Our key authors
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Adithya Gopal
Motoring Journalist/Content Editor
Adithya is the Content Editor at AA Cars and a Motoring Journalist, with over 1,000 published articles across numerous publications.
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Tony Rich
Public Relations Manager/ Ex- AA patrol of the year
Tony brought a wealth of frontline experience to the AA Press Office, having spent many years as a dedicated AA patrol. His time on the road included the honour of being named AA Patrol of the Year.
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Jack Evans
Motoring Journalist/Contributor
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
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James Hosking
AA Cars Managing Director
James is the Managing Director of AA Cars, and a leading expert in helping consumers make good decisions on their next car purchase
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Carl Price
Maintenance Controller / Roadside Technician
Carl Price is a Maintenance Controller at The AA, with 19 years’ experience as an AA roadside patrol. He shares practical advice on car maintenance, common breakdown causes, and what to check before you buy or service a vehicle.
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Reece Proctor
Roadside Patrol
Reece Proctor is a Roadside Patrol at The AA, with practical experience in both workshop and roadside roles, and specialist expertise in hybrid and electric vehicles.
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Jamie Webb
Roadside Patrol
Jamie Webb is a Roadside Patrol at The AA, with hands-on experience developed through motorsport, roadside work and practical vehicle maintenance, along with a growing specialism in hybrid and electric vehicles.
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Michael Green
Roadside Patrol
Michael Green is an RSS Patrol at The AA, with extensive experience in roadside support, diagnostics, mentoring, and electric and hybrid vehicle repair.
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Allen Childs
Roadside Services Regional Manager
Allen Childs is a Regional Manager at The AA, with extensive experience in roadside assistance, vehicle repair, recovery operations, team development and operational leadership.
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Alex Gur
Roadside Patrol
Alexander Gur is a Roadside Patrol at The AA, with more than 20 years of hands-on experience across garage and roadside roles, as well as a strong personal interest in performance cars.
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Recent car reviews
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Volkswagen Golf
There is a Volkswagen Golf for everyone. Whether you prefer petrol, hybrid, or diesel, the Golf offers understated design, well-built cabin, modern features, mature ride and handling, along with effortless engine options. There’s little to fault with the Golf, and as a car that can do it all, it remains a top pick.
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Volkswagen Polo
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.
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Vauxhall Corsa
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.
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Nissan Qashqai
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.
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Audi A3
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.
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Ford Puma ST
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.
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Skoda Fabia 130
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.
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Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda borrows the name from Kodiak, the world’s largest brown bear found in Alaska. Like the grizzly, the Skoda Kodiaq is large and offers acres of space. Now in its second generation, and with over 870,000 units sold worldwide, the Kodiaq builds on the same winning formula with more engine options, including a plug-in hybrid. We’ve tested the Kodiaq 4x4, equipped with the 2.0-litre TSI, to see if it still lives up to its name.
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Lexus LBX
The LBX is Lexus’ attempt at cracking the subcompact SUV space, bringing in a fresh outlook. It promises to be a luxury car, but without the hefty price tag. To make that possible, it shares its platform with the Toyota Yaris Cross. However, the LBX is far from just a badge job. Lexus has set out to create something unique and quirky, hoping to attract more first-time buyers. Has it worked? We find out.
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Kia Sportage
The Sportage is consistently Kia’s best-selling model. It is also undoubtedly one of the best family SUVs if you’re on a budget. What makes it a winning proposition is how much space and practicality it offers without compromising on value. The 2026 Kia Sportage only adds to this with better styling, equipment and a wide range of engine options. With ever-increasing competition, we drove a Sportage hybrid to find out if it’s still the safe and sensible choice for families.
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Volvo XC40
It might come as a surprise that the XC40 is almost 9 years old. Volvo’s entry-level SUV has not only aged gracefully, but it continues to be a top pick in its segment. Having been subject to many updates over the years, the 2026 XC40 comes with two mild-hybrid petrol engine options. We drove the XC40 Black Edition Ultra B4 to ascertain why it is still one of the best small SUVs, despite intense competition from the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.
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Toyota Prius
Think Toyota Prius, and what comes to mind are cabs. The Prius is also known for being too uninspiring for families. With the fifth-generation Prius, Toyota has taken an unconventional approach, transforming the hybrid commuter to a sleek car from the future. We spent some time with a 2026 Toyota Prius in Design trim to find out if it’s finally desirable enough as a private family car.
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MINI John Cooper Works
As endearing as affordable petrol hot hatchbacks are, they are slowly starting to fade away. With the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST long gone, Mini is still soldiering on with the JCW, which packs a 231hp turbo petrol engine. At least on paper, it’s got everything that suggests the making of a legitimate hot hatch. However, does it really come together on a spirited drive, and more crucially, is the 2026 Mini JCW the affordable petrol hot hatch to buy today?
