The Ford Fiesta is no longer sold as a brand new car, but it's still one of the the UK's most popular cars. Firstly, it originally came with a huge range of trim levels and engines, so buyers could build the exact car that suited them, and used car buyers get a similarly broad choice. There’s even posh Vignale, beefed up Active and hot hatch ST versions. Secondly, the Fiesta is an utter corker on the road. The mix of Ford’s dynamic handling, sharp steering, punchy engines and a comfortable ride make the Fiesta a formidable rival. As long as you don’t mind a mainstream choice, it’s great,

There’s reasonable space for two kids (three at a push) in the back of the Fiesta, but adults might feel a little cramped. As for boot space, the Ford Fiesta sits in the middle of the small car pack for practicality. Many would also argue that it matches rivals like the Audi A1 for style (in higher trims).

There also isn’t a bad choice of engine or gearbox in range. The entry-level 1.1-litre petrol is good around town but a little slow on motorways, while the 1.0-litre Ecoboost turbo petrol is excellent in all guises (100PS, 125PS and 140PS). For those covering bigger distances, Ford has a pair of 1.5-litre turbodiesel engines available in the Fiesta. The 120PS would be our pick, but both are decent and all engines are ULEZ exempt.

The previous generation Skoda Octavia - which was replaced by a new version in 2020 - is excellent. In fact, it offers the best blend of practicality, refinement and performance for the money. It isn’t the most exciting choice, nor the most sophisticated, but it proves that something that's great value doesn't have to feel cheap.

As a do-it-all family car it's hard to beat, but some drivers will struggle with its sheer size. Luckily for used buyers, there are no bad engine options for the Octavia. The older 1.4-litre TSI petrol is just as smooth and even nippier than the newer 1.5-litre motor, just not quite as efficient on fuel. If you regularly take long trips or want to use the car for towing, the 2.0-litre TDI diesel will be a better bet. Just make sure to check the car's registration on TfL’s ULEZ checker before you buy it to make sure it's one that's exempt, as not quite all of them are.

We think SE trim offers the strongest value. The interior is smart, with a surprisingly high-quality feel to the materials, plus there’s loads of kit. But the Octavia is a slightly older car, so most of the latest safety equipment was optional, with key equipment such as automatic emergency braking, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise all costly extras.

The previous-generation Toyota Prius won’t win any style competitions, but it’s an accessible and affordable hybrid for anyone who wants practicality, low running costs and ULEZ-exemption. Despite being a pioneer, there are arguably more appealing hybrid alternatives out there now - like Toyota’s own Corolla Hybrid - bust a last-gen Prius will be a lot more affordable, and with Toyota's legendary reliability, it'll likely run forever: why do you think so many are used as taxis to this day? But there’s lots of space up front and the boot is 297 litres, or 343 litres if you opt for a tyre repair kit rather than a space saver spare wheel.

Under the bonnet, there’s a 1.8-litre petrol engine working with an electric motor to propel and self-charge the Prius - which means there are no plugs or charging required – though Toyota did also offer a plug-in version. It’s refined and easy to drive around town, with the battery working best at low speeds. It isn’t sporty or particularly fun, but it does exactly what it says on the tin.

The interior isn’t quite as good, but there’s a good amount of standard equipment. We’d opt for the Business Edition trim to get a head-up display, auto dimming rear-view mirror, blind spot monitoring and a wireless charging area for your phone. Business Edition models are also plusher inside.

The Golf here is the previous Mk7 generation, with this 2013 incarnation replaced in 2020. However, it’s arguably one the best hatchbacks on the used car market, and now that it’s been replaced, there are very good used deals despite its high asking price from new. Like the Ford Fiesta (but bigger), there aren’t many people the Golf isn’t right for. The range of engines and model variants is enormous, with premium quality and comfort to boot.

The Golf may cost a little bit more than many contemporary alternatives, but even the basic model is a fantastic choice. The various petrol engines are all pretty good, though we like the 1.4 TSI ACT and 1.5 TSI Evo (from 2017 onwards models) best. The 1.6 diesel isn’t the fastest, but is a bit smoother and quieter than the more powerful 2.0-litre. Even so, we’d still pick the 2.0 TDI 150 due to its combination of performance and fuel economy. If you’re opting for a diesel, make sure you buy a later model and check TfL’s ULEZ checker, though.

As for trims, we like the sporty R-Line and the value-packed Match versions. The Ford Focus is a less premium, but cheaper rival, while the SEAT Leon is basically a Golf underneath, with sportier styling and lower prices. The Skoda Octavia shares underpinnings with the Golf as well, offering even more space and practicality.

If you like the Volkswagen Golf, but want something posher, the Audi A3 Sportback is an excellent choice. It looks great, has a brilliant interior that’s ageing well and comes with plenty of standard kit for the money. It’s also great to drive.

