As a family car, there is no faulting the updated 2019 Nissan X-Trail range. It's one of the quietest and most comfortable SUVs in its class, and for the first time comes with Nissan Connect and Nissan Intelligent Mobility. The 2.0 litre models feel lacklustre when compared to their turbocharged rivals, but that can be overlooked if you value convenience and comfort over performance.

The C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, for what it's worth, is an incredibly well-thought-out MPV for the family. It is sufficiently powerful to ferry seven adults in sheer comfort, and the cabin is littered with seven powered USB ports for everyone's peace of mind. Other improved aspects of the car include a better sprung suspension, more refined and efficient powertrain, quieter cabin and the inclusion of six airbags and ESC, both of which are mandatory in this day and age.

With an increased emphasis on comfort, the new Toyota Vios is a more mature and accomplished effort than its predecessor. It may not possess the most dynamic handling characteristics, but its supple ride and impressive refinement makes it a more liveable everyday companion compared to its rivals, and a long overdue increase in safety kit puts it at the sharp end of the segment. However, the lack of oomph is at odds with the Vios' sporty image, and the almost offensive styling may alienate more than a few loyal buyers.

After many years of service, the Ford Ranger T6 has received its second facelift exercise, which gets significantly more enhancements that go beyond the typical exterior/interior refresh. The most notable upgrade is the addition of a brand new 2.0 litre bi-turbo engine, which powers the range-topping Wildtrak 4x4 and of course, the one and only Ranger Raptor. If you want a pick-up truck that's in a class of its own, look no further than the wide-bodied Raptor.

The XV is one of the most popular Subaru models in the region, and the second-generation model is almost entirely new from the ground up. Thanks to a new stiffer platform, the crossover is much improved over its predecessor, exhibiting greater ride and handling characteristics with enhanced comfort and safety. Besides tyre roar and the shoddy infotainment system, the XV and its high quality cabin will certainly impress most people.

As the only non-national car under RM50,000, the Kia Picanto is a solid alternative to the Perodua Myvi and Proton Iriz. It's well equipped and has a quality of ride and refinement that is head and shoulders above its peers, all while being better to drive than the previous model - only the lack of interior space is a letdown. It also now comes with autonomous emergency braking, which makes it one of only two vehicles in the price range to have it (the other being the Myvi).

For a price tag that is just south of RM140,000, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L 4WD is a safe bet if you're looking for a capable SUV that delivers on its promise of providing seating for up to seven people. The all-wheel drive system is an added level of assurance while behind wheel, although the decently-equipped interior does appear a little dated.

The Subaru Forester is a good all-rounder that feels just as home on the city streets as it does off-road. Featuring the familiar Subaru DNA of a boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the Forester also comes with an impressive safety package and a comfortable ride. However, it does command a slight premium over its rivals and isn't the best when it comes to handling.

If you value the joy of driving, the sprightly Fiesta is just the sort of car that will get you grinning. Its contemporary looks aid its cause, with an outlook that will appeal to the young and young-at heart. The face of the facelift is a hit or miss visually, and the hatch is still preferable to the sedan, but the Fiesta still makes a case for itself three years on. The EcoBoost 1.0L is the pick of the lot.

Going from being one of the heaviest cars in the segment to one of the lightest is no easy task, but Audi has pulled it off with its Q7 - a gist of the model's extreme makeover from one generation to the next. A behemoth from the outside, the Q7 does fall short of spaciousness inside, but score top marks for quality, performance, features and safety.