| No.1 Renault Clio |
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Spacious, nippy, fun, attractive...the Clio has a lot going for it.
The Clio comes in a range of engine sizes with the diesel 1.4 offering around 65mpg, the petrol 1.2 offering around 47mpg and a bit more performance. The "Dynamique" trim with leather steering wheel and alloys adds a touch of luxury. |
The Clio also comes in both 2 door and 4 door version, making the four an ideal family car. Renault also offer a range of useful accesories including a cycle rack, roof rack and a tow bar for those needing a trailer for extra load space. Sally from Norwich claims that this is the only small car for men..."a man in a Clio can still look attractive.." (thanks Henri !)
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No.2 Hyundai Getz |
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Amazing value, economical, versatile.. even Top Gear rated the Getz.
The Getz comes with 5 years warranty and free servicing - few can compete with that.
In addition to this, it is remarkably fuel efficient for its size with the 1.1L engine offering a quiet and zippy performance. |
The split rear seats fold down to generate a cavernous boot space and there is generous space for driver and passengers alike. For those who like a sporty looking car, the Getz can be delivered with alloys, a rear spoiler and a choice of interiors.
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No.3 Peugeot 206 |
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Stylish looks, sporty interior.. the 206 is an attractive car..
The 206 is the newer version of the classic 205, a car that lead the way in the development of economic diesels. The 206 has better looks and an even better engine, some owners boasting of 75mpg. There is also a range of petrol versions. |
Indeed many 206 owners will tell you this is the perfect car. Comfortable on long journeys, good handling, nice dashboard and interior and like the Clio, the four door version can make for a comfortable family car. A little more expensive than some of the others...but maybe you get a little bit more car...
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No.4 Rover Metro |
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Comfortable and reliable.. a classic.
If you are looking at the second hand market, then a low mileage Metro would be hard to beat. They come in some nice colours with stylish Rover interiors and a range of engine sizes. They are fun to drive, with great visibility and a responsive performance. |
The 1.0L engine version is ideal for first time drivers needing low cost insurance, tax and good fuel economy. Many of these cars were bought by sensible mature ladies, so there is a good chance of finding some fine examples of this car on the market.
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No.5 Ford Fiesta |
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Spacious, good handling and reliable.. "What Car" rates this as the best handling super-mini.
Whether new or secondhand, the Fiesta has a great reputation for being a dependable and economical car. With a spacious interior, the 1.25L version offers good econonmy and a racy performance. |
The 1.4 diesel version, is more costly but offers around 65mpg and a bit more pull, as you would expect from a turbo diesel. From a second hand point of view, the Fiesta can be cheap to maintain and repair, with spares readily available.
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No.6 Toyota Prius |
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The My-Kyoto star car !! ... a hybrid petrol/electric car that produces a third less CO2 into the environment.
The Prius uses batteries that are charged by using the energy of the vehicle when braking and slowing down. It then runs on battery power at low speed, therefore minimising air polution. |
With Toyota's usual quality of engineering and refinement, the Prius is a quality family vehicle offering reasonable space and a comfortable ride. The performance is equal to most cars in its class whilst offering outstanding fuel economy (65mpg) and low emissions. Its only a matter of time before more cars are made this way.
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No.7 Honda Jazz |
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Spacious, economical and comfortable..a well designed car.
The 1.2 version offers good fuel economy (around 50mpg) and good performance. In addition to this, the Jazz has a good reputaion for reliablility and built quality. Good handling makes the Jazz easy to drive |
If you need to carry a lot of luggage, then there is a large boot space; and if required, the seats fold flat to leave an impressively large load space for a small car.
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No.8 Volkswagon Polo |
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Good looking and a smooth drive..the new Polo is as big as the original Golf, so its spacious and comfortable.
The Polo is available with a broad range of engine sizes and the smallest, the 1.2L engine is economical, smooth and delivers a strong, quiet performance. The interior is refined with nice controls.
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The Polo has good safety and security features
with airbags, anti-lock brakes and a stability system to help safe braking. Although they are not cheap, they hold their value, making them a good investment overall.
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No.9 Skoda Fabia |
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Previously "What Car" car of the year...well built and good value.
The 1.2L offers good fuel economy and a drive that feels big and comfotrable, even on motorways. Off the motorway, the ride offers a good combination of soft suspension and responsive handling. Few dispute that the modern Skoda is very good car. |
The interior is spacious and comfortable, making the Fabia a good choice for a family car. Trim levels can inlcude alloys, sports seats and leather steering wheel, for those that want to feel pampered. The Fabia also benefits from low insurance and maintenance costs.
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No.10 NIssan Micra |
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Nice looking car with stylish interior... great around town and on Motorways.
The Micra is well built and offers low emissions and very good fuel economy whether you choose the 1.2 petrol or the 1.5 diesel engine. The interior is nice and light with good controls and furnishings. In fact the Micra has a certain style. |
Not so many options for carrying large items, but still a well crafted car that will suit young drivers and families alike.
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