In addition to the variety of motors above, here are another few to consider
Kia Cee'd
Kia sold almost double the amount of Cee'd models this year as they did last year, and it's not hard to see why. The Cee'd is well equipped, aggressively priced and likely to be reliable. The Pro_cee'd three-door version is stunning. Seven-year warranty and five-star Euro NCAP safety scores are further draws. Prices start at €19,525.
Skoda Octavia
Not far out of the top five, the Octavia is a great value family car that offers more for the euro than most. A new model is coming, which looks better and offers the same clever engine line-up. Prices will start at around €19,500, but the one to buy is the 2.0-litre TDi with DSG.
Renault Mégane (new model)
The Mégane is back, with a brand new design; better build quality and some decent engines. Pricing is good too. The coupé is much better-looking than a rather anonymous five-door. Scored maximum points for adult occupancy in the Euro NCAP safety tests. Prices start at €20,400 for the 1.5-litre dCi Hatch.
Seat Leon
The Leon is great value, with prices starting at €20,550, and it is a really good-looking, well-built car. The 2.0-litre TDi is the pick of the bunch for us. Better-looking than the Golf to which it is so closely related.
Hyundai i30
Much better value than more "mainstream" choices but of equal quality, the i30 was one of the surprise hits of 2007. Engines include 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesels with 90- and 115bhp. There is also a useful estate model. Prices start at €18,995.