Mitsubishi Colt

With its newly updated, snarling front end – derived from the Lancer Evoluton X rally car – the Colt is facing up to a bright future. And the good news is that almost everything else about Mitsubishi's baby passes muster too.

That high MPV-style roof means space for four with ample headroom and while boot room is tight, you can slide the rear seat forward for more luggage space. The cabin is neatly styled and well made, while the steering is precise and the handling surefooted. 

Weighing in at £7,799, the entry-level CZ1 is the best of the bunch, coming with a rev-hungry 74bhp 1.1-litre three cylinder engine that sounds great, provides decent pace (0-60mph in 12 seconds) and returns 50mpg. It all adds up to a likeable and capable penny-pinching city car.