, but all cars are fitted with 19-inch wheels, sharp styling and leather seats. This kind of kit, which is standard, is quite remarkable when considering who built the car.

There were few competitors for the initial CLS, but the market has grown since 2004 to include models such as the Audi A7, as well as the soon-to-be-replaced BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Tesla Model S.

A fascia of good fit and finish that looks and feels very lavishly decorated in front of you; the car boasts adaptive digital instruments and a first-rate ‘Command Online’ infotainment system, which is a pretty spicy optional extra. Thanks to some lovely ambient lighting features, driving at night feels more like the batmobile, than the number 9 bus.

As a package, the CLS is up there with the very, very best and we love it here at ChooseMyCar.

Nissan 370Z

If you’re looking for value for money, BHP for your buck if you’ll allow us, then the Nissan 370Z Coupe might be your new favourite motor.

It outguns rivals such as the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT, and undercuts them on price too, with a 324bhp 3.7-litre V6 under the bonnet offering plenty of heft when you put your foot down. It provides lively handling of the rear-wheel drive, and its muscular styling would definitely turn heads.

The 370Z is very much the 350Z’s natural successor which resurrected the original Zed concept and hit the spot again when the 350Z was released in 2003. Nissan claims to have increased the refining of the Zed. At the same time, however, the company tried hard to keep the old car’s shameless butch character intact. What also remains is the performance of the car, offering plenty of power per pound.

In the nose, there is, as we mentioned, a 3.7-litre V6 engine and the Nismo-tuned variant gets 339bhp, with all three connected to a six-speed manual. Both the GT and Nismo are available with an automatic seven-speed paddle-shift gearbox.

With a cabin set far back and a long bonnet to house the V6 engine, the 370Z is very much a conventional high-performance two-seater sports car. The fact that this car is built to go quick is not obscured by bulging bodywork and 19-inch alloys, while neat design touches such as the boomerang front and rear lights really set it apart, and, when you drop into the low-slung seats, you will discover an enticing and original cabin that keeps you snug as you rip up the road.

Seat Leon SC

A great example of why the best things in life are not always the most famous, or flashiest, is the Seat Leon. This cheeky Spanish hatchback is substantially outsold by its nearest competitors, but it’s still arguably a better car than all of them when you weigh every meaningful metric up.

With hot diesel hatchbacks, Seat has a rather strong precedent and has a reasonable claim to say it was the first to exploit this market.

If you don’t know exactly where Leon is sitting in the world of cars, think of it as a cross between a family car and coupe. That means it’s around the same size as a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, and those are actually two of the cars in the sales charts that it competes with. You can’t rule out the slightly longer Skoda Octavia as a competitor, of course, either.

All Seat Leon models come as standard with five doors, and there is a range of engines ranging from ‘does the job’ to ‘smug-grin inducing’ brisk. You can also choose between the more modest SE (or SE Dynamic) trim, the FR version’s more extroverted styling and sportier driving modes, or a more luxury-focused Xcellence trim.

Volkswagen Scirocco

Back in 1974, the cute Volkswagen Scirocco made its debut, and was loosely based on the mechanics of its relative, the VW Golf. It was a successful car despite not being a speed freak’s vehicle, and it sold well for many years. Over time, it did appear to fade into the ether, and was seemingly last to the scrap heap of history.

However, decades later, this all-new car that was, once again, heavily based on the Golf, was launched to high acclaim. For those considering a hot hatch, a distinctive style, a great frame and a touch of practicality – the Scirocco was a serious choice.

The Scirocco is hugely impressive on the road, whether you’re cutting up a country lane or taking it easy on the motorway. It is a great option for someone who wants this car’s looks rather than blistering results, given its relatively low asking price and decent economy.

A sub seven second 0-62mph time is recorded in the 2.0-litre model, which is an excellent result, similar to the BMW 225i coupe, and totally competitive with other selected rivals. The R, meanwhile, is fast and provides highly accessible efficiency.

Diesel models are not exceptionally quick, but they aren’t slow either. They are better seen as GT cars rather than sports models because of their immense torque (the flagship diesel produced 258lb ft), as you don’t have to chase every engine revolution to eke out pretty remarkable results.

All models handle perfectly well, and there is plenty of grip owing in part to the fact that the Scirocco has a narrower track, and a lower centre of gravity, than the Golf counterpart. By adjusting settings that control the suspension, steering and throttle response, drivers can personalise the ride, and, although it is firm, it never threatens to grow uncomfortable. The Scirocco is cemented as a firm favourite for VW fans and for those looking for a coupe/hot hatch that is £10,000 or less.

Dacia Duster

OK, controversy time. We like the Dacia Duster. There, we said it. Haters gonna hate.

Someone on your estate will have one, for sure. And they will surely know NOTHING about cars, having bought what looks like the same ‘thing’ as others, but at a much lower price. These people probably used the same thought process as they did when buying white goods for their kitchen.

However, is the joke on those that won’t even consider purchasing a car that is not one of the main 10, 20, 30, 40 brands in the car world? You see, a used Dacia Duster on your driveway does not emit sophistication. It probably shows that your recent BBQ purchase was on the cheap side – and that your sausages will be very hit and miss when summer comes around. Or that you have a ‘Fridgemaster’ fridge that cost pennies compared to a swanky Samsung fridge like this writer has (I’m so posh!). But does your car have to be a well-known badge for it to be safe, have enough comfort, have a DAB radio, sat nav, and reversing cameras? Well, no, is the answer when you decide to opt for this cheapo crossover thingy.

Even some of the higher spec Dusters are cheaper than entry level competitors, with the TechRoad model being a particular favourite of those savvy, ‘not-fussed-about-design’ people – you know, misers.

The 1.3 litre petrol engine is a decent engine, but we like the 1.5 litre diesel engine better, as it is extremely reliable.

So, if you can not care about what your neighbours think of you, or don’t mind kids in your village laughing as you drive by, or confusing the heck out of your car-loving uncle who has told you about cars all your life, then the unassuming Dacia Duster could just be the savvy purchase that you have been needing to make in your life.

The 2018 Dacia Duster NAV Plus DCI model that we currently have on the site can be had for just £177 per month, and it only has 16k on the clock, making it a steal.

What could you waste £10,000 on instead of buying a Duster? Well, there’s always the option of 34 unfussy-but-does-the-job silver Fridgemaster MC55264DFSs to buy (yes, that really is the model name of the fridge).

Honda CR-V

Is it an estate, is it an SUV, or is it a crossover? So many different car journals treat it as something different. For some reason, it’s not classified simply as a crossover/SUV as the other cars on this part of the list are. So, off to a confusing start.

The fourth generation CR-V, which makes up most of the second-user Honda CR-Vs for sale on ChooseMyCar, was replaced in 2018 with the fifth generation – which of course came with the obligatory facelift and several new additions to the interior.

As with many Honda models, infotainment and dashboards just don’t have the same flair – or ease-of-use as rivals. The people in charge of the menu systems on Honda certainly would be ‘talkers’ if you came across them at a party. Succinct, they are not.

Like the Peugeot 5008, the interior is huge, with enough room to swing several cats at once – and that’s without the seats down (which is actually easier to do than in most similar vehicles).

You can get real bargains on CR-Vs for under £9,000, never mind the titular £10,000 and with really strong numbers when it comes to consumption (especially the diesel, front-wheel drive models), it’s not going to hurt your back pocket from month to month.

Service costs for the CR-V are relatively cheap, too. So, if you can stretch your initial purchase budget, you’ll be able to take advantage of much more bang for your buck than of many other rivals in this category.

Because the previous owner’s families may have had naughty children (they know who they are), take a close look at interiors to see if things like stitching is missing, or the odd fruit shoot stain here and there – especially the strawberry. One other thing to make sure of is to check if the firmware of the car has been updated, as some models had issues with emergency braking systems.

Right this very second, there is a Honda CR-V I-VTEC SE automatic (try saying that in one go), with with just 50,000 miles on the clock – in a beautiful metallic sapphire blue that has cruise control and loads of other extras.

What could you spend £10,000 on instead of getting a Honda CR-V? Only 40,000 bottles of strawberry fruit shoot – which would keep your kids permanently awake for a few weeks.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is one of those crossover/SUVs that literally came out of nowhere a few years ago – and now everyone has one! The recent re-design is not to everyone’s taste (we still prefer the previous model), but it was something that differentiated it a bit more from other similar vehicles such as the SEAT Ateca crossover that many people confuse with the Sportage. The Ateca doesn’t make this list, however, which is testament to the popularity and price-point of the Sportage.

Some of the higher-end versions make the Kia Sportage a desirable Crossover because of features such as panoramic roof and surround-view camera. Along with 19-inch wheels and electric seats, it really makes those that typically would go for a VW/Seat offering take a second look. And this is probably at the heart of their recent popularity on schoolyards and at your local Aldi.

The regular models are decent enough, too. They’re probably not as long-term durable as a VW crossover, but any model under 5 years old will be a really smart buy if it has been looked after by a previous owner. Be wary of an ex-leased Sportage, however. Those that lease cars are not terribly well-known for their worries about a car’s future.

One thing that we do recommend that you do is to try your best to get the warranty transferred to you, as Kia’s long-term warranties are very good.

As we write this, there is a really smart black 2016 diesel Kia Sportage CRDI 2 ISG with 71,000 miles on the dial which means it’s still within a few years of that all-important warranty.

What could you waste £10,000 on instead of buying a used Kia Sportage? Why not 285 copies of BBC’s ‘Top Gear The Ultimate Car Challenge Board Game’ at £34.99 each.

Mazda CX-5

If you’re in the market for an SUV, well, welcome to the club, because basically everyone is. During your quest, you may have considered the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq, but maybe they are all just a little on the small side, even though you love their chunky styling and low running costs. If only there was something that had all those things, and more, well, say hello to the Mazda CX-5.

