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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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  • Smart 1

    Smart 1

    3.7/5

    No longer a compact city car brand, Smart now offers a range of electrified SUVs that are based on underpinnings from Geely Group and borrow design elements from Mercedes-Benz, with whom it shares ownership. The #1, which is pronounced “hashtag one”, sits in a heavily contested EV market with the likes of Hyundai’s Kona Electric, the Kia EV3 and Renault 4, but attempts to stand out with an impressive amount of interior technology and a surprising amount of room inside for taller drivers and occupants. It’s comfortable, practical and a bit different, but it’s also relatively expensive and the onboard tech can be tricky to navigate.

  • Skoda Fabia

    Skoda Fabia

    4.0/5

    Value, quality and practicality have long been mainstays of Skoda brand the latest Fabia encapsulates all of those facets. While the fourth-generation model is no longer the bargain-option it once was, the Fabia offers a more premium experience with a spacious interior, clever features, and a refined drive. The 2023-on Fabia is built on the same platform as the current VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza, but stands out for its class-leading boot space, roomy cabin, and Skoda’s “Simply Clever” features. It’s not the most exciting car to drive, nor the most technologically advanced, while buyers will have to wait for the next generation for hybrid or electric options. But value-led pricing and impressive build still make it a hugely appealing supermini.

  • Renault Kadjar

    Renault Kadjar

    3.8/5

    Renault finally entered the mid-size SUV sector in 2015 with the Kadjar. It used the same underpinnings and engine range as its sister, the best-selling Nissan Qashqai, but added some French flair to the package as well as better interior space and flexibility. The car was mildly updated in 2018 with tweaked looks inside and out, and an overhauled trim structure. The Kadjar still makes for an excellent choice for families looking for an easy to drive and live-with SUV, particularly those on a budget.

  • Renault Clio

    Renault Clio

    4.0/5

    The Renault Clio is a car which is loved by all types of drivers. From first-time motorists looking for a budget-friendly way of getting on to the roads, to drivers after a no-nonsense hatchback which is easy to live with, there are many reasons why the Clio could fit into all types of roles. Hybrid engines have helped to add extra efficiency to the Clio, too. Competing with the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Polo, the Clio offers something different in the crowded hatchback space.

  • Land Rover Range Rover

    Land Rover Range Rover

    4.3/5

    The Range Rover is a true automotive legend. For more than five decades, it has continued to be the benchmark for luxury SUVs everywhere. The car aims to be the absolute pinnacle of design, refinement, technology and comfort, despite more and more carmakers now trying to elbow in on its turf. To stay ahead of its growing pool of rivals, Land Rover has given this latest car improved through mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the very first full EV expected to be released in 2026. While there are some premium SUVs – like the Lamborghini Urus – that can beat the Range Rover for pure performance, and others that may outdo it on outright luxury – like the Bentley Bentayga – few can come even remotely close to the old favourite when it comes to an all-round package.

  • Land Rover Range Rover Velar

    Land Rover Range Rover Velar

    4.2/5

    Sitting between the Evoque and the Sport in the Range Rover lineup, there has always been the potential for the Velar to be the difficult middle child since it first arrived in 2017. However, with its fresh design, the Velar has managed to move out of the shadow to become one of the most popular models. So successful was the original car that a second-generation model was launched back in 2022, with a mild facelift coming a year later in 2023. The car offers a more minimalist approach than the rest of the Range Rover lineup in a bid to reach out to a more youthful audience. However, it still offers the calm, quiet comfort that buyers have come to expect from the brand, as well as improved hybrid efficiency.

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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