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Peugeot 3008
Peugeot has taken a bold new step with the third generation of the 3008. While the previous cars were largely forgettable, the current model stands out, thanks to its striking design, futuristic interior and modern technology. The current car now sits on Stellantis’s STLA Medium platform, which means it is also available as a full EV, although plug-in hybrid and mild petrol hybrid variants are also still available. The 3008 is taking on a crowded field, which already includes the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage, but Peugeot believes its appealing blend of comfort, efficiency and innovation makes the 3008 the perfect family SUV.
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Hyundai I10
Ever since it first arrived in the UK, way back in 2008, Hyundai’s i10 has been one of the most popular city cars around. But what is it that makes the i10 so beloved? The car builds on previous models’ basic, no-frills approach and adds modern touches that drivers have come to expect. The latest edition is stylish, surprisingly spacious and packed with features that would normally only be found on more expensive cars. The i10 is able to stand out in a crowded field, which includes the likes of the Kia Picanto and Toyota Aygo, to be a credible choice for anyone wanting a dependable everyday run-around.
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Mercedes G Class
When it comes to icons of the road, there are few cars quite as notable as the Mercedes G-Class. Tracing its roots back to the iconic off-roader of the 1960s, the latest ‘G-Wagen’ has all the looks of its predecessors, but with more modern materials, up-to-date engines and lots of in-car technology. Naturally, the G-Class commands a premium, but it does go some way to justifying this through its excellent materials and smooth yet punchy engine options. A recent electric model gives drivers a battery-powered option, too.
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Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V first arrived in 1995 as a soft-roader with car-like driving characteristics, appealing to buyers as it bridged the gap between a full-size SUV and a hatchback. In its sixth generation, the CR-V has grown into a bigger SUV with more cabin space and sophisticated hybrid powertrains. We drove a plug-in hybrid CR-V for a week to find out how it compares against its rivals today.
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Audi Q3
Since its launch in 2011, the Q3 has become one of Audi’s most successful models, leaving the brand with little reason to change a winning formula. Instead, the 2026 model is an evolution with sharper styling, a more modern cabin and other refinements to make it more complete than ever. We spent time with the new Audi Q3 265 TFSI to find out whether those changes have produced a more accomplished luxury SUV.
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Mercedes CLA
The Mercedes CLA arrived as a way of combining the compact proportions of your typical hatchback with the sleek, effortless style of a saloon. Equipped with the usual Mercedes finery that you’d expect, the CLA brings a more style-conscious approach, despite sharing much of its mechanical underpinnings with the standard A-Class hatch. With loads of technology on board and a range of efficient yet punchy engines, the CLA remains a very appealing prospect today.
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Volkswagen Tiguan
It’s not much of a surprise that the Tiguan is one of Volkswagen’s most popular models of all time. A spacious interior combined with family-friendly features make this SUV invaluable, whether it’s for everyday adventures or journeys further afield. More recently, the Tiguan has been equipped with clever hybrid tech to make things even more efficient, alongside some clever technology that can help make longer trips easier. A refresh in 2025 introduced a sharper look to the Tiguan, as well as more upmarket interior materials.
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Mercedes E Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always offered style and class in the executive car class, and that’s especially the case with this current generation. While it may not offer a thrilling driving experience, it unquestionably places comfort at the top of its priorities and has all of the latest tech on board. The E-Class has a broad engine range, with the super-efficient plug-in hybrids being a good option for those who might not be ready to go pure electricity yet. Meanwhile, the estate, with its cavernous boot, could be ideal for families who desire a premium load-lugger but don’t want an SUV.
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BMW X1
The X1 has been the smallest SUV in the BMW range for a number of years now, and always traded on a sporty image and high driver engagement levels. But it has often been a very practical car, and that’s particularly the case with the current model as it offers class-leading space inside. With this blend of engaging handling, high level of standard equipment, and a practical interior, it’s little wonder that it’s a popular car in the UK, both new and used.
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BMW M3
The BMW M3 is one of the definitive performance saloons. It combines supercar-rivalling performance with the usability of a standard BMW 3 Series. The current G80-generation M3 features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system and, for the first time in the UK, as a practical estate alongside the four-door saloon. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that delivers strong performance. The M3's dynamic abilities remain a key part of its appeal. It's engaging for experienced drivers while remaining approachable and easy to drive day to day.
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Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg has come a long way since the original in 2002. Now in its third generation, the 2023 facelift brings in sharper styling, advanced technology, and a more refined driving experience. It still shares its platform with the Porsche Cayenne (as well as the Audi Q7), so the driving experience is sharper than most large SUVs. It’s an appealing car, with solid engineering and a premium feel, driven by an image of understated luxury.
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Land Rover Defender
There was a fair bit of noise when Land Rover relaunched the Defender. It revived a name that had been worn by one of the most legendary off-roaders and when it returned as a more road-focused option, many felt this car had lost its way. However, since then, it has become clear that Land Rover was right with its ‘new’ Defender and today, it’s the brand’s most popular model. Available in a variety of specifications and several engine options, it remains a car that few people would turn down the chance to own.
