Ford Focus RS

FOR: Thrilling drive and performance, relative value AGAINST: Small boot, interior lags behind rivals’ IF you want excitement and all-weather capability, the Ford Focus RS is a fantastic buy. Its combination of a 345bhp 2.3-litre engine with all-wheel drive means it’s quick in all weather conditions, while a rally car-like exhaust note and a ‘drift mode’ ramp up the entertainment even further.

It’s not the subtlest choice, the ride is firm and the interior is a bit ordinary compared with its rivals’ here, but the fast Ford is an extremely likeable car. We found a 66-plate RS with 4,500 miles for £28,500.