Buyer's guide
Choosing a car comes down to three decisions: how much space you genuinely need, how you will fuel it, and how long you plan to keep it. Work through them in that order and the shortlist writes itself.
1. Size before badge
Segments A through F describe length, cabin space and price positioning; J, M, P and S describe purpose. A C-segment hatchback and a compact crossover often share a platform and engine — the crossover simply trades a little efficiency for ride height and easier access. Start with the segment guide and only then compare brands.
2. Pick the right powertrain
| Powertrain | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol / Gasoline | Low annual mileage, long trips, simplest servicing | Highest fuel cost per kilometre in city traffic |
| Diesel | Heavy towing, high motorway mileage, pickups and large SUVs | Particulate filters dislike short urban trips; urban restrictions in Europe |
| Full hybrid (HEV) | City and mixed driving with no plug required | Smaller boot in some models; battery health matters on used cars |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Short electric commutes with occasional long trips | Only economical if you charge it consistently |
| Battery electric (BEV) | Home or workplace charging, low running and service costs | Charging access, cold-weather range, higher purchase price |
3. Run the checks
- Match the segment to your actual weekly use, not your busiest weekend of the year.
- Compare total cost: purchase price, insurance, fuel or electricity, tyres, servicing and depreciation.
- Check boot volume in litres and rear legroom in person — brochure size classes hide big differences.
- For used cars, verify service history, tyre dates, and whether recalls have been completed.
- Test drive on the roads you actually use, including a rough surface and a parking manoeuvre.
- Confirm the safety spec: autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and ISOFIX points.
Where to start browsing
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