It’s a big ol’ SUV, but it’s not a complete warship to handle in a multi-storey car park with five proper seats that can fit babies and adults alike. Yes, it might not have an Audi badge on its front, but its sharp detail and crisp finish sure cuts a dash from the outside. Oh, and did we mention that it is massively cheaper than any of the German premium alternatives in this class.

The car has maintained its USP of being the SUV of choice for keen drivers and handles better than ever, but, most importantly, its comfort and elegance are on another level.

It’s easy, then, to see why this is one of Mazda’s best sellers, and combine all of the above with the rather punchy and powerful diesel engine, an upmarket interior and plenty of kit, and you’ve pretty much got the whole package.

Granted, the slightly sharper design doesn’t really pass the game forward, and for tech and practicality, some rivals still beat it, but it’s an outstanding package as an all-round family SUV that’s both relaxed and agile.

The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV suitable for drivers who are used to having a vehicle that is enjoyable to drive, rather than only being comfortable for daily transport.

Nissan Qashqai

It’s easy to forget that the trend for mainstream family SUVs began with the Nissan Qashqai. It was actually seen as something of a gamble when it was first launched more than a decade ago. Thankfully, the blend of elevated driving position, sleek, sturdy looks and down-to-earth operating costs made the Qashqai a big success for Nissan, and a nightmare to spell for the rest of us.

For years now, the Nissan Qashqai has been a reliable feature at the top end of sales charts, and an upgrade in 2017 and a range of new engines and gearboxes in 2019 further strengthened this all-round kit. The Qashqai competes well in a crowded field, standing up against rivals such as the Peugeot 3008, Mazda CX-5 and SEAT Ateca.

No matter your budget, Nissan offers a wide variety of models. Visia trim kicks off the range, followed by Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, N-Tec, Tekna and Tekna+ models. Bluetooth, a DAB radio and air conditioning are also standard equipment for Visia vehicles, while Acenta Premium adds additional kits, including car lights and wipers, climate control, ambient interior lighting and 17-inch wheels, along with TomTom sat nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Four engine choices are available: two petrol and two diesel. A 1.3-litre DIG-T unit with either 138bhp or 158bhp provides petrol capacity, while diesels with 113bhp and 148bhp come as 1.5-litre and 1.7-litre units.

As you move further up the range, the Qashqai becomes especially well-equipped. N-Connecta features 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass and a strengthened range of safety and driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, smart cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera.

When it comes to the Qashqai, there is so much variety out there that it’s harder to not find your ideal model for £10,000 or less with ChooseMyCar.

Renault Captur

With the new Captur, Renault has not disappointed in its delivery of this latest SUV. Overall output is good, running costs are great, and the standard equipment level is fantastic given what its competitors are doing. The Captur is a great option, with great design, versatility and value for money. The new model has undergone a complete redesign to help it stand out in an increasingly competitive crowd of rivals.

The Renault Captur should certainly be at the top of your shopping list if you’re looking for a flexible, all-round performer. With a splash of customisation, a major reason the Captur was so popular was because of its distinctive looks. These charming looks made it stand out from the crowd, gave it some ‘Je ne sais quoi’, and Renault has stuck with the same theme for this second-generation Captur.

In addition to the looks, underneath is a whole different ball game. Plusher plastics, more significant switches and updated digital displays, especially in top-spec models, aim to give it more pizazz. It’s also been eating its greens which have resulted in a small growth spurt over its predecessor which allows passengers, and their luggage, to enjoy their surroundings a bit more.

You can find a range of modern petrol and diesel engines under the bonnet, with power outputs ranging from 93bhp all the way up to 158bhp. The E-Tech plug-in hybrid, which combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to minimise emissions and provide electric-only driving, is the punchiest in terms of power.

So, if you already own an original Captur or are thinking of buying one for the first time, don’t be fooled by the familiar looks of the new car, there’s plenty to talk about. And that’s no bad thing, considering how competitive the small SUV class is with the keen-handling Ford Puma, the spacious Skoda Karoq and the comfort-oriented Volkswagen T-Roc – all fellow competitors.

Skoda Yeti

The Yeti is no longer on sale as a new car, but in Skoda’s history, it remains as a landmark. The Yeti has been replaced with the Karoq, and the Kodiaq is also a larger alternative to some degree. Skoda’s first crossover, however, remained a winning model, with a rather likeable, no-nonsense character, against its younger rivals, and is still available for £10,000 or less with ChooseMyCar.

Although the tough-looking Yeti may immediately be believed to be better suited to a diesel engine and four-wheel drive, it is actually the front-drive petrol model that makes the most sense. It has perky efficiency and has remarkably good fuel economy in the real world.

If you’re doing big miles or living at the far end of a rutted road, then fair enough, a 4×4 diesel is the safest, but the 1.2 TSI will do nicely for those of us who don’t live in the depth of the woods. It’s a mark of the quality of the Yeti that, after such an extended time on sale, it remained so competitive in the crossover and compact SUV segment, and, now, it makes a lot of sense as purchasing a used family vehicle.

Initially, there were four trim levels – S, SE, Monte Carlo and SE-L – to choose from. You get 17-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, heated front seats, heated windscreen and a touchscreen infotainment system complete with sat nav, a DAB radio, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. If you’re looking for something truly plush, upgrade to the SE L Drive model and you can find exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels, silver rails on the roof, textile floor mats and full leather upholstery.

Being very big and tall, the Yeti can house five passengers, with a generous amount of room inside to swing plenty of cats or even wear a very large hat! Much like its predecessors, to increase rear leg space or boot space, the rear seats will slide back and forth. It’s a strong suit to combine this with the boxy form of the Yeti and versatility; you’ll have no problem fitting a pushchair in there and it’s more accommodating than rivals such as the Suzuki Vitara.

Suzuki Ignis

Some new cars barely alter their looks from generation to generation, but those cars aren’t, of course, the Suzuki Ignis. The Ignis has turned from a fairly bland MPV-styled hatchback to a distinctive SUV that really sits as an outlier in terms of looks.

The proof is in the pudding, and the Ignis is only 3.7m long and 1.7m tall. In reality, it’s about the same size as a Volkswagen Up or Kia Picanto. There’s no mistaking it for anything other than a radically built, and eye-catching, baby SUV with its flared arches, bluff nose and jacked-up stance.

Beyond the looks, there is a four-wheel-drive system and a hybrid version for those who are looking for a bit of frugality. All of this means that this little Suzuki has plenty of strings to its bow.

Suzuki Vitara

There are many sensible, objective, things to say about the Vitara, such as the fact that it is a compact, five-seat SUV that is designed to be affordable, practical and easy to live with. Now, while all that is fine, it does reduce the car to a rather boring wheeled box. Whereas, it would be accurate to say that, in fact, this Vitara is a cracking little run around with a distinct spec and some genuinely good features.

The Suzuki Vitara of today has changed dramatically from the one that was first on sale in the UK in the 1990s. The chunky looks and purposeful looks of a real tiny off-roader are gone, substituted by a sleek crossover built to cater to a new generation of buyers.

There is only one engine to choose from, a 1.4-litre petrol with fancy mild-hybrid technology, and three different trim levels to choose from. On the top-spec model, you also get the option of a four-wheel drive making this a proper SUV.

The Vitara is a fine crossover that’s doesn’t ‘feel’ like an SUV when you’re behind the wheel. It has sharp suspension, steering, and, if you can compromise a little ride comfort, you’ll certainly appreciate the driving dynamics. And, as a side note, the diesel’s combination of power output, and efficiency, is remarkable.

Still, this new crossover-style Vitara is a much more appealing proposition than its off-road biased predecessors, with a responsive and agile frame for the class, and improved performance from the 1.4 Boosterjet petrol hybrid engine.

In 2015, the latest Vitara arrived and was intended to contend against cars such as the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, and a new generation of tiny crossovers. The Vitara definitely holds its own by incorporating value, style, protection and versatility into one good-looking package.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Previous Tiguan’s have maybe not delivered on their original, exciting promise since their release in 2007, but neither have many of its closest crossover rivals such as the Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Qashqai, and Mazda CX-5. This facelifted model, however, performs, and looks, as good as many of its competitors. For a growing family, there’s plenty of room inside, the cabin is very well built and, although it remains a little dull inside, it’s now full of the latest tech. Overall, this is an extremely well-rounded package, and the Tiguan ticks a lot of boxes.

In 2016, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan arrived, building on the appeal of the original with extra kit, more technology and a premium image inspired by the Golf hatchback of the seventh generation. A new exterior, updated technology and a revised range of engines – including a plug-in hybrid due in 2023 – are offered in the facelifted model. The Tiguan comes in two body styles if you’re looking for increased practicality – the standard five-seat model and the extended, seven-seat Tiguan Allspace.

Engines are available with either 128bhp (TSI 130) or 148bhp from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol (TSI 150). As well as a hot Tiguan R version with a mighty 316bhp, there is also a plug-in eHybrid with a decent electric-only range. Finally, with either 148bhp or 197bhp, there is a pair of 2.0-litre diesels. Cylinder deactivation is provided for the petrol models, which can shut off two of the four cylinders of the engine to save fuel, while TDI diesels benefit from clever emission reduction technology.

The Tiguan is designed more for the road than for challenging terrain, but with certain engines, Volkswagen’s 4Motion four-wheel-drive system is available, and there are adjustable drive modes that help tackle difficult conditions.

Audi A4 Avant

The Audi A4 Avant is one of those cars that just oozes quality at every turn. No matter whether you’re making use of the four-wheel drive system (which has been upgraded for better performance) or just cruising on more forgiving terrain, the A4 Avant has it all. What’s special about the Audi is that despite its functional, practical nature, it still looks phenomenal. The raised profile caused by the heightened suspension makes this car a dream to drive on all terrain – you’ll absorb shock more effectively, leading to a smoother and more comfortable ride.

This car isn’t just all about the flashy stuff though, it does the basics to perfection. The interior is clean, modern and spacious, whilst the boot is large enough to offer plenty of storage space should it ever be required, which is ideal for those long trips where a cramped car can very quickly lead to a grumpy family and an unpleasant journey.

