Real-world range of below 200 km means MINI Electric is limited to city use. But what a city car it is. EV characteristics go well with MINI's nimble feet, point-and-shoot nature. Range anxiety is real in this car, but is moot if you have home charging. Resolute Edition goodies add to the charm. Not for everyone though - either you get it or you don't.

Powerful, fun to drive, and well-built. These are some character-defining traits of the Audi A3 Sedan, which has, in our experience, proven to be the most engaging model in its segment. It falls flat on its face with regards to the lack of advanced driving aids, and its sticker price puts it firmly in the category of statelier executives. Shame, for what is otherwise a validly lovable product.

Supremely comfortable and quiet SUV, but starting to feel its age now. Put the unchanged looks aside, and it's a superb family SUV for those prioritising comfort over handling, and refinement over performance. If that fits your bill, the X70 is easily the one to get.

The Aruz is a large, spacious and mostly comfortable family SUV, but its appeal is now limited next to the excellence of the new Alza. Only for those who must have an SUV bodystyle in this price range.

The new Perodua Bezza takes the national carmaker to new heights - it's the company's first sedan, and comes with many new toys and even active safety features. There are plenty of cars on the market that are much nicer and better to drive, but if all you want is a traditional sedan with a big boot, your search ends here.

A complete SUV package from Proton, combining sleek looks, practical interior, good build quality, excellent performance, decent handling and top notch safety tech (if only on the top variant). Value for money buy.

The Alza is the best family car option below RM100k, and not just among MPVs. It's top in safety, rich in features, and has good space and versatility. There's even no sacrifice in drivability compared to a B-sedan/hatch. Superb value.

Perodua's most advanced and refined model to date has an efficient powertrain, funky boxy styling in and out and all the safety you can ask for. Not quite perfect, but the Ativa is a lot of car for the money, and a good car as well.

The Tiguan Allspace is a handsome SUV alternative to the usual Japanese suspects. The facelift boosts kit count and adds a sheen of tech to the cabin, but safety kit remains a weak point. The R-Line has strong performance for a family SUV, but the Tiguan isn't the smoothest and most relaxing car in the daily hustle.

With much improved ride quality, while still retaining its unmatched style inside and out, the W206 is a glorious return to form for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Equipment is a bit of a mixed bag – up for the C200, down for the C300 – and it's now a pricey option in the class. Build quality has seen a noticeable downgrade from the W205, but as a whole the new C-Class is undoubtedly the pick of the segment.

Love it or hate it looks aside, the iX is a quality electric SUV with keen handling and an inviting, practical interior. It still drives like a proper BMW, although its agility and ride comfort are deeply compromised by the considerable weight. Sport variant highly recommended for improved looks and necessary spec upgrade.

The Myvi already does most things well for most people. It didn't need technical updates, but Perodua went on and replaced the gearbox - the D-CVT ups efficiency and cruising refinement. Safety - already unchallenged in its price bracket (and beyond) - is now at Level 2 ADAS, and ASA is available on all variants. As a starter car or affordable daily tool, the Myvi is a no-brainer.

With a century sprint time of 4.9 seconds, the electric XC40 is the hardest accelerating Volvo SUV that you can currently buy. It won't please keener drivers, but the regular Joe will love everything it has to offer.

We cannot shake the thought that perhaps the Mk8 feels like a mildly diluted version of its predecessor, but man, the Mk8 GTI is still one hell of a hot hatch, and we seriously think you will like it.

If you own the previous Jazz, this is not much of an upgrade. But we will say this: for those stepping into this territory for the first time, nothing comes close to matching the level of practicality the City Hatchback offers.

Overall, the kit list leaves much to be desired, but those looking for a mechanically polished pick-up truck below RM100,000 can give the Vigus Pro a real consideration. We are not fans of the basic cabin appointments, but objectively, as a package, it is a decent alternative workhorse.

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.