AA mechanic testing car

Buying a car can feel overwhelming. Even after you've found a match, questions remain: which engine should you buy, is electric right for you, and which trim offers the best value? Our car reviews answer these clearly and honestly, so you can enjoy the journey to your next car.

How we test cars at AA Cars

Browse all car reviews

  • Skoda Fabia 130

    Skoda Fabia 130

    4.1/5

    It’s 2026 and hot hatches are starting to disappear. Skoda’s Fabia vRS is one such example. But Skoda hasn’t yet given up. The Czech brand has tweaked its accomplished supermini, giving it more power and character to create the Fabia 130 – a 175hp warm hatch that sits between the standard Fabia and the Fabia vRS. We drove one to see whether this warm hatch should be on your shopping list.

  • Ford Puma ST

    Ford Puma ST

    3.9/5

    The Ford Puma ST made a strong impression in 2020, as it justified the ST badge with a rorty 200hp 1.5 EcoBoost engine and 6-speed manual. Fast forward to 2024, Ford dropped these and replaced them with a 168hp 1.0 EcoBoost and a 7-speed automatic. With the Fiesta and Focus ST long gone, the Puma ST remains the only model from Ford’s affordable performance outlet. So, we drove the 2026 Puma ST to see if it’s still a driver’s delight.

  • Audi A3

    Audi A3

    4.3/5

    Back in 1996, Audi kickstarted a new premium hatchback segment with the A3. It’s been 30 years since and the little A3 continues to be a popular choice for buyers looking for a hatchback with a premium image and interiors. In its latest fourth generation shape, the A3 packs sharp styling, plenty of tech, and a range of engine options. The question is, is it still the upmarket hatchback to buy in 2026? We’ve road tested the A3 TFSI e PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric) to find out.

  • Nissan Qashqai

    Nissan Qashqai

    4.1/5

    Shopping for a compact family SUV that is easy to live with? Chances are, the Nissan Qashqai might already be on your list. After all, it is one of the best-selling cars in the UK. The Qashqai warmed us up to the idea of a compact SUV/crossover body style that offered more practicality than hatchbacks. Designed by Nissan’s studio in London, engineered by the brand’s technical centre in Cranfield and built at its Sunderland plant, the Qashqai remains a household name and often, the safe choice for many.

  • Vauxhall Corsa

    Vauxhall Corsa

    3.5/5

    Over the years, the Vauxhall Corsa has been a solid choice for those after a first car or a simple city run around. A great all-rounder, the Corsa offers immense value with a good list of features. Although it lacks the premium feel and driving experience of some rivals, it continues to be an easy car to drive, and it certainly does this all without hurting your wallet.

  • Volkswagen Polo

    Volkswagen Polo

    4/5

    Volkswagen’s Polo is something of a household name here in the UK. Bringing with it all of the solid quality that you’d expect from the brand, this surprisingly spacious hatchback has proven to be a hit with a broad range of drivers, from first-time motorists getting their first taste of life behind the wheel to busy families in need of a reliable yet frugal run-around. For those after a hatchback which feels more upmarket than many alternatives, the Polo could be a very solid choice.

Meet our authors

  • Adithya Gopal

    Adithya Gopal

    Motoring Journalist/Content Editor

    Read bio
  • Tony Rich

    Tony Rich

    Public Relations Manager/ Ex- AA patrol of the year

    Read bio
  • Jack Evans

    Jack Evans

    Motoring Journalist/Contributor

    Read bio
  • James Hosking

    James Hosking

    AA Cars Managing Director

    Read bio
Discover more about our experts