This Suzuki Vitara may be one of the older designs in the compact SUV segment but it can offer some of the most modern engines, with mild hybrid electrification featuring in a redesigned K14D'-series version of the company's 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine. And a 1.5-litre Full Hybrid petrol unit available too. Unusually in this class, there's still the option of a proper lockable 4WD system if you want it. Time to take a second look at this car.

Toyota thumbs its nose at volume brands who've abandoned the citycar segment and brings us one here, the Aygo X. But it's a city car with a bit more pavement presence than those you might be used to; in terms of the statement it'll make at the gym, it's a world away from the old Aygo. Plus it's economical, promises to be fun to drive and can even be had in semi-convertible form. Trendsetters should form an orderly queue.

To date, Toyota has sold over 70 million electrified vehicles, but they've virtually all been hybrids. This bZ4X mid-sized SUV is the brand's first purpose-built EV. Since its engineering draws on over two decades of electrified automotive experience, you'd expect it to be a very complete product indeed. You shouldn't be disappointed.

This second generation C-HR takes the successful formula established by its predecessor and improves it in most key areas. Which means this small coupe crossover is a little better to drive, slightly more practical and, arguably, smarter to look at too. There's even now 4WD and Plug-in Hybrid tech if you want it.

The twelfth generation Corolla hatch and Touring Sports estate models have gained many friends for Toyota amongst family hatch customers wanting full-Hybrid power. Now that engine's been significantly improved in both its forms, as has the interior of this 'E210'-series design. If you'd previously dismissed the Japanese brand as an also-ran in the Focus class, it might be time to think again.

With their Corolla Touring Sports model, Toyota aims to bring us a compact yet very spacious estate that's a cut or two above the class norm. This revised version boasts a sharper look, a smarter interior and a more sophisticated pair of self-charging Hybrid engines. Plus it's still very practical, with a decent 598-litre boot. It's a car that's been rehabilitated.

This improved version of Toyota's fourth generation Yaris supermini gets a digitalised interior and stronger safety standards. As before though, it's biggest draw is its frugal segment-leading 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine, which is now also available in an uprated 129bhp form. What was already a class act has just become genuinely hard to overlook.

In this Yaris Cross, Toyota has a credible truly class-competitive supermini-sized SUV. The Yaris Cross fills an important gap in the company's Crossover line-up, just below the C-HR, and gets a useful update here. It should continue to worry Juke and Puma sector rivals with features like full-Hybrid power and AWD that are relatively unusual in this segment.

The Vauxhall Astra. It's long been the staple of the company car park and this eighth generation version aims to combine this model line's traditional no-nonsense appeal with a bit of extra flair, courtesy of French-derived underpinnings which also bring the option of electrification.

Vauxhall aims to be an EV-only manufacturer by 2028, so it needs to get on with delivering us more full-battery models. Like this one, the Astra Electric. It shares all its engineering with a Peugeot E-308 and, like that Stellantis Group cousin, is available in hatch and Sports Tourer estate form with smart looks but quite ambitious asking prices.

Vauxhall is hoping to increase its presence in the compact estate sector with this eighth generation Astra Sports Tourer. SUVs and MPVs might offer more interesting options for family buyers but the solid, practical virtues of a good estate are not to be under-estimated. This one's cleaner, more frugal, more practical, higher-tech and sharper to look at than before. It's a better package all-round, aided by French- derived underpinnings which also bring the option of electrification.

Vauxhall's fully electric small MPV, this Combo Life Electric, gets a useful update here both inside and out, but the main change is a significantly greater driving range between charges. As a result, like its Peugeot and Citroen design counterparts, it might be tempting option if you're looking for a full-electric compact family car and don't want a compact SUV. Here, there's the option of a 7-seat cabin too, which is quite rare to find in an EV at present.

Time, perhaps, to change the way you feel about Vauxhall's Corsa. This fifth generation version has been a huge sales success for the brand, frequently the UK's best selling car. But it needed a bit more showroom appeal, hence the importance of this mid-term update, which brings the front end look into line with the brand's other models and introduces some new electrified drivetrain tech for both combustion and EV variants.

Vauxhall's Corsa Electric is our market's best selling small EV. But it needed a bit more technology and a more fashionable vibe. Both of which the Griffin brand claims to have brought us with this mid-term update, which gives a sharper feel inside and out, plus an extra longer-range powertrain option.

Vauxhall has decided it needs not one but two small SUVs in its product portfolio, this little Crossland model sitting just below the second generation Mokka crossover in the company's crossover line-up. This is a facelift of the car we first saw back in 2017 as the 'Crossland X', but the more engaging front-end styling gives it an up-to-the-minute feel.

Vauxhall's Grandland remains an affordable, well equipped mid-sized SUV and has lately gained a frugal 48v hybrid engine option. It's still one of the more affordable choices in the Qashqai segment and offers a sharp look and a modern cabin.

Vauxhall needs more of a competitive presence in the industry's fastest growing segment, that for small trendy SUVs. And, courtesy of shared Stellantis Group engineering, this second generation Mokka model provides it. There's nothing that changes the class norm here, but we can't remember a more visually appealing Vauxhall in recent memory - and that has to be a good thing.

In theory, Vauxhall's Mokka Electric ticks a lot of boxes. Small, fashionable SUVs are the market's primary growth area at present. And of course, everyone's talking about EVs. This one gets trendy looks, proven underpinnings and a drivetrain claiming up to 252 miles of range. It's the sort of electric model that ought to find a ready audience.

Van-based MPVs have, to date, failed to disguise their utilitarian roots. The Volkswagen Caddy and Caddy Life people carriers offer a rather more upmarket feel and a drive that's a good deal more spirited than most. You can have seven seats, yet in a car that's easy to park in the tightest multi-storey - and all the technology a family could want. As a compromise between relative sophistication and solid common sense, these compact Caddy people movers work extremely well.

Volkswagen has reimagined what its Golf family hatchback should be, this eighth generation model packaged very differently from its predecessor. Under the skin, hybrid engineering is prevalent further up the range but for potential buyers, what will probably matter most is the distinctive new nose and the classy minimalist cabin. Loyal Golf owners will find lots to like here.