Hyundai Getz

If you're in the market for a spacious, low-cost supermini, the Hyundai Getz is a good choice. The restyle has been a success - although it's not much fun to drive and the interior quality isn't up to the standards set by class leaders. Still, it's a comfortable, quick and frugal package, and as the 87bhp turbodiesel variant driven here is priced just over £9,000, very tempting. However, Kia's new Rio is more powerful and costs less - and as such is the budget diesel choice.

We've already driven it in flagship three-door-only 109bhp CDX+ form (issue 880), but now we've got our hands on the more practical 87bhp CRDi GSi five-door version. It's not as well equipped as the lavish CDX+, but it's cheaper - so is this the Getz to go for?

On the move, it's hard to believe you're not driving the more powerful model. With 215Nm of torque, response is strong and 0-60mph takes 12 seconds (only a second down on the 109bhp car). Economy is even better, at 63mpg. In fact, when it comes to the driving experience, only the roly poly handling deserves any real criticism - although the soft set-up does mean it's comfortable. It's spacious, too; tall adults can sit in the back, while access is easy thanks to wide-opening doors.

Apart from the room, however, the Hyundai's cabin doesn't offer much else. Plastic quality is poor, and although air-con is standard, remote central locking isn't. Still, the £9,145 price tag means the Getz is at least £1,500 cheaper than the equivalent Ford Fiesta - which makes it one of the best-value budget diesel superminis on the market. With few drawbacks over the more powerful oil-burner, the 87bhp model is the pick of the range.