Review Volkswagen up! hatchback

"The Volkswagen up! is a small city car with a high-quality feel designed to compete with the Fiat 500." The up! is Volkswagen's brand-new city car and the smallest model in the range. It's designed to take on rivals like the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo and offers excellent value for money while maintaining VW's high levels of quality. Its clean-cut design and efficient, fun to drive three-cylinder petrol engine should prove a hit with a crop of young customers. A starting price of £7,995 means this is a VW that's affordable, too. Available initially as a three-door model, a five-door model will arrives in September and will cost an additional £375 for a pair of extra doors. A faster, turbocharged up! GT is due in 2013 while an all-electric version is due in 2014. Drive4.5 /5 The up! is very light, weighing less a tonne When buying a car of this size, you wouldn’t normally expect it to cope so well with motorway driving. But even at speeds over 60mph, the up! remains a quiet and relaxing way to travel on long trips. Engine choices couldn’t be simpler, as there's only one, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with either 59bhp or 74bhp. It makes a classic three-cylinder thrum as the revs rise, which is fortunate as it needs to be revved hard to produce its best. The steering is light but accurate, while the brakes are strong – thanks to the fact that the up! only weighs 929kg in three-door form. The up! five-door gets the same engine range and is just as responsive, although our advice would be to not go for the five-speed automatic in either bodystyle: it's very jerky and slow to change. The up! GT hot hatch has a 108bhp turbocharged version of the same engine and can do 0-60mph in around 8.5 seconds (the 74bhp version does it in 13.2 seconds). It's fast, has slightly stiffer suspension and is lot of fun. Comfort4.4 /5 Very comfortable for such a small car The supple suspension does an excellent job of absorbing bumps in the road. The price to pay for straight-line comfort is body roll when you’re going around corners. Even in the back, head, shoulder and legroom are excellent for a car of this size, while the seats offer just the right amount of support. It's a shame there's no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, but thanks to a wide range of movement in the front seats, finding a comfortable driving position is easy. Reliability4.6 /5 Volkswagen's reputation is very strong While VW can’t match the five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty offered with the Hyundai i10, VW as a brand has an excellent record for reliability. The up!'s simple front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, and high-percentage of common components with other small VWs, should make it easy to fix when something goes wrong. Although the interior trim features fewer soft-touch materials than models higher up in the range, the superb build quality will stand up well to everyday use. Practicality5.0 /5 The up! is very well packaged inside At around 3.5 metres in length, the Volkswagen up! is almost identical in size to the Fiat 500, it has a far longer wheelbase, so it's much larger inside. An adult can sit comfortably behind the driver or passenger, which is more than can be said for the Fiat, while headroom and elbow room is excellent in the front and back. There's even a decent sized 251-litre boot, expanding to 951-litres with the 60/40 rear seats folded flat. The five-door model is exactly the same size – the only differences are an extra pair of rear doors, a slightly raised rear bench seat to give a better view out and pop-out rear windows. Value for money5.0 /5 The up! is a quality product Starting at just £7,995 is quite an achievement for a car of this quality. However, prices rise quite sharply when you start adding options and choose the more powerful engine, so it won’t be the cheapest car in its class. A removable sat-nav head unit, which integrates fully with the car's computer to display audio controls, directions and eco driving tips is standard on the flagship High up!, while hi-tech features like an automatic braking system that cuts in at speeds under 20mph costs £225. The five-door only costs an extra £375 which represents excellent value for money. The up! GT is likely to cost around £13,000, which is competitive with the Suzuki Swift Sport and RenaultSport Twingo. Running costs5.0 /5 BlueMotion version offers very small running costs A BlueMotion version of the lower-powered engine, fitted with stop-start, is capable of returning 67.3mpg and emissions of less than 100g/km – which qualifies it for road tax exemption. Fuel costs will be rock-bottom, too. The 74bhp model is not far behind with figures of 65.7mpg and 108g/km. Because it's a VW, residuals will be stronger than for rivals from Fiat and Hyundai, so you’ll get more of your money back when the time comes to sell. Despite being fast, the up! GT still does around 60mpg. The electric version can do 90 miles on a charge (which takes only five-and-a-half hours from a conventional plug) but it is likely to cost around £14,000.

