Fiat 500

Okay, we've stretched our budget a little here – at £8,100 the cheapest Fiat 500 falls slightly outside our £8,000 limit. But what's £100 between friends? And when it comes to arguably the most desirable small car in the world, who wouldn't want to spend the extra?

Packing a 69bhp 1.2-litre engine the entry-level Pop-trmmed 500 isn't going to win any traffic light grand prix – 0-60mph takes around 12 seconds – but it returns 55mpg and, most importantly of all, looks the part. 

Inside, equipment is basic. You don't get air-con but you do get power steering, electric windows and central locking. Plus more style than you can shake a copy of Grazia at.