The latest Ford Fiesta takes everything that has given its predecessors so much success – practicality, sensible pricing and great handling – and adds in extra comfort, refinement and technology. It’s easily one of the best small hatchbacks on the market. Perfectly set up for British roads, with revised...

With agile handling, eager yet economical engines, generous levels of equipment and sensible pricing, the Suzuki Swift is a great car. It’s practical and well made, but it doesn’t feel quite as plush or substantial as a SEAT Ibiza. Even so, it’s still one of our favourite hatchbacks. It might look...

The Honda Jazz is something of an unsung hero among small hatches. Unfairly derided for its sensible image and traditionally more 'mature' owner - the average buyer age is over 60 - the Jazz has never quite had the appeal of the likes of the Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta . But maybe this third generation...

Effortless to drive, spacious and backed by an excellent range of petrol engines, the Volkswagen Polo is the best excuse you’ll ever need for downsizing your daily driver. Admittedly, it lacks the value of its talented rivals, but the refined and practical sixth-generation Polo is one of the most-accomplished...

Mazda is on a roll these days, with an impressive range of cars that are good to drive, stylish and practical. Those ingredients have now been distilled into the smallest model in the range – the Mazda2. The result is a success, giving big players like the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta something to...

I don't have to persuade people into buying a Jazz. They love it anyway, for all of the sensible reasons I'd have used in my sales pitch. So it's not an emotional decision based on looks alone, as it might be for a Fiat 500 or a MINI. It's the whole package: a car that's going to do everything you...