Skoda Fabia v Vauxhall Corsa v Renault Clio

The Fabia is robustly built, well engineered and roomy, and offers safe handling, a comfortable ride and good value for money, too. As a no-thrills supermini, it’s an accomplished performer, but the three-cylinder engine lacks the refinement of its four-cylinder rivals here. The Skoda can’t match their driving involvement, either, but a big boot and excellent rear space mean it is practical. Put simply, although competent and capable, it lacks sparkle. And it’s a sign of how competitive the sector is that the Fabia finishes third.

Splitting the Corsa and Clio is even more difficult. Both are talented superminis, closely matched in nearly every area. The Renault offers the edge for driving involvement, but the Vauxhall has the higher-class cabin. It also represents better value for money, beating the Clio’s price, residuals and equipment. So the Corsa takes victory by the narrowest of margins.