Review Hyundai i40 estate

The Hyundai i40 Estate marks a step in a new direction for the Korean firm. Until now it has concentrated on small cars, but the sharp looking i40 has the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in its sights. The big Hyundai i40 Estate is a sharp looking family car, with a bold grille, creases along the sides and a neat tailgate. Family buyers will be impressed by the practicality on offer. Its boot has a 533-litre carrying capacity with the seats up, and a decent 1,719 litres with them down. The car also gets underfloor cubbies and a retractable luggage screen. As ever, the big draw for many buyers is the value for money on offer, and there's a wealth of standard kit included – the i40 puts more expensive rivals to shame. The engine line-up comprises two petrols, a 135bhp 1.6-litre and more powerful 2.0-litre unit, and a 1.7-litre diesel with 114bhp or 134bhp. The diesel unit offers plenty of power and will be better suited to those who rack up high mileages. Entry version delivers class-leading emissions of 113g/km and can return 65mpg. The i40 looks set to attract family and company buyers in equal measure. Drive4.4 /5 Reasonable dynamics, but not as sharp as the Mondeo The 175bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is virtually inaudible at low revs, but doesn't offer the acceleration of the diesel units. It does deliver decent pace, though – sprinting from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. Although the i40 can't match the Ford Mondeo for driving dynamics, it corners tidily and body roll is well controlled, and it's a comfortable and relaxing cruiser. Watch the Hyundai i40 ESC test video here. Comfort4.5 /5 Smooth ride and immensely spacious On the motorway, the i40's comfortable ride means progress is smooth. The driving position affords a decent view of the road ahead, and there's lots of space front and rear. The lower powered petrol needs to be worked hard when carrying big loads, though, which makes more noise in the cabin, but the diesels are both hushed and smooth, and wind and road noise is all kept to a minimum. Optional heated seats make cold mornings more bearable. Reliability4.5 /5 Safe and superbly reliable Hyundai boasts an enviable reliability record, and the i40 should only really visit the garage for regular maintenance. Any problems that do occur should be fixed quickly and cheaply, and a five year, unlimited mileage warranty is standard. Safety is also first rate – the i40 features adaptive lighting, nine airbags, including a standard knee airbag and lane keeping assistance. Practicality4.6 /5 Impressive carrying capacity and passenger space A cavernous 533-litre boot (1,719 with the seats folded down) is close the class best, and should be enough for most needs. You also get underfloor cubbies, adjustable luggage restraints and a power tailgate. And because of the long 2.8-metre wheelbase, passenger space isn't compromised. There's generous amounts of room up front and in the rear. Value for money4.7 /5 Exceptionally affordable Korean firm prides itself on offering superb value for money. High-spec i40 models come with an array of gadgets, including cruise control, sat-nav, xenon lights and heated seats – all at a price that undercuts most rivals, but even entry level cars come with automatic headlights, electric windows, air conditioning and alloy wheels. Running costs4.7 /5 Fuel-sipping engines and long warranty help trim costs Diesel engines are clean and efficient, so running costs are low. The most frugal is the entry-level diesel, which emits only 113g/km and returns an impressive 65.7mpg, thanks to BlueDrive technology (which includes a stop-start system) and eco tyres meaning super-low Road Tax. As with all new Hyundais, the i40 comes with a five-year unlimited warranty.

