Kia Picanto

There's no doubt that Kia has come a long way in the last few years and while the Picanto may not be up to the same high standards as the Cee'd, it still comes highly recommended.

It's cute to look at, reasonably refined and sturdily built. The main selling point is the price though – just £5,995 buys you the entry-level 61bhp 1.0-litre version, which although it needs revving, returns nearly 60mpg and costs £35 a year in road tax.

There's acceptable space in the rear too, although the boot is small, and while the ride could be smoother and the handling more precise, the Picanto still makes sense if you're in the market for penny-pinching motoring.