If you’re interested in grabbing an Audi A4 Avant for yourself, check out our selection right here at ChooseMyCar! We’ve got a range of different payment options and reasonable prices that allow you to get the perfect car without paying over the odds.

BMW 3 Series Touring

A stylish exterior? Check. A sophisticated interior? Check. Enough space to transport a wardrobe? Check. The BMW 3 Series Touring is one of the most popular estate cars on the market, and that’s due to its incredible ability to combine everything that the modern family could ever need into one beautiful vehicle. For the driving fanatic, this car is a special one – it offers power, handling, and an incredibly sophisticated arrangement of on-board technology, but retains the practicality that it needs to remain functional for your daily activities.

For the family driver, the spacious interior is the main event – you’ll be able to fit everyone inside the car with ease, making those previously cramped journeys a little more relaxed. To assist with this heightened level of comfort, a sophisticated suspension system is implemented to minimise bumps and jolts as you drive, making for a smooth, more luxurious trip every time. With the option for four-wheel drive and efficient engine types, the BMW 3 Series Touring is easily one of the most rounded vehicles we’ve got in our collection. Browse our 3 Series and more by visiting our catalogue, where we compile the best car from over 2500 UK car dealerships!

Ford Focus Estate

Over the years, Ford has been recognised as one of the most trusted and reliable car manufacturers in the world, offering fantastic vehicles that top the charts in almost every single category. From hatchback to family cars and SUVs, there’s seemingly nothing that Ford fails to excel at, with the estate car being no exception to that trend. The Ford Focus Estate is built to be the perfect vehicle for every situation, as it’s unrealistic for the modern family to be able to afford a different car for every scenario. With the Focus Estate, you’ll get the perfect cocktail of everything you could possibly be looking for – you’ll find an interior that’s both comfortable and sophisticated, along with Ford’s signature technology that makes every drive one that’s smarter and more intuitive. You’ll also find that the interior is incredibly spacious, which is great for when you have multiple passengers or larger items to transport. On top of this, the car will also look the part too – Ford have long been one of the most stylish in the automotive industry and the Focus Estate captures this perfectly.

Want to hear the best bit? You could walk away with one of our beautiful used Ford Focus Estate’s today for less than £10,000 – an absolute bargain when you consider the price that you could be faced with when buying one of these straight from the manufacturer!

Ford Mondeo Estate

Simply put, the Ford Mondeo Estate is one of the best family estate cars on the market today. There are so many factors working in favour of this car that it really is tough to look past it when you’re on the search for an all-in-one car to give your family everything they need on a daily basis. First up, you’ve got the manufacturer – Ford is one of the most trusted in the business for a reason – they build great cars that last. When you’re buying a Ford, you know you’re buying real quality that’s built for function as much as it is for fancy aesthetics.

Next, you have to consider the build; despite the large size, the Mondeo Estate is surprisingly nimble and feels great on the road, something that’s a huge bonus for these larger estate cars. Combine this fantastic driving experience with ample space for the whole family, holiday luggage, or even a pet with the additional dog guard, and you’ve got a rounded family vehicle that passes every test with flying colours.

To make things even sweeter, you can pick up one of these spectacular estate cars for under £10,000 right here at ChooseMyCar, so you don’t have to break the bank to hit the road in a shiny new motor.

Seat Leon ST

The Seat Leon ST looks to throw all of your previous misconceptions about estate cars out of the window – no longer will you consider estate cars to be ugly, boxy things that haven’t been in style since the 1990s, and instead, you’ll see them as stylish, fashionable vehicles that offer a level of practicality that few vehicles can rival. The first thing that’ll strike you when you set eyes on the Leon ST is the sheer beauty it possesses; rather than opting for the squared, clunky look that estate cars are often presented with, this car has a smoother, sleeker design that’s sure to please those who aim to remain stylish on the road, even if it is just the school run.

The true benefits of the Seat Leon ST are found once you step inside – the boot is huge, giving you ample space for all the shopping you could ever imagine, or even luggage for the whole family when you head off on a trip! Unlike with other estate cars, this larger boot does not come at the expense of passenger comfort – there’s ample space for a group of adults to comfortably fit in the front and back seats, and remain comfy for the duration of the journey.

Skoda Octavia Estate

Make no mistake, the Skoda Octavia Estate is a force to be reckoned with in the estate cars category, so much so that it’s actually seen as the measuring stick for all estate cars to challenge within the division. As far as estates go, Skoda’s offering gets everything spot on – great design, great features, and great comfort can all be found within this sensible Czech family car. The Octavia is one of Skoda’s flagship lines, selling well to every demographic in countries the world over, so it must be doing something right, but under closer inspection it’s evident that it’s actually doing everything right.

From the moment you sit in the car, you start to notice that this vehicle isn’t the cheap, budget Skoda that you may have been familiar with in the past, and it’s actually one of the most sophisticated estate cars on the market. There’s isolated air conditioning, an intelligent trip control system that’s operated by touch screen, and more space than you could ever wish to make use of – ideal for those shopping trips to a certain Swedish furniture store!

Interested in the Skoda Octavia? Well, you’re in luck – we’ve got lots to choose from with a range of different payment options to ensure that your car fits into your lifestyle, without limiting it.

Skoda Superb Estate

When it comes to automobiles, very few things feel as luxurious as interior space, so by our reckoning, the Skoda Superb is one of the most luxurious options on the market at the moment. As we’ve mentioned previously, Skoda have become the masters when it comes to the estate car – between the Superb and the Octavia, they’re got the division dominated and it’s really easy to see why. The reason is that they’re just fantastic cars – they offer everything you could need from a car in modern society. The Superb is sophisticated, without coming across as pretentious. It’s practical, but doesn’t lose sight of the importance that aesthetic appeal holds for the modern motor vehicle. It’s also got a great set of on-board technology, but doesn’t scare away the technophobes – all in all, it’s a fantastic car that everyone is sure to enjoy from the moment they get behind the wheel.

If you’re looking to make the switch to a more eco-friendly form of motoring, Skoda have got that covered too; the Superb is available in a plug-in hybrid model, which features enough electric power to allow you to make your journeys with the lowest emissions possible.

Check out the Skoda Superb range today to find the perfect vehicle for you and your family – you could even do so with change from a £10,000 budget!

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

The Vauxhall Astra follows in the footsteps of manufacturers such as Ford and Skoda in looking to expand into the estate cars market by utilising their popular hatchback designs with a few adjustments to make them the ideal estate car. By taking the standard Vauxhall Astra and giving it a larger boot, a set of convenient folding seats, and a longer distance between the front and rear axis, Vauxhall has created one of the most practical estates in the industry. The Astra Sports Tourer combines a few of the crucial key features in one great vehicle; it’s comfortable, it’s spacious, it looks great, and it’s incredibly affordable. You can find it for less than £10,000 here at ChooseMyCar, which is a bargain when compared with the prices you may often be quoted for an estate with similar features!

Here at ChooseMyCar, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our customers a deal that doesn’t just work for them, but benefit them. That’s why we’ve got a range of different payment options available, including multiple finance options that help you to split the cost of your new car into manageable monthly repayments. Head over to our finance calculator to find out how you could benefit from one of our convenient car finance plans!

Volkswagen Golf Estate

Unless you’ve been living under a rock since 1974, you’ll be very familiar with the Volkswagen Golf. The car is one of the most popular in the world and is renowned for its strikingly good looks, reliable nature, and high-quality build – essentially, you can’t go wrong with a Golf. To tailor to those who are looking for a little more space and storage in their vehicle, Volkswagen have taken the Golf and made a few adjustments; by making the car longer, wider, and a little taller, the Golf Estate becomes the perfect family car for any modern household. With plenty of space for the kids, or a pair of adults, in the back seats, enough boot space for a flat-pack wardrobe, and more than enough power to high some blistering speeds under the hood, there’s very little to complain about with the Golf Estate.

Whilst it isn’t the be all and end all when it comes to family cars, it’s also worth giving the Volkswagen Golf Estate a shoutout for it’s sensational design – it looks fantastic on the road and on the driveway, and it’s sure to be your prized possession from the moment you get the keys in your hands.

What are you waiting for? Head over to our Volkswagen Golf Estate page now to find the best deals on this truly monumental car!

Volkswagen Passat Estate

If you’re looking for a car that’s stood the test of time in the estate category, you can’t look beyond the Volkswagen Passat Estate. The car combines modern design and a classic estate car feel with a smooth ride and plenty of space, covering all the bases that you’ll be looking for from your new family car. For over 40 years, the Passat has been one of, if not the, most popular estate cars thanks to the quality build, which was originally based upon that of an Audi 80s, but is now based on the same design that underpins the motorists-favourite Audi A4 Avant. With this connection to Audi apparent throughout the designs, you can be sure that the Passat Estate is one of the most reliable and luxurious cars that you can buy.

Thanks to this Audi-inspired design, there are a few things of note that you’ll experience whilst driving the Volkswagen Passat. First is the ride – it’s incredibly smooth, comfortable, and jolt-free for most of the journey. Next is the power – the Passat has 150bhp under the hood, which is more than enough to get you where you need to go in a flash. Last, but certainly not least, is the space that’s available – the Passat offers one of the most enjoyable rides possible for back seat passengers, which makes long distance traveling much less daunting.

Audi A3

If you’re looking for a family car, you might be disappointed at some of the designs available – especially if you are someone who has always wanted a slightly sportier vehicle. That’s where the Audi A3 comes in! This is a family car that still manages to maintain a more sporty aesthetic. In fact, Audi themselves have said that the design of the Audi A3 was heavily inspired by the legendary Lamborghini Countach.

The Audi A3 has been around since the 1990s. Now in its fourth generation, the A3 looks better, runs more smoothly, and drives more comfortably than ever before. The A3 has long been one of the most stylish family cars on the market and Audi hasn’t felt the need to reinvent too much about the popular model for its latest incarnation.

