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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.

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  • BMW 1 Series

    BMW 1 Series

    4.2/5

    The BMW 1 Series came into existence in 2004, as a rear-wheel-drive premium hatchback that was quintessentially BMW. Twenty years on, the fourth-generation 1 Series promises to replicate the same. Featuring a new design, more tech and mild-hybrid powertrains, the 2026 1 Series takes its fight closer to the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A Class. We road tested a 123 xDrive to see how it all adds up in real.

  • MG HS

    MG HS

    4.0/5

    The MG HS needs to offer a lot, as it competes in a highly competitive space filled with established and new players. The old HS managed to do that by providing value without compromising on features and interior quality. With the new HS, MG is hoping to offer even more value for buyers. We drove a 2026 MG HS PHEV to find out whether the changes have worked and whether you should consider it over rivals such as the Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.

  • Toyota Aygo X

    Toyota Aygo X

    4.2/5

    Toyota’s decision to axe the Aygo in favour of the Aygo X back in 2022 represented a changing of the guard for the Japanese brand. The outfit was turning its back on one of the cars which helped establish it in the UK after deciding that the small city cars that once dominated UK roads were losing favour to taller and more imposing crossovers. The Aygo X looks to blend the nimble practicality of a traditional A-segment hatchback with the additional space of a compact crossover. What the Japanese brand has come up with is one of the most distinctive city cars that money can buy.

  • Mazda MX5

    Mazda MX5

    4.5/5

    Since the original model transformed the sports car market in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has become a global icon, often replicated, but arguably never bettered. The fourth-generation ND model, introduced in 2015, is as sharp and engaging as the MX-5 has ever been, and although it’s getting on a bit now, it still has a hugely enthusiastic following and it’s still a terrific car.

  • BMW X3

    BMW X3

    4.3/5

    The BMW X3 has been a mainstay of this brand’s range for decades, having first arrived back in 2003 as one of the very first road-focused SUVs. Over two decades on, the latest X3 has been released with a more luxurious interior, a striking exterior design and a good range of engines. It’s also larger and more spacious than ever, making this ‘baby’ SUV into one which feels far larger than you might expect.

  • Honda HR-V

    Honda HR-V

    3.7/5

    These days, there are few segments more crowded and competitive than the compact SUV market. It seems like every carmaker is having a go at cracking this lucrative sector. And Honda’s trying to do the same with Honda HR-V. In a busy segment, it still manages to stand out for its clever interior layout, compact footprint, and smooth hybrid powertrain. While it may not be as sporty as others, the HR-V does represent a decent all-round package.

Meet our authors

  • Adithya Gopal

    Adithya Gopal

    Motoring Journalist/Content Editor

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  • Tony Rich

    Tony Rich

    Public Relations Manager/ Ex- AA patrol of the year

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  • Jack Evans

    Jack Evans

    Motoring Journalist/Contributor

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  • James Hosking

    James Hosking

    AA Cars Managing Director

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