The 2013 Audi A3 Sportback tends to be popular among those looking for something with a bit more status than a Ford Focus or Golf. All A3s are well equipped but it’s the S line and Black Edition models that catch your eye thanks to sporty looks. If you’re not fussed about that, the entry-level SE and SE Technik models make a lot of sense. Although, if you want things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll need a later example (mid-2016 onwards).

Most of the engines are refined and economical (we advise that you avoid the bigger 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols). The diesel engines were the most popular in the A3 Sportback when it was new, with the 2.0-litre offering a relaxing and economical driving experience. If you do want a diesel, make sure you choose a later model and check it’s ULEZ compliant before putting any money down. However, if you don’t cover mega miles, buy the 1.4-litre (and later 1.5-litre) petrol.

The Toyota Corolla has been around for many years in various forms, but the latest all-hybrid model is the best one yet. It's got a great interior and comes very well-equipped across the range. It's right up there with top rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic.

Its power comes from one of two petrol-electric hybrid systems – with either a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engine – which helps to keep emissions low. We'd go for the 1.8-litre model, as it has all the performance you're likely to need, and has lower running costs. A more powerful version of the 1.8 was introduced in 2023.

Whichever engine you go for, the Corolla is a comfortable, well-made and spacious car with a fantastic reputation for reliability. All trim levels have a good level of equipment, but we think the Design model strikes the best balance between features and cost.

Comfort and refinement are two of the SEAT Ibiza’s biggest strengths. Add in a dash of style, a range of good engines and more space inside than rivals like the Kia Rio, and the Ibiza is a big winner. But (and it’s a but that’ll put some drivers off), if you want a good Ibiza, you have to be prepared to spend on extra equipment as standard equipment levels are lacking.

As far as engine choice goes, we’d opt for the same 1.0-litre TSI petrol you’ll find in the Polo, which comes in 95Ps and 115PS power outputs. For drivers who do over 12,000 miles per year, the most-efficient option is the 1.6 TDI (diesel), which produces 95PS and claimed economy peaks at 61.4mpg. It also won’t require you to pay the daily ULEZ charge.

Disappointingly, you have to tick a few options to get things like DAB audio, touchscreen navigation and cruise control, which increases the price. On the plus side, the boot is large and you get a smooth, refined ride. If you prioritise refinement and practicality over driving dynamics then this will very much be the small car for you. Like-for-like, the Ford Fiesta represents better value, although the SEAT is more practical, with more space on offer.

It has one of the longest-running nameplates anywhere in motoring, having existed for decades, but the latest version of the Honda Civic is undoubtedly the best so far. And unlike previous versions, it might even be the best car of its type.

And that word 'type' is pertinent here, because as long as you don't choose the fire-breathing Type R hot hatch model (which is also sensational, by the way), then your Civic will come exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. It gives perky enough performance, it operates in a smooth and quiet manner, and it delivers fantastic fuel economy: everything a good hybrid should do. The driving experience is impressive in other ways, too, with a comfortable ride and neat handling.

The interior meanwhile, is roomy, high in quality and ergonomically sound, while the boot - although a fraction smaller than in the previous-generation Civic - is one of the bigger ones in the family hatchback class. Generous equipment rounds off a very appealing package.

The BMW i5 is, in just about every aspect except its name, an all-electric version of the 5 Series. That means it's a very accomplished, premium and desirable large saloon car that mixes driver enjoyment with stylish design and excellent comfort levels. And of course, being all-electric, it's free from ULEZ charges.

This is a large car at more than five metres long, which is worth keeping in mind if you'll be wending your way through London's tight streets on a regular basis, but it's agile when it needs to be. It's quick, too, with two different versions to choose from and either 340PS or a massive 601PS. That makes it entertaining when you head out of the city and onto the open road.

The interior is worthy of the even larger i7: great design, top-notch materials and acres of space for driver and passengers alike. If you're worried about boot space, the i5 Touring estate is there if you need it. We'd opt for the eDrive 40 model, which might be the base-spec i5, but it's so well-equipped that you shouldn't want for anything. The M60 performance model is also great, but it's a good deal more expensive.

It's not overstating things to say that the MG4, at the time of writing, is the best mid-size budget electric car you can buy. And that's no mean feat, because trying to keep the price of a car packed with relatively new technology isn't easy, but MG has done a brilliant job with this great-value hatchback.

It might be low on price but the MG4 is packed with features. It's a distinctive car (especially in orange) and those striking looks continue inside. It might not be quite as spacious as other cars of a similar size, but it's a darn sight cheaper to buy. You can choose from a 51kWh battery that will give you a range of up to 218 miles, or there's a Long Range model that will manage up to 281 miles per charge.

Alternatively, you could be tempted by the monstrously powerful, all-wheel-drive MG4 Xpower, an electric hot hatch with 435PS, giving you a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds. That's supercar territory, but for the price of a regular family car. Remarkable.