Renault Clio

The bargain supermini costs £7,488 and comes with a 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine.

Standard equipment is comprehensive: multi-function trip computer, R.A.I.D. (Renault Anti-Intruder Device) linked into the remote central-locking, six airbags and ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Brake Assist.

To drive costs down even further, the hatch slots into insurance group 2E. Expect this budget motor to appear in dealers at the end of the month.