For a premium family hatchback that gives you everything you need to comfortably transport your family while refusing to compromise on looks, the Audi A3 is the perfect model for you. Known for excellent suspension and handling, this is a car that ensures that your family is travelling in both style and comfort. With weighted and responsive steering, this is a hatchback that is an absolute delight to drive.

BMW 1 Series

Perhaps best known for being the smallest BMW, you may be wondering what exactly makes the BMW 1 Series such a great choice for a family car. The truth is that this model is a bit of a Tardis – compared to previous models, the 1 Series has much increased space on the inside (much more than it looks from outside, that’s for certain).

Often compared to the Volkswagen Golf in terms of price and practicality, we often find that people simply can’t get over the classic look of the BMW 1 Series. It’s a beautiful car with BMW’s signature class and elegance on full display. This model combines performance and efficiency with pure driver enjoyment to make it hands down one of the most popular premium hatchbacks on the market.

This family car is a huge seller for BMW in general, with the German manufacturer only doubling down on improving the success of the model – now in its third generation.

Want something to entertain the kids on long car journeys? The BMW 1 Series comes with an 8.8 inch screen as standard. That’s a feature that might save you from a few games of ‘I spy’ at least!

Ford Focus

Anyone who has spent any time on British roads can tell you just how popular the Ford Focus is. But why is it actually so popular? Well, aside from being one of the oldest and most trusted family hatchbacks on the market, the Ford Focus is quite simply a comfortable, reliable and easy car to drive – whether it be for long distances or short.

The chassis complements the design perfectly, resulting in a smooth and composed driving experience. The engines also pack a bit of a punch – especially the 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS version, so you don’t have to worry about this family car lacking power.

Cabin space is something that Ford has tried to improve across different Focus models. The latest Mk4 Focus has a lot more internal space that previous iterations of the classic hatchback. With excellent driving and a great interior, the Ford Focus is more than a match for the most popular family cars out there. And with excellent pricing, the modern Ford Focus is really a no-brainer for many drivers in the UK.

When the Focus launched back in 1998, it changed the game for family vehicles. It’s been more than 20 years, but this is still the go-to for many small families.

Honda Civic

Initially designed as a subcompact car, the Honda Civic has undergone many different changes as the Japanese manufacturer has worked to make the most of the Civic design. Nowadays, the Honda Civic is one of the most popular and relied upon family cars anywhere in the world.

The current model is a huge upgrade on previous iterations, with the Honda Civic boasting two small-capacity turbocharged petrol engines for efficiency and power, and the diesel engine focusing on economical driving and giving the car a bit of punch and power.

Now, it is true that many stick their noses up at the Civic when putting it side by side with some of its European competitors. The Peugeot 308 beats it for fuel efficiency, the Ford Focus is a much more enjoyable ride, and Audi and BMW offer more luxurious and stylish options. So why do people choose the Honda Civic?

Well, along with newer models looking increasingly sporty, the Civic is a car that blends practicality with functionality. Honda are known for packing their cars with fresh technology, and the Civic is no different, offering an impressive range of features.

With a history stretching all the way back to 1972 (yes, the Civic is really that old), when you choose the Honda Civic, you know that you are getting a model that has been refined and improved upon for decades.

Hyundai i30

The family hatchback market is incredibly competitive. For a long time, Hyundai simply didn’t have an offering to match the best in class. Now, while the latest Hyundai i30 still arguably trails behind some of the best offerings, it is nonetheless a solidly built and economical vehicle with enough standard equipment to sway many to purchase it for their family.

It may not be the most exciting family hatchback out there, but all models come with air conditioning and Bluetooth phone connectivity as standard. The SE variant also comes with a five inch touchscreen addition to the centre console, rear parking sensors and electric folding door mirrors. The features and gadgets make up for a modest power output and lack of flair.

Kia Ceed

If you’re into your cars, then you know that Kia is making some serious moves. Having grown in popularity over the last few years, Kia’s cars are looking more stylish and sporty than ever before – and the same can be said for the new Kia Ceed, a family hatchback ready to take on the market.

The Kia Ceed is very sporty looking – but don’t think this means that it compromises on features and stability. In fact, the new Ceed model is incredibly fun to drive and comes with a really nice and upmarket interior that compares well against its competitors. It also happens to be one of the more affordable family cars on the market, making it great value for money.

So what are the drawbacks? Well, it is known for high CO2 emissions, so it probably isn’t the best choice for the more environmentally-conscious car buyer. The automatic also fails to impress when compared to other hatchbacks, and it’s a robust ride with large wheels, which may or may not be your thing.

Overall, the Kia Ceed is aiming to steal buyers who might automatically opt for the more established family vehicles on the market. With fast steering and decent suspension, it is a smooth and agile little beast that offers a lot for family drivers planning on ferrying kids to and from school.

Seat Leon

Named after one of our favourite films, the 1992 FIPRESCI International Critics’ Prize-winning, Leon the Pigfarmer, this car is indeed a favourite of pig farmers across the world. Ok, while that may not be absolutely true, we have been assured by someone from Seat’s offices that pig farmers do indeed enjoy driving this model from time to time.

The Leon has never really been part of the mainstream in the UK. Even though it’s practically a VW Golf underneath, there is something about the Seat badge that people in this land (most probably Brexiteers) just don’t like about it. It’s strange, because just like the Skoda Octavia below, it is usually much cheaper than rival’s price-points, and more reliable in most cases.

The models of the early 2010’s until 2020 were much better than models that had gone before, making buying a Seat Leon used, rather than new, a pretty decent buy compared to others in the used market.

If green is your colour, then we currently have a 44k 2 litre TDI with 150 BHP at one pound under the £10,000 price tag – which will go like the clappers. You know this car – it’s driven by those guys that spend all night sitting with other boy/girl racers on Tesco car park until 2am.

What could you waste £10,000 on instead of putting a Seat Leon on your drive? Well, if you are forward-thinking enough to have yourself an Amazon Prime subscription, you can bag yourself exactly 2020 copies of Leon The Pig Farmer on VHS, which would be a real conversation piece at your next family gathering.

Skoda Octavia

Who you calling boring? The Skoda Octavia is one of those cars (a bit like the ill-fated Rover 75), that owners love and others scoff at. Pity the fool that doesn’t get to drive one of the latest models of this seriously underrated and overlooked car.

Yes, Skoda doesn’t have the same lustre as VW. Equally, it doesn’t have the reputation it once had. This particular writer had a friend when they were younger that would literally lie down in the back seat of his dad’s Skoda, such was the embarrassment that belonged to the Skoda badge in the 80s.

The modern Octavia was a turning point in Skoda’s journey and has been their best selling model since the mid-90s. The balance between practicality and design has grown ever closer since the launch of the modern version in 1996.

Seen as a risky move by those in the automotive sector, this upscaling of quality, while keeping things practical has paid off in terms of sales. Both new and used Octavia sales have steadily increased over the past decade. No longer do we associate Skoda with Lada, FSO (shudder), or Seat – we now readily think of Audi, VW, and even Mercedes-equivalents when the Octavia comes to mind. Also, if you have a few extra quid in your pockets, the Superb is what it says on the tin, ‘superb’, and a welcome upgrade to the Octavia for families that don’t tend to smear their seat coverings with yoghurt and toffee crisp bits. You’re probably a bit more classy if you have a Superb, rather than an Octavia – just sayin’.

However, we are not particularly fans of the 1 litre petrol engines, even though they are turbocharged. We do like the 2 litre diesels, as this engine is more suited to the types of driver and situations that the Octavia will find itself in. Also, suspension is not universally liked on the Octavia – motorways are ok, but rat runs become a bit of a chore at times. It’s fair to say that potholes are not the Octavia’s friend.

Currently, there is a very smart grey, 2-litre 2017 diesel model with 56,000 miles on the clock, coming in at just short of £10,000 which we find very attractive. It even has heated seats which are always fun to put on for unsuspecting older passengers who may think that they have had an accident. See…Skoda’s CAN be fun!

What could you waste £10,000 on instead of getting finance for a spanking example of a Skoda Octavia? You can take your family a whopping 567 times to visit the Prague Castle in the Czech Republic. Tenuous Czech link, we know.

Vauxhall Astra

The Vauxhall Astra has long been one of the more popular family cars, and the latest model may just be the best the British manufacturer has ever released. But despite high sales, it has never quite received the recognition it deserves. Those who might normally stick their noses up at a Vauxhall should consider thinking again in this case, because the latest Vauxhall Astra has a lot to offer.

There’s more internal space inside the Astra than ever before – and this space is wisely used, too. With kit including leather upholstery, parking assistance, sat nav and more, the Astra comes with plenty of tech and features to get any nerdy dad or mum excited about the morning commute.

It feels great to drive, and the good feeling will spread to your pockets, too. The Astra is a frugal little car that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Efficiency and economy are the name of the game, and the Vauxhall Astra is a car that will get your family further, for less.

For family drivers looking for economy, space and comfort, the latest Vauxhall Astra model is hard to beat. While you may be tempted to pot for a more stylish choice, we think that this is a family vehicle that deserves another look.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf has racked up over 35 million sales worldwide since the very first model was launched, making it one of the most popular and successful hatchbacks of all time. Now in its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Golf has made improvements across the board compared to the last model, including a snazzy interior and intuitive digital dashboard.

Volkswagen has aimed to improve incrementally across the board rather than focus too heavily on certain improvements. This means that everything from internal space and features to fuel efficiency and power has been upgraded from previous models of the Golf.

That said, some of the most noticeable upgrades show a clear intention to embrace digitisation. The latest Volkswagen Golf boost infotainment with two digital touch screens sitting side by side that can also be controlled by voice for even better safety and convenience while on the road.

Efficiency gains have been achieved via the new engine line up. With 1.0-litre and 1.5 litre options available, it’s up to you to choose between affordability and punch. In either case, overall efficiency and economy has been improved with a small performance boost.

For those with a long daily commute, the 2.0 litre engine is a newly designed option that cuts emissions. If you are a driver who wants to blend economy, reliability and style, the Volkswagen Golf is difficult to overlook.

