Tiny torch beams in

Roadside breakdowns can be a nightmare in the dark – so that’s why we love this neat little Spotlight Torch. As it is rechargeable and slots into your cigarette lighter, the unit is always ready to use. Yet it is also small enough to slip into a door pocket or cabin cubby.

The LED produces a powerful beam which easily reaches six metres, but is still broad enough to be useful when working under the bonnet. And the torch will fit most 12V power outlets, although in one of our test cars it was a bit loose, causing a short circuit and blowing a fuse!

The machined metal finish is not only attractive, but also easy to get a grip of, and the torch is available in a wide variety of colours, including green, blue and bright purple. The unit is turned on or off simply by twisting the lens – a neat solution with a good, positive feel.

And even though it’s small, the light is very tough. It survived being dropped from two metres, and the rugged LED was still working even after we drove a car over it. The maker also claims the torch is waterproof to 15 metres – we have no reason to doubt this as soaking it for a minute had no visible effect. Compact but rugged, the Spotlight Torch is a useful addition to any in-car repair kit.