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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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  • SEAT Arona

    SEAT Arona

    3.9/5

    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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  • Mazda 3

    Mazda 3

    4.3/5

    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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  • Toyota RAV4

    Toyota RAV4

    4.2/5

    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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  • BMW X5

    BMW X5

    4.0/5

    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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  • BMW 5 Series

    BMW 5 Series

    4.5/5

    A mainstay of the executive car class, the BMW 5 Series has been a presence on the UK for decades. Offering a refined experience for passengers with a sporty one for the person behind the wheel, the latest 5 Series continues with the tradition of all-rounder ability and solid build quality. The new 5 Series arrives with a range of electrified options, which aim to make it even more efficient, too.

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  • Land Rover Defender

    Land Rover Defender

    4.0/5

    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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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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