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Citroen C1

Chic, well built and good to drive, the C1 is a great budget runabout

When Citroen and Peugeot joined forces with Toyota to build the C1/107/Aygo trio, budget buyers got a huge shot in the arm. Each model boasts cheeky looks, great build quality and penny pinching running costs.

If we're talking purely money we'd go for the C1. While the entry-level 1.0-litre VT-trimmed 3dr version may cost an identical £7,695 to its Peugeot sister, we'd hazard a guess that Citroen dealers might be a bit more forthcoming with a discount...

Like the 107/Aygo, the C1 is precise to drive, nippy in and out of town, economical (62.8mpg combined and 106g/km of CO2) and almost as cute as a Fiat 500. If you can afford it, upgrade to the £8,195 VTR-trimmed model, which comes with air-con as standard. You won't regret it come trade-in time.

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Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,965 off RRP*Used from £12,000
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,565 off RRP*
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Renault Clio

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Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £1,925 off RRP*Used from £6,777
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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