Audi S3

The new Audi S3 is a hot hatchback that is easy to drive with an excellent interior. For those looking for a high performance hatchback with a lot of tech, this is a car that is certainly worth considering. With the S3, Audi has certainly designed one of the most popular hot hatches on the market, boasting a wide fan base. The good news is that the new model only improves on the areas that already made it so widely enjoyed.

With an excellent stick shifting gearbox, the Audi S3 is fun and easy to drive at speed. It’s a nimble and speedy vehicle that looks stylish and sporty, ensuring that you get around in style – and enjoy doing so.

It also boasts an excellent interior, with more space, stylish interior design and great tech on display. The exterior styling has also been given a makeover, with impressive wheel arches, LED lighting and a bold angular look that makes previous Audi S3’s look a little bit plain in comparison.

While there have been some complaints about the steering not feeling as responsive as desired, and the boot lacking in size compared to its competitors, the Audi S3 is nonetheless a speedy and stylish hatchback.

Ford Fiesta ST

You’d be forgiven for getting a little bit confused if you’re on the market for a little hot hatchback. The Peugeot 208 GTi, Suzuki Swift Sport, Volkswagen Polo GTI and MINI Cooper S are a respectable shortlist of talented applicants, but for many the typical class leader, the Ford Fiesta ST was noteworthy for its absence since the previous generation model fell out of production in 2017. May 2018, luckily, saw the return of an all-new update.

To make sure the new Fiesta ST will recover its crown, Ford has taken out all the stops. A new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 197bhp, giving the ST a 6.5-second 0-62mph speed, thanks in part to an overboost feature. Despite this performance, the economy is respectable; at lower engine speeds, the car’s engine will shut down one of its three cylinders to conserve fuel while cruising, helping it return over 40 mpg.

The short-shift six-speed manual gearbox can be ‘flatshifted’ during more spirited driving, ensuring you do not have to take your foot off the pedal while shifting gear. When you specify the extra Output Kit, along with a limited-slip differential to boost stability and gear shift lights, launch control is also included.

If you want a hot hatchback that is great fun to drive, looks sporty and offers excellent performance, and don’t mind a slightly unsettled drive on uneasy roads, then the Ford Fiesta ST is an excellent option.

Ford Focus ST

The hot hatchback is basically a British institution, and one of the genre’s key players is the Ford Focus ST – now in its fourth generation. Our narrow and twisting roads are well-suited to compact, agile and functional fast vehicles, and the ST has the benefit of being based on the best-selling and best-handling family hatchback that you can currently purchase.

Enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the most recent Ford Focus ST is the fastest yet. But Ford have focused on designing a pretty practical everyday car in the true hot hatch tradition, with a good boot and a fresh exhaust system that gives you the option of towing a trailer. Competition, however, is not absent, from old enemies like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R to modern ones like the Hyundai i30 N. The Focus ST also comes in estate shape, unlike many rivals.

The Ford Focus ST is exceptionally good at what it does, as you can imagine, and features some of the most outstanding hardware in its class. However, its price has also increased to the extent where it is now more pricey than the quicker Honda Civic Type R, never mind recent competitors like the Hyundai i30 N.

But while the Ford Focus ST has lost some of its bargain factor, it’s an incredibly well-made, reliable and fun hot hatch.

Honda Civic Type R

Ever since it first appeared in the UK two decades ago, Honda has impressed and the Type R badge has been held in high regard. The red ‘R’ has decorated the four-generation rump of the Honda Civic ever since, and now it’s making it to a fifth.

However, this is no glorified trim standard. The Honda Civic Type R treatment includes offering a comprehensive top-to-bottom makeover to the standard Civic, including hundreds of enhancements in the search for greater driving pleasure. And the few shortcomings of the previous generation have been fixed by this new iteration: quibbles that made it lag behind cars such as the Ford Focus RS, Mercedes-AMG A45 and Volkswagen Golf R in the hot-hatch battles.

Although it was certainly a decent driver’s car for the previous Civic Type R, it wasn’t quite the full kit it should have been. The brittle ride quality and very brusque suspension meant that long journeys could be a challenge, and the interior didn’t meet modern standards of elegance.

Fortunately, the Type R has also been given a real boost by the same changes that make the standard Honda Civic a better all-rounder than the previous generation. For 2020, it has been more refined, with a mild facelift that includes a new grille to reduce the coolant temperature when the engine is running hard by up to 10 degrees. New LED headlights and three new levels of trim are available to cater to a wider range of tastes.

Honda are a bit of a dark horse and it’s easy to see why. While you may be tempted to overlook the Japanese manufacturer for other options, the Honda Civic Type R is a hot hatchback that demands you take another look.

Mini Cooper S

The Mini Cooper S is more sporty than the standard Mini Cooper, and comes in two types: a twin-turbo petrol 189bhp 2.0-litre and a diesel SD 170bhp 2.0-litre. The extra power means that driving enjoyment is given an overall boost. However, with its fuel-saving stop-start function helping the petrol version to reach around 48 mpg, the Cooper S remains eminently sensible, while the SD diesel can return more than 71 mpg. As standard, there is a full range of safety features, and there is a huge list of personalization options, as with any MINI.

The Cooper S takes the MINI into the sports car realm. Acceleration is easy, but the engines, with loads of power across the rev range, are also incredibly versatile. To ensure that the Cooper S is even better on twisty roads, the suspension has been suitably upgraded, although the optional sports suspension is quite stiff, which makes the car more uncomfortable. Given the potential for performance, fuel economy is highly impressive. Large alloy wheels, a three-speed leather-rimmed steering wheel, twin exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler and sports seats are all sportily trimmed and equipped, but if you want to add more, the full range of MINI customization options is available.

If you are tempted by a sportier take on one of the 1960’s most classic cars, then the Mini Cooper S is a fast and thrilling modern take that is sure to please – even if it isn’t the most budget friendly option on the market.

Renault Sport Clio 200

Nothing nice lasts forever, or so the saying goes, and almost any keen driver’s favourite hot hatch has certainly been replaced by something very new. The Renault Sport Clio 200 is now a very different beast with a new smaller-capacity engine and, for the first time, turbocharging.

There are two key reasons for this change: firstly, the old car was too niche for ordinary consumers of hot hatch vehicles, which meant that it lacked daily versatility for total driving pleasure. The second explanation is that in post-recession Europe, the old car cost too much to run; a cardinal sin and one that essentially destroyed the glorious old 2.0-litre normally-aspirated engine.

The new Renault Sport Clio 200 arguably turns those customers away whose primary interests are B-road bursts, instead approaching drivers who need a car to be a practical, easy-to-go hatchback five days a week as well as being able to call for more.

For a brand new kind of engine and drivetrain, the improvements are huge. A dual-clutch automatic that can drive extremely easily makes the car quicker, and is the only gearbox available, but this car arguably lacks the sense of engagement that a decent manual can offer. However, from docile to aggressive, this gearbox allows for a range of drive profile configurations.

Renault Sport Mégane

The first Renault Sport Megane was introduced in 2004, and well-maintained models are still sought after today as one of the fastest, most entertaining and driver-focused hatchbacks ever sold. For Renault, this is positive news, but places the French business in a somewhat difficult position – each new Megane RS has to be at least as good if not better than the original.

So, in contrast to the Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus RS, not only must the new Mégane RS stand up, it must communicate with drivers just as the original did, despite being weighted down by today’s must-have technologies. And, to make matters more difficult, Hyundai has just entered the hot-hatchback fray triumphantly with the high-achieving I30 N.

The Mégane hatchback and Sport Tourer estate were introduced in 2015 and a Renault Sport version of the new Mégane was long overdue. The Mégane GT has a Renaultsport engine, albeit one shared with the 201bhp Renault Sport Clio, but the full-fat Mégane RS third-generation carries the 276bhp, 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that is also used for the Alpine A110 sports car.

There’s a 296bhp Mégane RS Trophy if that’s not enough performance, plus a really limited-edition hardcore RS Trophy-R for those who have deeper pockets.

Skoda Octavia vRS

The Skoda Octavia vRS stands out from the crowd by mixing together a world of wildly gaping air-vents, massive alloy wheels and huge, aeroplane-style spoilers. It’s one of the most understated hatchbacks of value you can find, helping to appease motorists on the quest for a fast, thrilling vehicle that doesn’t yell about its capability.

It provides effortless speed even with a TDI diesel badge on the boot, but it doesn’t compromise on practicality. The vRS has one of the biggest boots in the firm, just like the normal Octavia.

The Octavia shares parts with the Volkswagen Golf, as Skoda is part of the VW Community. This means that the vRS could essentially be characterized as a more realistic, less costly Golf GTI or GTD. What’s more, a 2017 upgrade refreshed the aesthetics, enhanced the 2.0-litre petrol engine’s capacity and further improved output. The Octavia vRS delivers exceptional value for money, costing less than a similarly efficient and well fitted BMW and Audi.

The Skoda Octavia vRS is thoroughly qualified as a family car with promising reliability, good economy, up-to-date safety and a big trunk. And it makes a convincing alternative to the Golf GTI when you take into account its entertaining road etiquette and spectacular speed turns.

Suzuki Swift Sport

A hot hatchback with a lot to live up to is the new Suzuki Swift Sport. The previous model had an engine that was enjoyable, smooth and punchy, and the model came with an inexpensive price tag. In terms of performance cars, the Swift Sport has gained a bit of a following in terms of pure driving experience.

For the latest edition, Suzuki has altered a few things, including cutting 80kg and making the car significantly shorter and wider. Crucially, however, without extending past the dinky supermini size, improvements have been made to the car’s form and size. The engine, with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre making way for a new turbocharged 1.4-litre Boosterjet, which produced 138bhp and plenty of in-gear pulling power, is certainly the biggest change. Today, with the addition of mild-hybrid fuel-saving technology in 2020, the Swift Sport has 10 bhp less, but a marginally improved figure for the economy.

