Author: Sam Hardy
Winner: MINI Countryman Cooper D
Taking all the desirability of a MINI and adding more space and flexibility for growing families, the Countryman is a great package. It really stands out on the road, is very easy to personalise and fun to drive, yet it still makes sense as a business car, with low running costs and excellent residuals. Best of the bunch is the 112bhp 1.6-litre Cooper D diesel, which is punchy and quiet and returns 64mpg while emitting just 115g/km of CO2. It’s even available in four-wheel drive should you need the extra traction.
Commended: VW Golf GTD
The hot hatch that makes sense both on paper and on a twisty road, the GTD scores with 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds but 55mpg.
Commended: Audi Q3
Like an espresso shot of Audi SUV DNA, the Q3 pours all Q5 quality and desirability into a smaller package that’s still hugely usable as a company car.
Commended: Vauxhall Astra GTC
Finally a Vauxhall that’s good to drive and easy on the eye, the GTC shows that the Luton company can offer a viable VW Scirocco alternative.
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