Review MG TF cabriolet

"The MG TF is easily outclassed by newer rivals" Chinese owned MG Motor UK has been producing the revised TF since 2008. It offers sporty handling and open top motoring for a low price, but is easily outclassed by more up-to-date models such the Mazda MX-5. It's powered by a 135bhp 1.8-litre 16v petrol engine and can cover the 0-60mph sprint in approximately nine seconds. The manual folding canvas roof is simple to use, and the TF offers good value for money, but it has many shortcomings. The interior design is very dated, and on rough roads passengers will feel tired and uncomfortable. The lack of steering wheel adjustment also results in an awkward driving position. Drive3.0 /5 Probably it's best feature The small body dimensions, lack of weight and independent suspension mean that on twisty roads driving the TF is good fun. The gearlever is quite stiff however and the ride suffers badly on bumpy roads. At motorway speeds there is a lot of engine noise and the steering becomes quite unpredictable. The MG TF is also not fitted with electronic stability control. Comfort2.0 /5 Acceptable for short journeys The interior of the TF is definitely showing its age, as it uses scratchy plastics and flimsy heater vents. The seats are supportive, but the dashboard layout is very basic. With the roof in place, headroom is limited for taller passengers. Reliability3.5 /5 The MG TF was crash tested way back in 2003 During crash testing in 2003 the MG TF scored a respectable four stars. However, crash testing has moved on greatly since then, but the TF hasn't kept pace. Despite the good level of crash protection on offer the interior build quality is average and some of the controls feel very cheap. Driver and passenger airbags are fitted as standard. Practicality2.5 /5 210-litre boot is positioned at the back, behind the engine With a generous 210-litre boot the two-seater TF isn't as hard to live with as you might suspect. The cabin is relatively spacious and comfortable, but lacking in useful storage areas. The driving position is strange, though - you sit too low down, and there's no reach adjustment on the steering wheel. The heated rear glass screen provides a clear view out of the back window and the manual folding roof mechanism is well made. Value for money3.0 /5 The 'Style pack' includes leather seats Priced below the entry-level Mazda MX-5 the MG TF is relatively cheap to buy - but only one model is offered. Standard equipment is limited, but includes front foglights, a CD player, alloy wheels and heated door mirrors. The optional Style Pack adds leather interior, silver interior trim and 'Twisted pepper' alloy wheels. Running costs2.6 /5 Old engine hurts economy and emissions The TF isn't particularly fuel efficient compared to more modern rivals, returning of 36mpg. Producing CO2 emissions of 185g/km TF owners will pay more for road tax than Mazda MX-5 drivers. MG offers a three-year/60,000 mile warranty that includes unlimited mileage cover in the first year.

