4car rating: 5 stars
Body Styles: Saloon, Estate
Engines: 1.6, 2.0, 2.0 T
Prices: £13,950 to £21,995


The Impreza narrowly takes this category, and only because the range-topping WRX is so darned enjoyable. It's extremely fast, very grippy, and induces big-grins at every corner. So it's our favourite individual model, but taking a range as a whole, the Ford Mondeo and Alfa 156 make strong cases for themselves too. Other notable mentions go to the Honda Accord Type R and Lexus IS200 (from the compact executive class).



Other recommended cars:

• Best Budget Buy: Skoda Octavia
• Best for Interior Room: Ford Mondeo
• Best for Safety: Renault Laguna
• Best for Comfort: Honda Accord
• Best Driver's Car: Subaru Impreza
• Best Image: Volkswagen Passat
• Best Diesel: Volkswagen Passat
• Best Estate: Ford Mondeo