Small family cars in 2012

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Small family cars in 2012

Stephen Hurrell | 31st January 2012 Comments (0)

Small family cars can be hatchbacks, saloons, estates or coupes but all will offer slightly more space than city cars and lower running costs than the larger executive segment - the perfect blend of cost and practicality.

Ford Focus

The gadget-packed Ford Focus is a class-leader because it offers a superb drive and attractive styling at an affordable price. Engine choices are extensive for both hatchback and estate versions.

Ford Focus news

Ford Focus deals

Volkswagen Golf

Hatchback famed for a superb drive, strong engine range, high level of equipment and reliable build quality. Desirability leads to high prices.

Volkswagen Golf news

Volkswagen Golf deals

Renault Megane

Stylish, sporty and versatile family car. Available in hatch, coupe, convertible, estate and hot hatch versions. Poor residual values.

Renault Megane news

Renault Megane deals

Vauxhall Astra

Looks great inside and out and comes with some excellent engines - in particular the frugal diesels. Excellent warranty and high sell-on value make it a safe choice.

Vauxhall Astra news

Vauxhall Astra deals

Citroen C4

Does most things well but its understated design makes it a bit anonymous on the road. Handles well and is quite spacious inside.

Citroen C4 news

Citroen C4 deals

Peugeot 308

Attractive hatchback with a 2012 upgrade to its interior. Solid choice of engines and a surprising amount of equipment as standard. Can get pricey in higher trim levels.

Peugeot 308 news

Peugeot 308 deals

Chevrolet Cruze

Saloon or hatchback with aggressive styling and a low starting price. Basic level of equipment but big improvements to interior quality over previous versions.

Chevrolet Cruze news

Chevrolet Cruze deals

Mazda3

Sporty hatchback with new, ultra-efficient engines for 2012. Cheap to run and residuals are good, but can't match the Focus for handling.

Mazda3 news

Mazda3 deals

Seat Leon

Large range covers everything from green 'Ecomotive' to hot hatch Cupra R. Desirable design and reliable VW engines are a good match.

Seat Leon news

Seat Leon deals

Skoda Octavia

Reliable, spacious, superb build quality. The Octavia is also cheap to run and comfortable to drive. Basically a Golf but with a lower starting price - excellent value for money.

Skoda Octavia news

Skoda Octavia deals

Honda Civic

Coupe-like looks which will split opinion. The agile handling and responsive steering will not. Rear space can be limited by that roofline however.

Honda Civic news

Honda Civic deals

Toyota Auris

Reliable, practical and spacious, the Auris is a low-cost, low-risk option. It won't set your heart racing but it will give you peace of mind.

Toyota Auris deals

Hyundai i30

New 2012 facelift is closer to the class leaders than ever. It's affordable and has plenty of space. A good warranty is important but there are better around for the price.

Hyundai i30 news

Hyundai i30 deals