Verdict

ESSENTIALS Volkswagen Golf R32 Price (new): £22,340 Powertrain: 3.2-litre V6, 238bhp 0-62mph: 6.6 seconds Top speed: 153mph Fuel Consumption: 24.4mpg Annual VED: £430 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA Price (new): £

Our first contender to fall by the wayside is the Audi. Yousuf was impressed with how the RS3 performed against such a standout field and was surprised at just how good it felt regardless of which big

List price £65,045 Best price £59,645 MPG 30.8 CO2 208g/km For Savage acceleration; immense grip; entertaining handling; quick-shifting automatic gearbox Against Very expensive to buy; some hot hatche

List price £30,795 Best price £28,750 MPG 64.1 CO2 100g/km For Frugal in real-world driving; comfy and good to drive; generously equipped; well built and reliable Against Tight for adults in rear seat

RATINGS = Thrill-free zone = Tepid = Interesting = Seriously good = A truly great car = new entry this month. Cars in italics are no longer on sale. Issue no. is for our most recent major test of the

List price £47,670 Best price £47,670 MPG 218.5 CO2 29g/km For PHEV’s outstanding efficiency and electric range; hushed and comfy cruiser; vast boot; smart interior Against Pricier than some rivals; a