The updated Swift Sport has a softer suspension configuration than the previous iteration, which makes it more comfortable when you want to rest even on longer rides. The downside is that as you press it hard, the vehicle doesn’t sound as detailed or composed, so some of its charm as a driver’s car has been diminished.

If you are a driver who isn’t too fussed about the interior, flashy tech or gadgets, and you simply want a pure driving experience, then the Suzuki Swift Sport offers a smooth and nimble ride you are sure to love.

Volkswagen Golf GTi

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the nearest thing to the Porsche 911 that hot hatch enthusiasts have – and we don’t just mean because it is a pure symbol of German automobile manufacturing success. Much like the Porsche, the Golf GTI is a model that Volkswagen is continuously updating, changing, tweaking and improving.

Now in its eighth generation, the GTI is cutting its own impressive path in the hot hatchback market. The performance Golf excels because it avoids trying to match massive power figures such as the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A 45, instead improving on what has made the model so popular in the first place. Power – the same number as the outgoing GTI output – is now 242bhp as usual. But the true breakthrough is in the chassis, not under the bonnet.

The GTI is made even more capable by a new adjustable suspension, switchable driving modes, the limited-slip gap from the pricey Golf GTI TCR and a system capable of modifying all up to 200 times a second. It has more grip and is much more doggedly immune to understeer, all while keeping the school run composed and secure.

Volkswagen have made some exterior improvements that are not too dramatic, but the headlights, following the line of the plunging cap, are now lower and slimmer. Quite remarkably, for a special appearance, the full-width honeycomb lower grille holds daytime running lights in an x-shape. Also available as an option is an LED light bar that spans the grille. Gloss-black side sills offer a ground-hugging look and a full-width strip of lights is joined by new LED rear lights at the rear. As standard, alloy wheels are 17-inches, with 18- and 19-inch items are also available.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

While you might hear BMW and instantly think of their rear-wheel drive legacy, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer marks a departure from all of that. This surprisingly luxurious MPV takes a different approach, prioritising space and practicality for up to five adults over classic Beemer performance and handling.

Back in 2015, the 2 Series Active Tourer was introduced, but was revised in 2018, adding a new front-end design with LED fog lights, updated interior design and upholstery options and additional exterior colour options, as well as a wide variety of fuel-efficient engines for the (slightly) more eco-conscious.

Inside there are no complaints with the amount space on offer around the front seats, as you’d expect from a car made to fit a small country. Even the tallest among us will have the rare luxury of plenty of head and legroom, and even the widest of us will feel the same! Slide in the back seat, however, and you’ll find the Active Tourer doesn’t have three individual rear seats unlike some other vehicles in this category. Sadly, this means that while headroom and legroom are generous for adults sat in on the rear driver and passenger seats, if you’re going to squeeze in a third adult in the back row, it’s going to be just that – a squeeze!

For a tall, hefty MPV, the 2 Series Active Tourer is surprisingly nimble! Its steering inspires a lot of faith while being light enough for easy use in tight parking spaces as well. When cornering quickly, there’s a little lean, but nothing out of the ordinary for this type of vehicle, and the body is held in check over uncomfortable bumps, bends and cambers.

Citroën Grand C4 Picasso

An absolute staple in the world of MPVs, the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso has been loved by families and new and used car salesmen alike for its style, durability, safety and practicality. Put as simply as possible, this is a good car! If that’s not an in-depth enough car review for you, consider this:

On the roads, for a car of this size, it rides and handles well and is much more stylish than you’d expect from the average seven-seater, while the light steering makes parking and low-speed manoeuvres easy to deal with. However, the suspension is surprisingly solid, which means that poorly finished surfaces can give you a bit of a bumpy ride especially at low speeds and on grumbly urban roads, of which there are many in the UK, and the dreaded pothole can also give you quite a jolt. That said, it isn’t a distractingly uncomfortable vehicle, and the firmness means that in corners things remain pretty tidy.

The 793-litre boot also makes light work of fitting multiple children, pets, roommates, Sunday league teams, festival tents and wellies, university-hall-of-residence-essentials or two week’s worth of holiday gear, somehow without making the car feel boxy or cumbersome.

There’s a reason this is one of Citroen’s best-loved models, and one of the most popular used people carriers around today, and that reason is the balancing act this guy pulls off in almost every single aspect of performance, appearance and handling.

Ford Galaxy

While we know Ford for their bestselling smaller cars (anyone ever heard of the Ford Focus? No?), the Ford Galaxy is a bit of an underrated gem when it comes to Ford’s pretty extensive canon. So underrated, in fact, that you might not have noticed the sheer number of Galaxys you can find on the roads these days. If you’ve been to an airport any time in the past 10 years, you probably didn’t pay much attention to the rows upon rows of Ford Galaxys ready to ferry business moguls and holiday-goers alike from A to B, but they were certainly there! If you’re looking for a used people carrier or used MPV that can do all of that and more, the Galaxy might be a great option for you.

We first met the Ford Galaxy way back in 2006, and though it’s been through a few updates and relaunches since then, the recipe for this vehicle has remained mostly unchanged – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Over time there have been a few trade-offs, primarily trading handling for increased comfort and style, so newer versions will be a bit more spacious, while a more vintage model gives you a slightly better driving experience.

With that said, as one of the largest MPVs on the market today, it’s easy to see why the Galaxy is as in-demand as it is. When it comes to space, it’s pretty much unbeatable!

Ford S-Max

This offering from Ford might not be the most exciting-looking car on the roads today, but it’s certainly one of the most reliable, and it’s surprisingly fun to drive! The S-Max is one of the sportiest MPVs about, and there’s certainly a case to be made for function over fashion in this case.

Very few MPVs make driving more fun than the S-Max; it blends plenty of grip with a surprisingly lean body. It actually handles like a considerably smaller, lighter vehicle, and along winding country roads is impressively agile. Although the steering is prone to returning to centre a bit too aggressively for some, it is accurate enough to help you position the car around bends exactly where you want it. Low-speed turns are also easy, making parking surprisingly simple in relatively small spaces.

The S-Max, for all of its excellent handling, is actually a pretty quiet car, especially compared with other used MPV’s for sale today. You’ll get a bit of road noise at higher speeds and on motorways, but that’s pretty unavoidable for most vehicles, let alone one that can carry as much as the S-Max. However, at lower speeds, it’s incredibly civilised to ferry the family around in.

The three rows of seats offer pretty reasonable space, particularly for younger riders, though lanky teenagers might start to struggle in the back row. However, if you’re the designated driver for getting a gaggle of girls and their overnight bags to a sleepover, you’ll have no problems at all, and you might even enjoy yourself on the drive!

Kia Carens

For a simple, no-bells-and-whistles, budget-friendly car that can carry seven people without any fuss, you’d be pushed to find a better choice than the Kia Carens. A little less powerful than its competitors (the Carens 3, Kia’s most recent model features a higher-output 134bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine), this vehicle performs perfectly well at getting you from A to B, and is reliable, spacious and very budget-friendly. 0-62mph in this vehicle takes 10.4 seconds, which is just a smidge slower than a Ford S-Max.

The Carens is, for all its practicality, pretty stylish on the inside as well. Sunblinds in the back doors and tinted windows provide a real sense of comfort in the back seats and leather trim seats are as comfy as they are stain-resistant! It’s also longer and narrower than your standard people carrier, which will keep you ding-free when it comes to on-street parking, but isn’t quite so easy to manoeuvre around the multi-storey.

Where this car really shines, however, is its durability and longevity. The Kia Carens has no trouble racking up tens of thousands of miles, making it a great option as a second-hand people carrier. You don’t need to worry about the Carens ever giving up on you, as the sheer staying power of this vehicle more than makes it worth the (still pretty modest) price tag.

Peugeot 5008

The mahoooooosive Peugeot 5008 is a monster of a vehicle, it has to be said. It is literally cavernous inside, and is suitable for large families, small armies, and the cast of Glee – all at the same time. The recent models are much, much nicer than of a few years ago, which has helped bring the 2nd user cost down of those earlier models.

The Peugeot badge means that the cost of this beast is around half that of luxury brands of the same vehicle type such as the Audi Q7, but it still has many of their qualities. Interiors are very nice, but as most people that want to buy a used Peugeot 5008 will have 38 children, they will only get battered anyway. Also, the safety rating and features of this mini-tank will mean that all of the kids in the back will not suffer any cuts and bruises, even after tumbling over a cliff – probably.

Even though the base-level 1.2 litre engine may seem too small for such a vehicle, you would be surprised – and is probably the best model to go for in our opinion. The automatic gearbox versions of the 5008 are excellent too (and 8-speed), and help many a distracted school mum driver when the kids are playing as superheroes in the back.

Lots of drivers prefer the 1.5 diesel – or even the 2.0 diesel, but we think that unless all the occupants are particularly chubby, or you are towing something substantial, that is not totally necessary, and you should seek out the petrol versions instead.

All in all, a comfy ride for the kids, and a powerful enough car to jump in for a journey without them – and not thinking that you are driving a bus. Saying that though, it does feel as large as a bus inside, which is a good thing.

As we look now, we have an excellent black 1.6 Blue HDI model that has done only 26,000 miles from 2016, which you can also get for £173 per month.

What could you waste £10,000 on instead of getting finance for a 5008? You could buy only 2 (nearly 3) eT01 FS Crossover équipé PowerTube bikes from the Peugeot store, making the 5008 seem like an ever better bargain.

Seat Alhambra

Probably not your pick if you aren’t ready to let go of your boy-racer dreams, but a fantastic option for grown-ups, the SEAT Alhambra is one of the biggest, most affordable, most functional MPV’s about.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Alhambra drive is how incredibly quite it is, particularly at low speeds. If you were to close your eyes, you could almost believe you were being whisked off to the Oscars in a luxury limo!

