car reviews

Doesn't create a new must-have niche, or take itself too seriously, and neither should you

VW's iconic van may be over 70 years old, but it's still a strong contender

A desirable and hugely practical device for carrying seven people with a few annoying foibles

A massively practical VW that isn’t an SUV. Benefits greatly from its new MQB platform

If you want a van that’s unusually civilised, then this will make those long days at work a heck of a lot easier

This is finally the spicier Arteon we've been waiting for

The GTD is quicker and more sporting than ever. But will anyone pick it over the more powerful GTE?

Judge it as a taller, fatter Golf R and it's very good. But it's flawed family transport

A curious mix of speed and efficiency with a big dollop of comfort. It's just not especially fun

Good looking, spacious and well equipped, but the wow-factor is only surface-deep

VW’s tiniest, cheapest hot hatch has similar horsepower and weight to the original Mk1 Golf GTI. Time to party like it’s 1975

Almost everything we like about the Up, but unpretentiously electric. Could be the ideal first EV

Yes, it’s effectively a van with windows. But it’s also magnificent

It's easy to see why this is many people's default hot hatch

The 4x4-drive super-Golf finally came of age with this phenomenally rounded hot hatch

Golf R-engined crossover drives brilliantly, but you’ll have already made your mind up on the niche

Like your cars straightforward, fuss-free, and practical? You’ll really like this. (Very) quietly excellent without ever being memorable.

GTI Mk1 gave birth to a era of hot hatchery. And for that, we thank it

Takes the fight to the Ford Galaxy with sliding doors and an accommodating cabin.

It’s the car that Top Gear staffers tend to recommend when asked ‘what should I buy?’ more often than anything else.

The new Beetle is a vast improvement on its predecessor and sportier, too. We like it