Volvo C30 1.6 D DRIVe Start/stop

STYLE and economy can go hand-in-hand. The C30 DRIVe cuts a dash on the road, and reduces your bills, too, with 99g/km emissions and 74.3mpg. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre diesel, mated to a five-speed box with tall ratios. It also has stop/start.

External updates include a sleek bodykit and aerodynamic alloys. These take nothing away from the regular model’s visual appeal. Inside, the C30 matches the Audi A3 for premium feel. The dash is attractive, well laid-out and solidly built. But the four-seater falls down on practicality as the cabin seats only four and the boot is tiny. The drive is set up for comfort not sharpness, noise levels are low and the suspension soaks up poor surfaces. Better still, it is surprisingly swift. Only the slow-witted start/stop system detracts from the assured performance, but this model is still arguably the pick of the C30 range.

Rating: ****