Thinking of purchasing a used car, then you might want to consider the thoughts and opinions of one of the most influential publications in UK motoring.

The experts of What Car? have picked a winner in 17 different categories from ‘Best used city car’ to ‘Best used electric car’ so there’s something for everyone if you want a car that is good to drive, packed with kit, slow to depreciate and reliable to own.

The No.1 used car of the year, the Audi A3 Sportback, has been on the market since 2013 but still picks up the top gong as well as winning in the ‘Best used family car’ category.

Mark Pearson, used car editor at What Car? said: “Picking just one car from such a large and competitive field was a major feat, with so many excellent rivals offering great value for money. In the end, though, the Audi A3 Sportback won because it combines all the qualities we were looking for in its particular class, while still offering outstanding value for money at its age and price point.

“What Car? has always rated the A3 Sportback highly; it’s won our new Family Car of the Year Award multiple times and even took our coveted overall Car of the Year gong when it was launched in 2013. And although this model is now nearing the end of its production cycle we think it’s just as impressive today as it was back then.

“It’s great to drive, for starters, and it comes with a classy interior that few rivals can get close to. It rides and handles superbly, too, and it’s wonderfully refined and comfortable to spend time in – its interior is both spacious and well equipped. It’s also far more desirable than any family hatchback has a right to be, and it comes with a class-leading infotainment system. Finally, you get a great range of engines to choose from, whether you’re after an economical diesel or a punchy petrol. It’s a fantastic car as well as a terrific used buy, and a thoroughly deserving winner.”

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