The 2013 Mazda CX-5 line-up adds a new 139kW/250Nm 2.-5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from the Mazda6. Until now, the diesel variants were the pick of the range. So can the 2.5 petrol take over the mantle?

Overall, the Sorento 3.5 Si 2WD is a nice competent seven-seater that rides and handles well, has a grunty and refined drivetrain, and a decent amount of standard features. It’s the perfect alternative to some of the pricier seven-seaters on the market, but for families that like to get their feet dirty, you’ll need to pay more for the 4WD variant.

The Outback 2.0D CVT is likely to woo those looking to update their current Outback for something a little flashier and more fuel-efficient. That it’s a roomy, comfortable and safe vehicle to drive, that’s as comfortable on dirt as it is on the black stuff, makes this new Outback 2.0D CVT well worth a look.

Overall this new Forester sees Subaru deliver a more premium looking, feeling and driving product that puts it right back at the sharp-end of the pack. It’s likely to appeal strongly to faithful Subaru Forester owners wanting something a bit more comfortable, but it’s classy and competent enough to win new buyers too.

The big question remains: can this very competent, good value car bring buyers back to a category they have been deserting in droves? On a purely rational level, the VF Commodore should be hugely successful. But car buyers are rarely rational, and that bodes ill for the best car this country has ever produced.

The Veloster SR Turbo represents an impressive step for Hyundai. It’s loaded with kit and while it might not rival some established hot hatches it’s still a lot of fun drive, and the matte paint helps give it a bit of street cred.

If you’re looking for an engaging little hatch that rides and handles well, looks great, and is loaded with plenty of standard kit which you usually have to pay a lot more for, then the Hyundai Veloster is the car for you. And the car’s five-year warranty is icing on the cake.

if you’re after something that matches the Germans (read: BMW X3/X5 and Audi Q5/Q7) for drivability and offers a fair dollop of exclusivity without costing the earth (relatively speaking), then the Infiniti FX37 S might just be the car for you.

The new Honda CR-V may not exactly get the blood pumping, but by every measure it offers more of what you want and need, and less of what you don’t. It’s a conjuring trick that Honda’s designers and engineers can be proud of.

The Hyundai i30 offers good looks (inside and out), an impressive list of standard equipment for the money, good ride and handling with a level of refinement neither the Toyota Corolla or Mazda3 can match, and enough room for a family of four.

The new Golf is a case of more of the same, only different. It should be more than enough to continue its record-breaking run, says Paul Murrell. When the new Golf replaced the seemingly eternal Beetle in 1974, it changed the market forever. Of course, VW had the Beetle soldier on

The Peugeot 208 starts at $18,490, and that is, quite frankly, overpriced compared to what else is available. If your heart is set on this French cutie, at the bare minimum we’d suggest you consider the 1.6-litre four-cylinder, even though it is an additional $3000.

Looking more mature and premium than its predecessor, the Hyundai Santa Fe completes Hyundai’s line-up refresh. It’s also now one of the stand-out drives in the seven-seat SUV segment.