We"ll be revealing the...

We"ll be revealing the some of the class results online over the next week, starting with the best supermini. If you can"t wait or need the full facts, seek out this week"s issue on the bookstalls.

Winner Honda Jazz

We can"t get enough of the Honda Jazz! This is the third consecutive year it has triumphed in the supermini category - if it continues to rack up honours at this rate, the Japanese manufacturer will have to buy a bigger trophy cabinet. In the past, its Achilles" heel has been availability, but with every passing year more cars are finding their way on to the used market. So, as with a fine wine, it simply keeps getting better with age.

While it"s available only as a practical five-door, the little Honda is attractively styled, and beneath its chunky exterior is a hard-wearing and versatile cabin. Clever folding rear chairs allow owners to turn any unused seats into additional carry-ing space, and enable the little Jazz to swallow surprisingly large quantities of luggage with ease.

Another virtue of the Jazz is its simplicity. With only two engines to choose from, you can"t buy the wrong one - they"re both equally impressive. As a result, what could have been a weakness emerges as a major strength.

Both the 1.2 and 1.4-litre motors are capable of achieving 50mpg, so don"t worry about the absence of a diesel. Yet while the 1.4 DSI has been around since the Jazz was first introduced in 2001, the 1.2-litre powerplant only joined the line-up in 2004, so the smaller unit is much rarer. All models provide good refinement, lively performance plus a smooth and precise gearbox. However, it makes sense to hunt down a well specced SE or Sport rather than the entry-level S version - the latter has to make do without air-conditioning.

It"s also worth noting that from March 2003, the range was given a more supple suspension set-up. That doesn"t mean you should ignore earlier cars, but their firmer ride is noticeable, so if you"re looking at models dating from before this time, bear it in mind. From early 2004, all variants came with ABS brakes fitted as standard.

We invariably receive requests for buying advice at every turn. It"s a measure of the all-round achievement of the Jazz that whenever any of our judges is asked about a used supermini, they recommend the Honda without any hesitation.

Admittedly, it"s not as cheap as rival models, but it will be worth more when you decide to sell - especially if you look after it. What"s more, the Japanese manufacturer"s excellent reputation for reliability and customer service means you"re unlikely to face any major ownership headaches.

Commended Ford Fiesta

Having recently celebrated its 30th birthday, the Fiesta can be found in every corner of Britain, and with a broad engine line-up and choice of trim levels, there"s one for every budget. Decent handling and a fuss-free cabin will attract used buyers, while low running costs and a huge dealer network also appeal. You"ll always be able to sell it on, too.

Commended MINI

With only three doors, the MINI isn"t an ideal family car, but in style terms it"s hard to beat. Better still, it is increasingly common on used forecourts, so sellers can no longer justify extortionate prices - although residuals are still strong. Look for models with an unexpired "tlc" package - second owners can take advantage of the inclusive servicing deal.