Autocar's most popular reviews of 2015

The Mokka entered an already competitive sector, which is headed by the Skoda Yeti, Renault Captur and Nissan Juke, with Vauxhall stating that its primary aim was to get private owners spending their own money, rather than taking market share.

To do so is a big gamble, but this small crossover has numerous factors in its favour, including both two and four-wheel drive options, good levels of equipment and a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine, as well as sharp styling.

We test the Mokka thoroughly to see if this small crossover can improve the perception of the Vauxhall brand. 

5 - Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6

Mercedes-AMG’s mad creation is next on the list. It was clearly not enough for Mercedes-AMG to keep the G-Wagen on the road simply by churning out iterations of it in more luxurious and ludicrously powered forms, as Mercedes-AMG the review on its 6x6 version shows.

Six-wheel-drive off-roaders aren't exactly a common sight, but this double cab pick-up started off from humble beginnings as a G320 CDI modified for the Austrialian army. AMG thought it would make a good starting point for creating a model for Mercedes' most affluent clientele.

This lavishly appointed model features a 536bhp twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 under the bonnet while passengers are treated to the same leather-clad interior found in the ordinary G63. Mercedes-AMG Find out what the G63 6x6 is like to live with as we take on the dunes in Dubai.

6 - BMW X1

The second generation BMW X1 is the Munich-based company’s attempt to bring a fresher look to its entry-level crossover. The new X1 has quite a task on its hands as it is expected to produce similar results as its cumbersome, awkward-looking predecessor, which notched up 730,000 sales worldwide in its six years of production.

The new X1 has been built on the same BMW UKL compact platform as the Mini and the BMW 2 Series MPV, with BMW also equipping it with the latest range of three and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

It seems as if BMW has righted many of the wrongs that plagued the previous X1, despite its popularity, but read our full verdict on the BMW X1 to see if impresses in all areas. 

7 - Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S was PayPal founder Elon Musk's way of proving that green motoring doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury.

The Tesla Model S became the first luxury electric car on the market, with the Palo Alto company positioning itself to take market share from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.

The facts speaks volumes, with the Tesla showing that its pace and range capabilities are good enough to compete with its conventionally powered rivals. We find out whether this electric saloon has the panache, quality and character to match the others.

8 - Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade was another addition to an already congested crossover hatchback market in 2015, with this quirky model showing collaboration between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ American and European designers.

The Renegade is Jeep’s first new model in almost a decade and is promised to be different to other models from the brand as it aims for some of the market share dominated by the Mini Countryman, Renault Captur and the Vauxhall Mokka.

This all-new car uses the Fiat 500X platform, although it breaks from contemporary crossover hatchback norms with its tall boxy shape, which hails back to the Willy’s Jeep. This isn’t the only historical reference on the Renegade as its rear doors, lights and front grille all pay homage to the iconic military vehicle.

Read how reviewers get on ascertaining how different the Jeep Renegade is from its Jeep predecessors.

9 - Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s attempt to find additional niches as the German premium brands all look to diversify their smaller car portfolios.

This small SUV is Mercedes way of utilising the versatile Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform that has spawned not only the hatchback Benz but also the Mercedes-Benz CLA variants. The GLA shares its engines with other variants and, where applicable, the same torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA gets put through its paces by our review team, find out how it gets on.