Where the SEAT Alhambra really stands out, however, is that it has enough space for seven people inside, with enough space for grown adults in the third-row seats, something lots of MPV’s claim to do, but rarely deliver on. Thanks to a clever middle row of three individual seats that tumble forward with a single pull of a lever, it is also easy to customise the internal space exactly the way you need it.

The sheer size of the Alhambra means that parking in an even slightly tight spot is not the easiest thing, but that’s certainly a price worth paying for the sheer volume of usable space, plus it comes complete with parking sensors, so it’s not half as difficult as you’d imagine when looking at it. If you’re terribly worried about scratching her up in a tight space, not to fear! This car comes with sliding rear doors, which are a huge help when getting people in and out of smaller parking spaces. Plus, on the top two trim levels, these are electrically operated, which means that kids can shut them with ease.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Vauxhall is known for the practicality of their cars, and they do it very well. When you think of a people carrier or MPV, something pretty close to a Vauxhall Zafira is probably what pops into your head. This commitment to cars that are reliable, safe, and easy to drive puts Vauxhall at the top of customer satisfaction surveys year after year. The Zafira Tourer is the third generation of the car, and is a fair bit wider than its predecessor, making it considerably more capacious inside.

It’s also got a bit more flair to it than the original Zafira, with an aesthetically pleasing dashboard and featuring soft-touch and chrome detailing on the interior, which all gives a very pleasant, high-quality feel. Like quite a few of it’s more “stylish” counterparts in the world of MPVs, the middle seats are a little cramped for three adults, but they’ll carry younger children with ease, and all three rows are easily accessible.

When we’re comparing the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer to its predecessors, the real difference comes in the handling – it’s just much nicer to drive than older models! Available with a 1.8 litre, 1.4 litre turbo or 2.0 litre diesel engine, the Zafira Tourer is easy and comfortable to handle. While it might be better suited to winding country lanes than speeding down the autobahn, the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is, put simply, very pleasant to drive!

Volkswagen Sharan

No-one does people carriers quite like Volkswagen! The “car of the people” is one of the most-loved car brands on the market, and one of the best cars to buy used as well! The VW Sharan is no exception.

Despite the fact that it is one of the larger MPVs on the used car market, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Volkswagen Sharan is much smaller than it is. It feels neater and more agile than lots of cars its size, but doesn’t actually compromise on space at all, with 300 litres of space in seven-seat mode, 711 litres in five-seat mode, and a whopping 2297 litres when all of the back seats are folded down and the roof is loaded – perfect for moving days, trips to IKEA, transporting Christmas trees – with this much space, pretty much anything goes!

By offering a decent number of modification choices for its seat and steering wheel, the Sharan provides a comfortable cockpit for almost any pilot. The pedals, the steering wheel and the driver’s seat match up perfectly, so you’re not sitting at an uncomfortable angle, and the Sharan puts what you need right where you need it. You might think that’s a given in any car, but if experience has told us anything, it’s that there are too many used cars out there that are plain uncomfortable to drive! Fortunately, the VW Sharan has no such problems. It also handles like a car with a lot less weight and a lot more power than it actually has, making the Sharan a fantastic, budget-friendly all-rounder.

Volkswagen Touran

For many years now the VW Touran has been one of the most popular people carriers about, with more than 1.9 million sold! That’s good news for the used car buyer, as it means you’re spoiled for choice! The Touran has been made for families, and that’s evident in pretty much every element of Touran design! Both rows of rear seats, as well as the front passenger backrest, can be collapsed to give you plenty of room for whatever you need. With up to 1,857 litres of room available when the two rows of rear seat are folded flat and 917 litres with five seats in place, the arduous task of filling the boot the night before your road trip becomes rather pleasant, actually! There are also more than 40 different storage compartments dotted all over the VW Touran, including door bins, sliding drawers under the front seats, cup holders and folding tray tables!

The choice of engines for the Volkswagen Touran ranges from a 110hp 1.2-litre petrol to a 190hp 2.0-litre diesel. With a six-speed automatic gearbox, the 190hp diesel comes as standard, while all other models get a six-speed manual, with the option of upgrading to a seven-speed car on all but 1.2-litre petrol, so you can expect considerable variety in the used car marketplace too!

If you’re looking for family-friendly flexibility in your pre-owned people carrier, the VW Touran simply can’t be beaten!

BMW Z4

If you’re looking for Malibu-beach-dream vibes from your next car purchase, the Z4 is one you should seriously consider. This is a car that was made for swooping around coastal trails on the hottest day of the year, with the roof down and the wind in your hair. It’s really the stuff of Hollywood, isn’t it?

However, driving around in the BMW Z4 doesn’t just look good, it feels fantastic! You’ll have to keep an eye on the speedo on long stretches though, as the Z4 can certainly pick up the pace if you’re not careful! The car’s turbo straight-six pulls from low crank speeds with lots of guts and great throttle response. It continues to pull with smoothness and freedom in its execution as well as with force.

The Z4 is also quite cushioning over the majority of surfaces, including town roads and motorways, leaving you with a comfy ride across most standard road terrains, and the interior is absolutely impeccable. Chrome and shining black trims, leather seats and a responsive, (but not too distracting) infotainment system make this one of the easiest, most luxurious sportscars around.

Of course, the Great British weather leaves quite a lot to be desired, so unless you’re truly committed to the open-top experience, you’ll spend a fair bit of the year driving with the roof up. To pop up the soft top takes only 12 seconds, so you’ll be able to dodge the worst of it when the heavens inevitably open, and once you’re cruising at 70mph with the roof up, there’s actually not too much road noise or wind sound, particularly when compared to other cars in this category.

Toyota GT86

In a world of new-fangled sports cars with turbo-charged everything and more screens than you can shake a stick at, the Toyota GT86 takes a surprisingly old-school approach to design. This results in a car that is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, but put simply, is so much fun to drive! First released in 2012 and only updated once since then, the GT86 is a recipe that you don’t need to mess with!

The 197bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine gives you plenty of power and torque. You can find this car with a six-speed manual gearbox, or as an automatic. The Toyota GT86 has few competitors that come close to beating it for driving enjoyment at such a low cost with its low price and impressive handling. The rear-wheel-drive frame on the GT86 is also perfectly balanced. There’s plenty of input from the steering and the brakes are powerful without biting hard, which ensures that when driving quickly, the driver gets loads of confidence.

The rear-wheel-drive frame on the GT86 is also perfectly balanced. There’s plenty of input from the steering and the brakes are powerful without biting hard, which ensures that when driving quickly, the driver gets loads of confidence.

The interior of this vehicle follows a lot of the same themes as the rest of the car – there aren’t any of the frilly, comforting features you might expect from a pricier vehicle, but what is there is of exceptional quality, with amazing attention to detail and a fantastic level of usability.

There are lots of similar vehicles out there, particularly in the used car market, which have more bells and whistles than the Toyota GT86, or look to be much better on paper, but if you want a car that’ll actually give you a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, the GT86 simply can’t be beaten!

Mercedes-Benz SLK

Another convertible perfect for summer days with the wind fluttering through your hair! The first generation of this car came out in 1996 (!) and has had two generational updates since then, the first in 2004 and again in 2011.

The SLK doesn’t give you a rip-roaring, uber-powerful, deafening-passers-by experience, but nor does it try to! The SLK is made for long, luxurious drives zooming around the most picturesque roads the country has to offer. It’s much more lightweight than some cars in this category, with great grip and speedy performance. With all that said, don’t think for a moment that the SLK is weedy or halfhearted – there’s still certainly some power to be found under the hood! There are a few different engines available depending on the SLK model you choose, from the more affordable SLK 200 to the more exciting SLK 55, with the 250 and 350 sitting somewhere in the middle.

Looking at the interior of the car, the driving position is solid, with a good range of adjustment for seats and the steering wheel, though taller drivers might struggle to get comfy on their first few trips. Sit in the snug cockpit and on any surface that isn’t metal or a colour screen, you are greeted with brushed aluminium switches and vents, and a plethora of luxury leather. It is an interior that leaves you in no doubt that Mercedes makes truly luxury cars. The optional ‘vario-roof’ sounds like an underwhelming detail (a transparent glass panel set into the folding electric roof), but it actually adds a lot to the cabin’s atmosphere and is something that lots of competitors are missing.

Toyota MR2 MK3

Originally unveiled in 1984, the Toyota MR2 was a compact mid-engine coupe blessed with a lightweight and revolutionary 1.6-litre twin-cam engine. It was a vehicle that gave people the “supercar” drive layout of the day, while still packing humble mechanicals that kept running costs down. With the second-generation MR2, which came along five years later, the idea remained, but the recipe had greatly changed in other ways. The new MR2 was longer and wider than before, and featured more interesting styling, more powerful engines and, most importantly, extra weight. Although the original had hovered about a metric tonne, it was 200-300kg heavier for the second-gen car, making it feel far more comfortable and elegant, but slightly less nimble.

Since then, the MR2 has undergone a few new changes, but the principles of an affordable supercar remain just as they did more than 30 years ago!

The fine interplay between steering and throttle that defines the attitude of the car around any given bend is what actually distinguishes the Toyota from the rest. It boasts a laser-focused precision in its steering that is hard to match, and the way the MR2’s chassis easily sponges away the worst ruts, dips and camber changes is more than a match for even the most snazzy, high-tech rivals.

For all the history this car has, it doesn’t feel outdated or lacking compared to its competitors. In this case, age and experience do really seem to win the day!

Honda S2000

A true icon for any sports car enthusiast, the Honda S2000 has been a staple in this segment of the market for more than 20 years. Originally released in 1999 and revamped a decade later, the Honda S2000 gives you a retro feel with modern handling and technology.

The S2000 feels surprisingly nimble with just over 1200kgs to bring around, and much of this based under the driver’s seat. The 2009 revision included suspension changes that were meant to smooth the transition to oversteer. This was obviously successful, as this S2000 feels a lot more relaxed and neutral than previous cars we’ve driven. Flicking between fast corners no longer feels like threading a needle, as the handling encourages trust instead of keeping you on the edge. The brakes are excellent, which further adds to the sense of stability you feel driving this car.

