The Audi S3 Sportback will find its way onto shopping lists of European buyers, but the real surprise is that it is also competitive with the Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo X.

The Fiat Panda isn’t a bad little thing, but it’s not as practical as Fiat would like to think it is. Indeed, if you’ve got kids and they’re still in child seats then forget about it.

Some people will never accept an Alfa Romeo with front wheel drive, but for many, the MiTo will be their first introduction to the brand. Paul Murrell assesses how successful the refreshed MiTo will be.

BMW say it builds the ultimate driving machine. Tony Bosworth reckons it might well have hit the nail on the head with the 320i (M Sport Package).

There’s only 40 of these Abarth 695 Edizione Maseratis available for Australia and that’s a shame because this is one of the stand-out hotties of the last few years.

The Hyundai ix35 has always been great value, and most buyers were willing to overlook its shortcomings. With the Series II Hyundai has addressed these and made it an even better buy for families.

Isaac Bober reviews the Volkswagen Beetle with pricing, specs, ride and handling, safety and verdict. IN A NUTSHELL: Volkswagen toughens up the Beetle with masculine styling and an interior that’s literally swimming in retro appeal. PRACTICAL MOTORING SAYS: Despite being based on the previous generation Golf (Golf VI), the new

The brutish looking Chrysler’s 300C has had its rough edges knocked off in its recent revision, but has lost none of its street appeal. A shed load of kit and tweaks to the ride and handling mean the American lump gives the locals a run for their money.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is the shining light in the Chrysler arsenal. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers ability and sophistication, an impressive standard features list and pricing that must make its competitor brands scratch their heads in wonder.

The limited-edition Fiat 500C by Gucci takes the already cute-as-a-button Fiat 500 and it makes it even cuter looking. That it’s a decent drive is the icing on the cake.

At a drive-away price of less than $20,000, Hyundai’s Accent Active certainly looks to be good value. Tony Bosworth puts the keenly-priced Korean car through its paces to see if it really does provide value-for-money motoring.

The Proton Exora is touted as Australia’s cheapest (sorry, “least expensive”) seven-seater. Does it have more to offer than a price advantage?

There isn’t another ute on the planet that will touch the Holden VF SSV Redline ute for performance and overall price as it proved at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Proton’s target of becoming a “globally recognised player” in the automotive world is ambitious and the Prevé probably isn’t the car to get them there. But it may be a good start.

Proton insists the Suprima S is not just a hatchback version of the Prevé. Regardless, it faces a tough fight in what is arguably the toughest market segment.