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BMW X5
When it first arrived way back in 1999, the BMW X5 was something of a trailblazer. Now in its fourth generation, the modern X5 offers a tempting blend of performance, technology and badge prestige that continues to make it more than a match for the likes of the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
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Toyota RAV4
With the first version of the model introduced over 30 years ago, the Toyota RAV4 is rightly seen as one of the pioneers of the compact family SUV market. A global best-seller and now in its fifth generation, with a newcomer on the horizon, the RAV4 continues to set benchmarks for reliability, practicality, and efficiency. It's designed to suit a wide range of drivers, from families to those needing something a little more rugged and capable of handling light terrain.
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Mazda 3
While cars like the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus tend to dominate the family hatchback space, the Mazda 3 thrives in the background. It doesn't grab the spotlight, but concentrates on offering something unique. The current, fourth-generation Mazda 3 appeared in 2019 and marked something of a departure for the Japanese brand. Mazda elevated the 3 into a semi-premium space, making it a rival for not just the established competition like the Volkswagen Golf, but also other hatchbacks.
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SEAT Arona
Seat sought to capitalise on the Ateca’s success with the smaller Arona in 2017, and hoped to take sales away from the likes of Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Citroen C3 Aircross and Kia Stonic. The Arona has proved to be popular in the UK. A comprehensive facelift arrived in 2021, bringing refreshed looks and new technology. The Spanish car maker has even revealed an updated version for 2025 to keep the Arona feeling fresh against much newer competition.
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Tesla Model 3
Tesla is arguably the pioneer of mainstream electric movement and the Model 3 has rapidly cemented itself as one of the best-selling EVs in the world. Its compact proportions, excellent efficiency and Tesla’s highly convenient network of Superchargers make it an obvious choice for those thinking of making the switch to an electric car.
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Volvo XC60
Understated and stylish, the Volvo XC60 has long been an appealing option in the premium mid-size SUV market even if it’s one of the oldest models in its class. But while it may have been around for a while, the XC60 isn’t outdated nor outclassed, with timeless Scandinavian design and sophistication, advanced safety features and a versatile engine range. It builds on Volvo’s core strengths of comfort, safety, and understated luxury, while adding efficient hybrid technology and cutting-edge infotainment to the mix.
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Kia Niro
Kia’s Niro is an example of just how far this Korean brand has come. Far from feeling low-rent in places, the Niro’s quality and robustness show that it has really come to play with the big-hitters. Plus, Kia’s approach to the Niro has been to offer an electrified powertrain to suit all types of drivers, which is why you’ll find this car available with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups, as well as a pure electric model.
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MINI Cooper
Starting out in life as an icon of the swinging sixties, the Mini is renowned the world over for its distinctive design and go-kart-like handling. Now under the ownership of BMW, the current car lives on as a modern hatchback, albeit with more than a few pieces of retro styling. The Mini Cooper is now available as an electric for the first time. Available in three-door, five-door or convertible form, the current Mini continues to enjoy widespread appeal, thanks in no small part to its fun and engaging driving dynamics.
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Ford Fiesta
Once Britain’s best-selling new car, the Ford Fiesta is still a hugely desirable used choice. As well as the familiarity of the Fiesta name, it’s known for its entertaining driving experience, efficient engine range, and compact yet practical design. There are petrol and diesel options, five seats, and a smart cabin. As you’d expect from a Ford, running costs are sensible and it’s an easy car to drive.
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Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR packs a lot into a small package. With a range of hybrid engine options, it’s noticeably efficient, yet its exterior design is interesting enough to ensure that this fuel-conscious crossover still stands out from the crowd. While its boot space lags behind rivals, the C-HR makes up for it with good build quality and a smartly finished interior which gets lots of equipment.
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Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 has been a staple of British roads for more than two decades and it remains a firm favourite to this day. The current car has been on sale since 2015 but has been given numerous facelifts to keep it looking fresh. It continues to represent a comfortable and calm choice in a field of sportier competitors like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. As with all Volvos, the model blends class-leading safety standards with quiet and understated elegance and luxury, making it a popular choice with families and professionals alike.
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Mercedes GLE
In many ways, the Mercedes GLE is the textbook definition of what a luxury SUV is. Combining the brand’s legendary German quality and comfort with a healthy dose of practicality, the model is a firm favourite among families and executives alike. Sandwiched between the compact GLC and flagship GLS in Mercedes’ model line-up, the GLE is available in a variety of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as it looks to take on the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Range Rover Sport.
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Volkswagen Amarok
Looking for a pick-up truck with the on-road manners of a large SUV? That’s just what the Volkswagen Amarok aims to deliver. When the first-generation truck arrived, it blew away the competition thanks to its excellent dynamics and surprisingly comfortable ride. Now into its second generation, the Amarok has gained more equipment, an even more upmarket interior and a plentiful amount of technology that helps to make this truck even easier to live with.
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Mazda CX5
Despite competition from established rivals such as the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, the Mazda CX-5 has traditionally stood out for its cabin quality, handling balance and competitive pricing. For 2026, Mazda has introduced an all-new CX-5 to sway more buyers away from the popular players. So, the obvious question is, should you buy it, and is the new CX-5 a better car than its predecessor?
