U is for...

Upgrade

Before you hit the options list, see if a handy upgrade package bundles all the extras you want for less. For instance, BMW’s £910 Visibility Pack for the 3-Series brings adaptive xenon headlamps, high beam assist and automatic lights and wipers. All this costs £400 more if bought separately. 

The same is true for 

mainstream brands like Ford. Add desirable extras such as alloys, Bluetooth and a heated screen to the Fiesta Edge 1.25, and you’ll pay £12,170. That’s only £25 less than the Zetec, which has all this, plus a leather steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting and front foglamps.