Fast family cars

Our experts pick five great buys to put a smile on your face

1st NON-MOVER Porsche Macan Turbo Years: 2014 to date Best engine: 3.6-litre V6, 395bhp Insurance group: 44 Economy/co2: 31.7mpg/208g/km

WHY? If you think a compact SUV can’t be a fast, fun car, then think again. The Porsche Macan combines the everyday usability of a five-door SUV with the handling and performance normally associated with the sporting brand. The flagship Macan Turbo gets a 395bhp twin-turbo V6, with plenty of power across the rev range. It’s connected to a seven-speed PDK twin-clutch auto gearbox, which delivers smooth, rapid shifts even at full throttle. The four-wheel-drive system, standard adaptive dampers and clever Porsche Traction Management electronics mean the Macan Turbo is able to put a smile on your face, even on roads you don’t expect an SUV to. From £59,300 (new)

2nd NEW ENTRY SEAT Leon Cupra 290 Years: 2015 to date Best engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 286bhp Insurance group: 35 Economy/co2: 42.2mpg/156g/km

WHY? The Leon Cupra 290 is the same price as a VW Golf GTI, but has 69bhp more power, and is one of the best hot hatches around. It uses pretty much the same mechanics as the VW, but there’s a load of standard kit and some eye-catching styling, including LED headlights and alloy wheels. It’s impressive on the road, with great performance that doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. From £29,730 (new)

3rd RISER Mercedes-amg C 63 Years: 2009 to 2015 Best engine: 4.0-litre V8, 503bhp Insurance group: 47 Economy/co2: 34.5mpg/192g/km

WHY? This super-hot version of the C-class hides its performance potential behind a subtle bodykit, quad exhaust pipes and 18-inch alloys. Inside, sports seats and a grippy steering wheel are the only obvious differences from standard C-class models, which means it’s a luxurious four-passenger compact exec, too. High running costs are the only downside. From £60,700 (new)

4th NEW ENTRY Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio Years: 2016 to date Best engine: 2.9-litre V6, 503bhp Insurance group: N/A Economy/co2: 33.2mpg/198g/km

WHY? The new Guilia Quadrifoglio marks a return to form for Alfa Romeo with sleek styling, a decent-quality interior and great performance. While it can’t quite match the C 63 for outright pace, through corners it’s well weighted and can rival a BMW M3. For those wanting something a little bit different, it’s difficult to argue against the best Alfa Romeo in a generation. From £59,000 (new)

5th NON-MOVER Audi RS6 Avant Years: 2012 to date Best engine: 4.0-litre V8, 552bhp Insurance group: 48 Economy/co2: 28mpg/229g/km

WHY? Hot Audi Avants combine great practicality with sizzling performance, in part thanks to their quattro 4x4 drivetrains. They’ve always been admired for their style, too, and the handsome Audi RS6 is no different, with a muscular look. This latest version may have a downsized V8, but it’s still incredibly fast, blasting from 0-62mph in only 3.9 seconds. From £79,505 (new)