Top 5 Super Minis

Power: 211bhp and 280Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.5s
Top Speed: 238km/h
Price: 275,888.00
Despite carrying a heavy price tag, the Cooper JCW is a nimble supermini with the power to back it up. Sporting one of the best suspension setups that MINI has to offer, the JCW is one of the best pocket rockets that money can buy. Offering the quickest acceleration and highest top speed, with the JCW your weekends will never be the same again.

Power: 200bhp and 240Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.7s
Top Speed: 230km/h
Price: TBA
Having 200bhp on tap, the Clio R.S. EDC is the second fastest of the five superminis, coming in second only to the Cooper JCW. Due to be launched in the 4th quarter of this year, the R.S. 200 EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) offers more performance than its predecessor, which is made more accessible by the use of its twin-clutch EDC 'box. It also has four doors as opposed to two so it's also a practical track day tool.

Power: 176bhp and 250Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h):6.9s
Top Speed: 229km/h
Price: RM169,888.00
A testosterone pumped up version of the humble Polo, the GTI is able to sprint to 100km/h in under seven seconds and is able to offer one of the most thrilling rides in its segment. VW build quality is sure to attract more than just VW loyalists. Having a price tag of slightly under RM170,000, it's considerably cheaper than the MINI yet offers almost the same performance figures.

Power: 197bhp and 275Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.8s
Top Speed: 230km/h
Price: TBA
Touted as the real replacement to the legendary 205 GTI, the 208 GTI's 1.6-litre turbocharged engine serves up a healthy 197bhp and 275Nm of torque. It's the same engine found in the RCZ (and the Mini Cooper S) so in the smaller and lighter 208 GTI it should provide some decent fireworks and is able to take the fight to much bigger rivals. Due to be launched soon, this supermini is bound to help boost Peugeot's image.

Power: 125bhp and 148Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 8.9s
Top Speed: 200km/h
Price: TBA
Though it's the only non-turbocharged car in the list, the Swift Sport will still offer loads of fun at a price most people can afford. Light weight and small dimensions guarantee nimbleness so it could be on of your best choices for a quick run through downtown traffic or up a twisting and narrow mountain pass. Not really fast enough to match the others on the list but definitely has the highest smiles per RM quotient.

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The Best Cars for Your Money

Best in a Small Package

Mini Cooper

Base price range: $19,000 to $26,000

More from CNNMoney.com: • Hybrids: Easy on Gas and Easy to Buy • Lease or Own: The Right Car Option • 50 Years of Toyota in the U.S.

Typical five-year ownership cost: $27,000

It's rare in life that something cute and fun is also a smart buy.

The Mini Cooper is such a thing.

It boasts cool design, easy handling, the ability to park in even the tiniest spaces and the lowest maintenance cost in its class (maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles).

Maybe that's why its resale value is nothing short of phenomenal: 77% after five years.

Best Fuel Miser

Toyota Prius

Base price range: $21,000 to $23,000

Typical five-year ownership cost: $24,000

Okay, it's not the most gorgeous car on the road. But with an electric motor helping out its gas-powered engine, this hybrid boasts the absolute best fuel economy of any car, period (an EPA-estimated 46 miles per gallon overall, twice that of most cars).

The Prius retains 71% of its value over five years. And though it may look small, it has about as much interior space as a Toyota Camry.

Best for Small Families

Toyota Avalon

Base price range: $27,000 to $36,000

Typical five-year ownership cost: $38,000

If you're after a classic sedan, the Avalon's elegant interior, comfortable ride and above-average fuel economy (28 miles per gallon on the highway) are reason enough to give it a serious look.

The fact that it has the best resale value of any large sedan makes it even more attractive. After five years this car is still worth 54% of its original sticker price.

Best for Big Families

Chevrolet Tahoe

Base price range: $31,000 to $43,000

Typical five-year ownership cost: $51,000

Above-average retained value and good fuel economy for its considerable size make this the best buy among the biggest SUVs.

At 20 mpg on the highway, it drinks more like a mid-size utility. And you'd be surprised just how pleasant it can be to drive something this large: The Tahoe's well-controlled ride and responsive steering almost make you forget there's a real truck underneath.

Best for a Midlife Crisis

Chevrolet Corvette

Base price range: $47,000 to $50,000

Typical five-year ownership cost: $50,000

Sports-car snobs used to look down on the Corvette, but that makes no sense anymore. Best-in-class resale value? Check.

Best-in-class insurance rates? Check again.

Above-average fuel economy? You bet: 26 mpg on the highway.

Then there's the performance and comfort of a Porsche 911 for less than two-thirds the overall cost. Who's looking smart now?

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