Superminis
FIRST
Ford Fiesta
50 variants
from £9,495 to £16,445
The sixth generation Ford Fiesta has shot straight to the top of the supermini market. Great looking, keenly priced and excellent to drive, Ford has managed to set new standards with its big-selling small car. Seven engine options are available to suit different pockets and requirements. Recommendations include the 1.4-litre diesel Econetic model which returns a 70mpg+ fuel economy and Prius-beating, tax-dodging CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km of CO2. Meanwhile, at the other end of the range, a 1.6-litre diesel Zetec model boasts class-leading comfort and refinement. There's also a range of peppy petrol engines, ranging from the 82 bhp 1.25-litre to the nippy 120bhp 1.6-litre (although the 60 bhp 1.25 litre is best avoided). A hot Fiesta ST is on the cards too, aimed at more enthusiastic drivers. Whatever model best suits you, all Fiestas have reasonably spacious interiors, offer fun-to-drive dynamics and should be cheap to run. The only reason not to buy one is if you have a problem telling people you drive a Ford.
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SECOND
Mazda 2
8 variants
from £9,995 to £14,795
This latest Mazda 2 bucked the trend of superminis becoming heavier, larger and feeling more 'grown up' to drive. It's actually lighter and smaller than its predecessor, making it nippier and more agile than most other cars in this category, and more fuel-efficient too. The trade-off is refinement - the 2's not as quiet as rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa. That said there's still enough space for four adults inside, the 2's priced extremely competitively and it comes generously equipped from entry-level up. Mazda reliability and dealer service is also very highly rated. The 2's also relatively quick, particularly with the 1.5-litre petrol engine under the bonnet. And it's even pretty to look at.
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THIRD
Mini Hatchback
36 variants
from £11,810 to £24,780
he second-generation BMW Mini may look very similar to the first, but it's a brand new car beneath the skin. This Mini is even better to drive than the already accomplished first model, and it's more efficient (partly due to technology like stop-start). Cabin and wind noise has been reduced and improvements in ride quality and refinement are also marked. As you might expect of a BMW product, the Mini is a seriously capable, well-engineered car and comes with almost unrivalled brand kudos. But it is significantly more expensive than less trendy rivals like the Ford Fiesta. The rear passenger space is also very limited indeed, there's a tiny boot, and the retro cabin isn't to everybody's taste. However, the turbocharged Cooper S is a little pocket rocket offering genuine performance car thrills, while the diesel Cooper D returns over 50mpg fuel economy with sub-120g/km emissions.So if you can afford one, the Mini's a highly recommended buy - and it will hold its value better than most rivals in this category too.
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