ANYONE looking for a car with top reliability should follow the lead of a friend of mine.

To him, no breakdowns or problems, after years owning old cars that gave him plenty, were a priority.

He did a half day of research online and on the strength of it, bought a nearly new Kia Soul. He could not have chosen better.

In nearly five years it has not missed a beat and the only thing he's had to replace is a lightbulb.

The Soul is a good looking soft roader available with two or four wheel drive and it comes at lower prices than most competitors.

And with more recent models, the remainder of the superb five year unlimited mileage warranty is transferable to new owners.

It's basically a chunky medium five door family estate with either 1.6 124bhp petrol engine or a 126bhp 1.6 turbo diesel.

The smooth petrol has to be revved to get the best from it, but when you do it gives excellent performance and there is plenty of verve for overtaking.

The diesel is even quicker and, obviously, is the one to go for because of its better economy.

Handling and road-holding are very good, with little roll, and it even rides comfortably both on poor surfaces at speed and in town, making it an excellent all-rounder.

There's plenty of legroom front and rear for four and even five for shorter journeys. The dash design is good looking, equipment very generous and storage excellent.