Review MG 6 GT hatchback

"Far from perfect, but the MG6 offers drivers sharp handling and a good value price-tag" As MG's first new model under Chinese owners, the 6 has plenty to prove. Thankfully, the handling is agile and there's plenty on offer for keen drivers. It's just a shame that the interior quality isn't quite up to that offered by rivals and there's only one engine to choose from. With the introduction of the 1.9-litre diesel in 2012 the 6 will become a much more attractive all-round proposition. Drive4.3 /5 Sharp handling and punchy turbo engine As of 2011 there's only one engine available in the MG6 line-up – a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 158bhp. A 1.9-litre turbodiesel is expected in the future though. For now the petrol engine is smooth and launches the MG from 0-62mph time in 8.4 seconds. At high revs the unit can get a bit noisy though. In the corners, the 6 performs well, changing direction quickly with very little body roll. The steering is direct and nicely weighted. Comfort4.1 /5 Ride is firm but not necessarily bad, engine noise could be reduced Engineers have tried to strike a fine balance between comfort and handling, but its fair to say the 6 could do with being slightly less stiff. That's not to say the ride is bad but drivers may begin to wish for a softer set-up over long distances. Wind and road noise are generally well contained – not class-leading, but not far off either. Engine noise at motorway speeds could have been lessened if the 6 was fitted with a sixth gear, but drivers will have to make do without. Reliability4.0 /5 Three-year warranty should give peace of mind It's hard to say at the moment how reliable the MG 6 will be, but the firm are offering a three-year/ 60,000 mile warranty on their vehicles to ease customer's minds. MG haven’t yet released results of an NCAP crash safety test, but in the Chinese version of the test – which is admittedly less stringent – it received a full five stars. With ABS, ESP along with side, front and passenger airbags it's likely to get the same result over here too. Practicality4.6 /5 Cavernous boot is perfect for carrying large loads The MG's boot is huge, boasting a 458 litre load space. Rivals in this sector – like the Vauxhall Astra for example – generally have around 350 litres of space. Interior space is good for passengers too, although people seating in the rear may find head-room limited by the slanting roof. It's worth mentioning that the quality of materials found in the cabin is good, but rivals like the Golf and Astra are slightly ahead in this department. Value for money4.2 /5 Basic models are good value for money, top levels are well equipped Prices start at around the £15,000 mark and at that price point its very competitive with its rivals. The most basic trim level is ‘S’ and that includes all-round electric windows, air-conditioning and alloy wheels. One level up is ‘SE’ which adds sat-nav, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Go for top-spec ‘TSE’ models and leather upholstery is includes, along with a rear parking camera. Running costs3.6 /5 No efficient diesel engine is available at the moment A turbocharged petrol engine isn’t great for keeping running costs low and the evidence is in the MG6's official economy figures. CO2 emissions stand at 184g/km, while the official mpg figure is 35.6. Better on cost is the low 13/14 insurance rating (out of 50) and the high levels of standard equipment.

Review Volvo V60 estate

"While older Volvo estates offer space in abundance, the V60 is actually smaller inside than similarly sized rivals." The S60 saloon is Volvo's best attempt yet to challenge the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sales in the small executive sector, and the Volvo V60 is the stylish estate version. The model line-up is the same as the saloon's, and flagship versions come with four-wheel drive, while the low-emissions DRIVe model offers low running costs and cheap road tax. While older Volvo estates offer space in abundance, the V60 is actually smaller inside than similarly sized rivals. However, Volvo's reputation for comfortable cabins and first-class safety equipment remains intact. Drive4.0 /5 Five-cylinder diesel has plenty of pulling power If you're going to be filling the boot on a regular basis, the tuneful five-cylinder diesel has plenty of power to cope. Volvo has tried to give the V60 sporty handling, but it still lags behind its German rivals for entertainment. It's at its best as a long-distance motorway cruiser, as it soaks up bumps and lumps with ease. The potent T6 Polestar version uses a turbocharged V6 engine that is incredibly rapid, capable of 0-60mph in just 5.6 seconds. Comfort4.8 /5 Volvo produces some of the most comfortable seats around As with other models in Volvo's range, the V60 is a comfortable place to spend time. Volvo has a reputation for first-class cabin comfort, and drivers will never feel exhausted after spending time at the wheel. The interior is spacious, while standard-fit climate control keeps temperatures in check. Reliability4.2 /5 Electronic safety systems have been tested thoroughly Cabin quality is on a par with the best small executive models available, but the Volvo V60 is too new to know how interiors will stand the test of time. There's lots of hi-tech safety systems available for the V60. All cars get six airbags, electronic stability control and City Safe - which helps prevent low-speed accidents. The optional Driver Support pack includes blind spot and lane-change alerts, a pedestrian detection system, plus collision warning technology with automatic braking. While the technology is undoubtedly clever, it can also be a bit distracting. Practicality4.0 /5 Cabin is roomy, the boot less so There's a 430-litre boot at the back, but that's 60 litres smaller than the boot of the class-leading Audi A4 Avant. The rear seats split 40/20/40 and fold completely flat, but a maximum carrying capacity of 1,246 litres is 59 litres less than a Volkswagen Golf hatchback. What the Volvo V60 lacks in boot space, it makes up for with neat touches, such as a fold-out divider in the boot floor with built-in retaining straps. Passengers are well catered for, with plenty of room in the back seats, and decent storage on the centre console. Value for money4.5 /5 It's good value compared to German rivals Compare the Volvo V60 to the BMW 3-Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant, and it offers decent value for money. All cars come with climate control and alloy wheels, while upgrading to an SE model adds a Bluetooth telephone connection and rear parking sensors. Leather upholstery is standard on SE Lux cars, while Premium specification adds satellite navigation and more to the standard list. Running costs4.2 /5 DRIVe model offers excellent economy If you want to keep costs down, go for a diesel model over the petrol versions. The D3 and D5 diesels both manage 53.3mpg and have emissions of 139g/km, which is good, but not quite on a par with the cleanest models from BMW and Audi. Economy-minded buyers will need to seek out the DRIVe model, which promises over 60mpg and sub-115g/km of CO2, but still has enough pulling power to cope with big loads. Residual values for the V60 won’t be as strong as BMW, Audi or Mercedes alternatives.

