Suzuki Alto GL

Visually, the Indian-built car is a great improvement on its predecessor, yet it still looks anonymous. It's at least inoffensive and well proportioned, but we'd have liked a more imaginative approach. Thankfully, with a new engine offering great economy and emissions, there is more to this redesign than a refreshed body. The 1.0-litre unit produces only 119g/km of CO2, placing it in the lowest company car tax bracket. As if that wasn't enough, its 57.6mpg is superb.

The downside is that sacrifices have been made on performance. A sloppy gearchange and awkward clutch discourage rapid acceleration, but be brutal and 0-62mph takes 14.8 seconds, with a 96.3mph top speed. The rest of the driving experience is little better, with lifeless steering and a lack of body control. Fortunately, the Alto is destined for city streets, and a black cab-rivalling steering lock makes U-turns easy.

However, driving enthusiasts need not apply, despite the new platform. The latest five-door city car has increased proportions and a longer wheelbase to create a more useable interior. Yet the driver will still feel cramped due to restricted elbow room, while rear legroom is tight. The boot is a decent size, though. The cabin materials are typical of a budget car, with lots of hard plastics. Pricewise, it's a case of more is less, as bosses have slashed the cost of the much-improved Alto to ΂£5,995 for a GL five-door over the old equivalent.

A three-speed auto is also available, at ΂£6,745. This makes the car real value for money, with power-steering, central locking and electric front windows all standard - although if absolute bargain basement motoring is your aim, maybe the firm's bigger but dated Swift Sky, at ΂£4,995, is worth seeking out.

The Alto is all about getting from A-to-B on a budget, and although driving refinement and dynamics are not the main priorities, we think most buyers will be better off elsewhere.