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.

For a long time, especially with the third-gen, this one pretty much defined the mid-size Japanese SUV segment. Then, competitors caught up and overtook it, and it wasn't until the fifth-gen arrived last year that the Honda CR-V shot back to the forefront. It has been right up there since, and it's easy to see why - it's a wonderfully packaged offering that gets everything right in all the relevant places.

After one million units sold, the "love of the nation" received a full reboot for the third-generation. The homegrown effort betters the car it replaces in every aspect, but features - some unprecedented at this price point, some ingenious - are a particularly strong point. Still not the best driving or most refined B-segment hatchback, but unbeatable content and value for money means it's a sure winner.

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. Its only letdown is the lack of autonomous emergency braking, especially considering the Myvi Advance has it for not much more.

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 new Perodua Bezza takes the national carmaker to new heights - it's the company's first sedan, and comes with many new toys and safety features. But for better or for worse, it feels very much like a Perodua to drive - even though it feels like the company's most complete car to date. 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.

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.

The Mazda CX-3 shares many traits with the car on which it is based, the Mazda 2, including an exterior that is eye-catching, and an interior that exudes a premium feel above its class. With admirable handling and an engaging drive, it is marred by a small cabin, firm ride and a price tag that exceeds the competition.

The new Mazda 2 is striking to look at and has an interior that feels more expensive than it has any right to be, with an impressive amount of kit on offer. It handles nicely too, but the small cabin, firm ride and slightly anaemic 1.5 litre SkyActiv-G engine does take the shine off things.

Polarising looks aside, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is an impressive piece of kit. What you lose in visual appeal, you gain in oodles of newfound space, while retaining a pleasing blend of ride, handling and performance. Only the steep entry price disappoints, although you do get quite a lot of standard equipment thrown in.

The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is a spacious, comfortable people mover with an impressively versatile and practical cabin. No, it's not the most stylish ride around, but it does exactly what it is asked of it commendably well. The fact that this locally-assembled facelifted model is priced even lower than the previous CBU car will make it an even more tempting choice for families, although the safety conscious may think twice, no thanks to it having just two airbags.

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.

As an entry point to Volkswagen ownership, the Polo does well enough. Compared to sub-RM100k B-segment rivals, as you should, the Polo is competitive in spec and decent to drive. Just don't put it side-by-side with the 1.2 TSI.

Not the most sophisticated drive, but the Perodua Alza is a good family wagon. The third row is a boon, whether as emergency seats or for a young family future-proofing its family car. Performance is adequate and ride comfort is good.

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.