Review Mazda RX-8 coupe 2003 - 2010

"Four-seater coupe is surprisingly spacious and hugely entertaining to drive, but running costs will hit your wallet hard." With its distinctive styling and rear-hinged half doors, Mazda's RX-8 is one of the most eye-catching sports coupes on the road. It's unique in the market because it's powered by a rotary engine, which is smoother and more powerful than a conventional piston engine of a similar size. Thanks to its excellent handling and comfortable ride, the RX-8 suits a wide variety of different driving styles, but running costs are very high due to the large amounts of fuel and oil that the rotary engine requires. Boot space is limited, although there is plenty of room for four passengers inside. Drive4.5 /5 Few cars are as entertaining as the Mazda Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout, the RX-8 is an entertaining car to drive. Direct steering and stiff suspension combine to make the RX-8 a delight on the road. The 228bhp rotary engine is very smooth, but it needs to be revved to make the most of its performance. Comfort4.1 /5 The Japanese coupe is a surprisingly comfortable long distance cruiser As you would expect from a sports car, the RX-8 has firm suspension, but it's not too uncomfortable on motorway journeys. There's a gentle whirr from the engine when cruising, and it doesn't really become any noisier when it's revved. Standard Recaro sports seats mean occupants up front are held tightly in place. Reliability3.9 /5 Rotary engine has a thirst for oil as well as petrol Owners need to check the oil level of the rotary engine on a regular basis. That's because this type of engine uses more oil than a conventional one to keep its moving parts lubricated. If you do let the oil run low, you can expect to pay a hefty sum to get the engine repaired. Other than that, the RX-8 is reliable, with no major issues reported by owners. Practicality4.1 /5 All occupants get decent head and legroom Considering its sporty looks, there's a surprising amount of space in the Mazda. Access is made easier thanks to the rear-hinged half doors, which can only be used once the front doors have been opened. A centre console that runs the length of the cabin makes the RX-8 a strict four-seater, but there's decent head and legroom front and rear. The only major drawback is the small boot, which is further emphasised by the narrow boot opening. Value for money4.0 /5 Few cars serve up as much performance and style for the price The RX-8 is competitively priced when compared to rivals such as the Audi A5 Coupe and BMW 3-Series Coupe, and the R3 model comes with plenty of kit as standard. A BOSE stereo, Bluetooth telephone connection and part-leather Recaro sports seats are just part of the long equipment list. However, owners will have to factor in higher running costs because of the car's rotary engine. Running costs3.5 /5 High fuel and oil consumption will hit your wallet Combined fuel consumption of 24.6mpg is poor, and you can expect real-world economy to dip below the 20mpg mark, especially if you do a lot of urban driving. Then there's the extra oil you'll have to pay for. Owners have reported using around a litre of oil for every 1,000 miles driven. Due to the unique nature of the 1.3-litre rotary engine, it's taxed as if it's a conventional 2.6-litre engine, and high emissions place it in the top band for Road Tax and company car tax.