The S2000, as you might expect from a car firmly entrenched in the past, is a little on the small side, but once you’re in, it doesn’t hold you back too much unless you’re among the longest and leanest of us all! The style, even from the 2009 version, screams late nineties, which might put you off, or be the biggest selling point!

Enjoyable to drive and full of retro charm, the Honda S2000’s place in the sports car hall of fame is undisputed, and for very good reason.

Audi A1

If you’re looking for a somewhat premium hatchback that looks like it’s worth more than the price you will be paying for it, then a used Audi A1, especially with a good trim, is always a good shout. It’s a good single person’s car, suits a young couple, or even a young family. Always a nice car for your gran to potter around in, too. Pretty comfy for a small car, as you would expect from Audi, it is still one of those cars that surprises even experienced car buyers in terms of how many features come with it. The interior is great, with the typical Audi feature of loads of storage spaces.

We particularly like the 1 litre petrol A1, but many really like the 1.0 TFSI Sport version which comes with cruise control – and that all important DAB so that you can listen to talkSPORT without your ears burning from a terrible MW signal.

At the time of writing, we are selling a 2017 A1 1litre petrol in red with 32,000 miles on the clock for £10,000 on the nose. This could be also paid for in monthly instalments starting at £177. Bargain

What could you waste £10,000 on instead of buying this A1? You could buy 558 toy Audi A1’s from Amazon – but what you would do with them, we don’t know.

Ford Fiesta

A second-hand Ford Fiesta will forever be associated with learner drivers, both male and female. If it wasn’t for ‘The Inbetweeners’ TV show and its iconic Fiat Cinquecento (which doesn’t make this list, by the way), then the everlasting, lived-in Ford Fiesta would probably be the number one car you think of that is suitable to be thrashed to death by your favourite acne-riddled teenager.

In saying that, the Fiesta suits many types of situation. For small families on a budget, a recent Fiesta at the top of the £10,000 bracket makes for a very safe, very enduring vehicle that is good for picking the kids up from school. It’s equally good for a trip down to Devon to meet the grandparents – that are probably driving their used Jaguar XS about 200 miles per year, yet wont do a ‘swapsies’.

There’s a reason that it’s popular all over the world, with the UK models looking the smartest in our opinion. The Zetec engines are way ahead of some cars in the same category, and the ST line for the boy/girl racer with an extra speed lust is another great model. With the 6-speed gearbox on the latest models, it’s a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing at times, too.

The best car on the site for £10,000 at the time of writing is a spanking silver 2018 five door petrol 1.1 Zetec with less than 20,000 miles on the clock. However, there are several others at the same price point, showing just how popular it is, and how many good used car deals are to be had for this ‘supermini’.

What could you spend £10,000 on instead of buying a 2nd-user Fiesta? You could buy 7,633 Inbetweeners ‘Bus W****r’ birthday cards from Redbubble. Why wouldn’t you?

Honda Jazz

Jazz – it’s all about freedom, expression, and soul. Now, the Honda Jazz doesn’t make music, far from it, but what it does offer is the freedom to explore and express yourself at a very affordable price. The Jazz is a car that baffles us – it’s got all the tools that the modern driver could need, yet has never received the levels of acclaim that its rivals in the superminis category have – this hype seems to be reserved for the Audi A1’s and Volkswagen Polo’s. What this does mean for you, however, is that you’re likely to be able to find these fantastic 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine cars at a great price.

The latest edition of the Honda Jazz looks to bridge the gap between those that are often overlooked and those that receive all the attention – it’s got a funkier interior, and is stacked full of technology that’s sure to make your daily driving a dream.

For those who’ve got a keen eye for the best deals, this bit is for you. We’ve currently got a 2018 automatic Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC 5dr CVT available for just £9,995, meaning you’ll have enough change from your £10,000 budget to buy yourself a Freddo, if you’re lucky. If you’re looking to pay this monthly, that’s just £177 per month – a truly reasonable price for a fantastic car.

Mini One/Cooper

Just like the Queen walking the Corgi’s in the rain with a cup of tea in hand, the Mini is pretty much as British as it gets. You simply can’t picture a Mini without accompanying thoughts of racing down country lanes and that iconic Union Jack livery that once sat atop each car like a proud trilby hat. Whilst these fantasies of the Mini being a quintessentially British thing, it’s actually the German manufacturing that really helps them to stand out – the Mini doesn’t just look great, it is great! Whilst the aesthetic design does give a nod to the iconic models that came before it, the new line of the Mini One and Mini Cooper are far more sophisticated; they feel great on the road, they’re surprisingly spacious, and they tackle the city streets, country lanes and the motorway (or Autobahn, back in Germany where they’re designed) with ease.

If you’re looking for a great deal on the Mini Cooper, check out our collection of used Mini Cooper’s – they’re fantastic cars that have got plenty of life left in them if cared for in the correct manner. Our best Mini Cooper deal comes in at £9,240, meaning you’ll even have enough change left from the £10,000 budget to buy yourself 10 pairs of these super-sophisticated driving gloves that make you feel like James Bond. Please be aware, this does not give you the driving ability of 007.

Peugeot 208

This offering from French car manufacturer Peugeot is a standout in the supermini category – it’s sleek, stylish, and practical, giving you everything you need to tackle your daily commute and long-haul drives with ease. The thing that will instantly stand out to you when you sit in the Peugeot 208 is how well tailored the interior is; the seats are incredibly comfortable, the interior is spacious, and the touch-screen media control and hub is very useful, helping you to control your music, make calls, or even check your directions in the safest way possible.

With the Peugeot 208, you aren’t just getting a cheap version of the Audi A1 or Volkswagen Polo, you’re getting a genuine alternative that manages to stand up and hold its ground against the big dogs in the category. That’s a huge achievement for any car in the superminis sector.

We’ve currently got a fantastic selection of snazzy 208’s in our collection here at ChooseMyCar and if you want to pay monthly, get in touch with us to find out what deals are available, or check out our finance calculator to find out what your monthly repayments might be!

Renault Clio

The Clio has been one of the mainstays in the superminis category for as long as we can remember – it has had countless revamps and on some occasions, a completely redeveloped look, but the new Renault Clio seems to build on the foundations laid by its predecessor, and it’s easy to see why. The car looks fantastic. It’s sharp, modern, and has a distinctively athletic build, but when you step inside you’re greeted by a spacious interior and high-quality finishes, making this a well-rounded car for any young couple or family. The newest version of the car is also the first to integrate hybrid power into the Clio range, which could pave the way for a more efficient, low-emissions offering from Renault in the superminis division in the near future.

Whilst it may not be as glamorous or comfortable as some of the higher-end vehicles in this category, it certainly makes up for that in terms of value – the Renault Clio is a clean runner that’ll last you for years to come if it’s looked after with care. If you want to browse our most affordable Clio deals, check out our selection here! If you manage to snap up one of our deals under your £10,000 budget, you’ll even have enough cash to buy yourself one of these cool hanging mirror ornaments to give a little more life to your shiny new car!

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is one of the smartest small cars in the game – it was one of the first to introduce electricity in an attempt to reduce emissions, making it one of the pioneers in this regard. The main problem in recent years has been bridging the gap between the most desirable small cars, such as the Ford Fiesta, and the rest of the pack – yet the Yaris does this expertly. By bringing you a similar level of style, comfort, and features that you’ll find in those high-end small cars at a much more reasonable price, it’s easy to see why popularity is on the rise for this sophisticated Japanese car.

If you’re looking for a comfortable ride, the Yaris has got you covered – the seats are comfortable and snug fitting, minimising the bouncing and jostling that you often encounter with these smaller cars. However the real surprise is in the handling, which is a dream. The Toyota is perfectly at home winding around country lanes and feels so much better in your hands than many other cars in the same category.

Here at ChooseMyCar, the Yaris is one of our favourite small cars – it offers a superb level of comfort and functionality to the driver and passengers, has ample space, and it looks great too. Not bad for less than £10,000.

Vauxhall Corsa

Many people have mixed feelings on the Vauxhall Corsa; on one hand, it’s a super reliable car that looks great, feels great, and runs great, but on the other hand, the association with boy-racers is something that you may be tempted to steer clear of. In reality, this association holds no weight – you’re just as likely to see a teenage boy driving a Corsa as you are to see a pensioner driving one to the local shops, which is testament to how versatile and popular these cars are. Each year the Corsa finds itself pushing the very top cars in the category in terms of sales numbers, which is quite an astonishing feat against cars as popular as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. Whilst it may now be designed by the folks behind the Peugeot 208 and the Citroen DS 3 Crossback, the Vauxhall Corsa does still retain some of its signature driving features such as the specially calibrated steering and suspension that give the Corsa its unique feel.

If you’re looking to have a Corsa parked on your driveway in the near future, you’re in luck, as we offer a huge selection of Corsas in every colour and style. We encourage you to check those out and get in touch with our team if one of them catches your eye.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is, without doubt, one of the most impressive cars in the superminis category. There’s very little that it does wrong and so much that it does right, that it’s really hard to overlook this fantastic vehicle if you’re on the search for a small car; this is evidenced in their consistently high numbers for sales each year. The Polo is the prototype of what you want from a small car – it’s compact, yet spacious. It’s stylish, yet incredibly practical. It’s comfortable, yet doesn’t lose any suspension effectiveness. All in all, the Volkswagen Polo really is one of the standouts in the supermini division, with only the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta really challenging it for the crown. Whether you’re after a car that can handle the daily commute to the office, a trip to the shops, or long distance driving for family outings, the Polo has got it covered.

In short, the Volkswagen Polo will provide you with:

• Supreme comfort
• Reliable driving
• High-end technology
• Fantastic economy
• A stylish ride
• What’s not to love?

For those of you who just can’t wait any longer to get your hands on one of these beautiful cars, check out our collection of Volkswagen Polo’s by clicking here. There’s price options to suit everyone’s circumstances, including our convenient pay monthly deals.