Looking for a compact family-sized full-electric model with zero emissions and the rapid responses characteristic of today's EVs? For some time now, the most affordable option you could consider has been MG's ZS EV, but the original version was let down by its modest drive range. That's been sorted with the smarter, revised variant, which remains sensibly priced and well equipped. If you're buying on a budget, you might rather like it.

The MG3 is a supermini you probably won't have considered. Yet it's fun to drive, practical to own and vastly more affordable than the conventional choices in this segment. If you don't need class-leading efficiency and you're prepared to forgive a few rough edges in return for the big savings on offer, then in this improved form, it could rank as a very clever choice.

The MG4 redefines its brand - and redefines what customers should have to pay for a cutting-edge compact five-seat EV family hatchback. It probably won't be on your wish list if you're currently looking for a car of this kind. It should be.

It's pretty hard to take exception to MINI's improved MK3 model Convertible. It delivers surprising space for passengers and luggage, a stylish roadway demeanour and a customisable fabric roof. This current version has been usefully updated in recent years with fresh technology, smart connectivity, standard-fit front and rear LED lights across the range, plus an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox. As before, buyers can pick three cylinder, four cylinder and JCW performance versions. There's even an EV.

The Ariya broadens Nissan's EV range up-market, an upper-mid-sized Coupe-Crossover that really seems to have the 'want one' factor missing from so many family-segment electric vehicles. It's boldly styled, has a cutting-edge cabin and offers a choice of battery sizes and drivetrain options. Think EV are dull? Check this one out.

If you need a car that blends into the background, look somewhere else. Nissan's Juke is a small SUV that's sold like hot cakes because it makes a visual statement. The second generation version keeps the design extreme but adds more space, smarter looks, extra equipment, greater efficiency and plenty of personalisation options. Plus the option of a frugal Hybrid engine if you can stretch to it.

The Nissan LEAF has always been a car that divides opinion. Some love this fully electric vehicle for its bold engineering and surprisingly enjoyable driving dynamics, but to date, many other green-minded potential buyers have struggled to make a case for it. But things are changing. For the latest model year, the brand has introduced a slightly smarter look. Plus value has been prioritised across the line-up.

The updated version of Nissan's third generation Qashqai makes a bit more of a style statement and gets much more sophisticated media tech. Added to the electrified engineering and practicality attributes of the original MK3 model, it makes for a super-strong lower mid-sized crossover contender.

Nissan's fourth generation X-Trail evolves into a more polished contender in the segment for family-sized SUVs offering up to seven seats. The cabin is nicer, the looks are sharper and you can have efficient e-POWER semi-electric petrol propulsion beneath the bonnet. Time to take this contender more seriously.

With this second generation 208 supermini, here usefully improved, Peugeot has brought us a small car that really pushes the boundaries in supermini design. This 208 model's engineering may not quite be unique, but all the feel-good stuff really is - the pavement presence, the avant garde cabin. Plus that's been delivered with most of the practicality and efficiency you'll need from a small hatch. Here's a car that's made other brands in its sector really sit up and take notice. And, we think, quite a few buyers who'd never normally choose a Peugeot in this class are going to do the same.

Peugeot wants to be a key player in the PHEV part of the mid-sized SUV segment with this car, the 3008 Plug-in Hybrid. It looks smart, certainly makes the efficiency numbers and will work well as a package for a family buyer wanting a degree of EV tech but not quite ready to take the plunge into full-battery motoring. But though the plug-in technology on offer here is pretty cutting-edge, it's also pretty heavy and pricey.

Peugeot's 308 family hatch gets far more polish in this third generation guise, with smarter packaging, extra engineering options and a bit more useful technology. The result is a more desirable product than you might expect from this familiar Gallic brand. You might be surprised at how much you'd like it.

Peugeot's 308 SW estate is a more polished proposition in this third generation guise, with smart packaging, extra engineering options and a bit more useful technology. The result is a more desirable product than you might expect from this familiar Gallic brand. You might be surprised at how much you'd like it.

What might the worldwide sedan of the future be like? In answer, Peugeot offers us this, the 408, part-saloon, part-coupe SUV, part-practical hatch. The brand claims its 'a new breed of car'. It'll certainly need a new breed of buyer.

Peugeot returned to the family-orientated seven-seat SUV segment with this second generation 5008 model and since then, it's been usefully improved, most recently with 48V mild hybrid petrol engine tech. This car's more targeted at Surbiton than the Serengeti but that's what buyers want these days. These people will love the integrated mobility solutions that can slot into the boot - and the luxurious, spacious cabin. It's also notably efficient and very safety orientated.

Peugeot's E-2008 delivers the full-EV formula to the smallest segment of the SUV market - and in a trendy, very lifestyle-orientated package. It looks snappy and in this revised form, thanks to a few tech updates, does up to 251 miles between charges. Plus it has no practicality downsides over the combustion-engined version and comes with monthly payment finance you could justify. In short, there's plenty to like.

Full electrification's the fashion at present, even for MPV buyers. Well here's one you might like - the improved version of Peugeot's E-Rifter. If you can afford the asking price and can cope with the now enhanced 199 mile driving range, then for those unafflicted by van segment snobbery there aren't too many other downsides in opting for this fully electric Peugeot E-Rifter compact family MPV. It certainly 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 rare to find in an EV at present. Except with the Citroen and Vauxhall models than share this one's design.

The Renault Arkana strays into a market segment for compact-sized coupe-SUVs previously only occupied by the premium brands. To compensate for the lack of a posh badge on the bonnet, you get plenty of pavement presence and a dose of Renault efficient full-hybrid technology. As for the inside, well here's where the efforts made to imbue recent smaller models with extra cabin quality have paid off, enabling Renault to push up-market using the same interior technology. The result is a surprisingly polished proposition, especially in this improved form.

Renault's little Captur Crossover model has matured nicely in this smarter second generation guise. It's now a little bigger but as before, is a Clio-based design offering super-economical engines, some genuinely clever interior touches and no small dose of style. It'll appeal to supermini buyers wanting extra versatility as well as family hatchback customers in search of something more interesting and affordable. And it's the kind of car that'll certainly drive sales in this segment.

Renault has reinvented its fifth generation Clio, which the brand primarily wants you to look at in this frugal full hybrid E-Tech guise. A far-reaching visual makeover is complemented by a higher quality cabin. And there are sporting 'Alpine'-themed touches for the plushest version. If your next supermini needs to be electrified but you're not quite ready for a full EV, this Gallic contender's worth a look.