Ford Fiesta Finesse three-door

The base Fiesta costs ΂£7,995, and has been stripped of many of the goodies found in higher-spec models, such as electric windows and mirrors, air-con and alloys, to keep the price down.

The car uses an eight-valve Duratec petrol unit with an innovative low-friction valvetrain. Built in South Africa, it produces 68bhp and 106Nm and returns 45.6mpg, and will appear in the Ka next year. Expect performance to be similar to the five-door Fiesta's - with 0-60mph in 15.8 seconds and a 98mph top speed. On the open road, the car is competent, with decent ride and handling, although the engine and Durashift five-speed manual box need to be worked hard.

However, the car proves its worth in town. It's nimble enough to nip through tiny gaps, and with a 268-litre boot and a parking sensor on the options list, it's ideal for the supermarket run.

Unfortunately, the seats are firm and lack adjustment, while the rear isn't that spacious, and the sloping roofline limits headroom. And as neither front seatbase moves forwards, access isn't great, either. But despite the cut in kit, the car gets power-steering, central locking, and a CD, plus twin front airbags.