DS3

FOR: Chic design, good value, performance AGAINST: Dated and cheap cabin, road noise

IF your idea of a premium supermini is more rooted in the design, the desirable DS 3 is worth a look.

It lacks the practicality of the other two cars here as it’s a three-door only, and fit and finish could be better, but the DS has more style and personalisation choices. While the driving position is awkward for some, it’s fun on the road, with punchy Puretech petrol engines. In the classifieds was a 66-plate 1.2 110 Prestige with 12,000 miles for £11,375.

EARLY issues, such as paint quality problems and glitchy electrics, aren’t as common now that the DS 3 has been in showrooms for some time. We’ve heard of no major faults since it switched from Citroen to DS badges.

THERE are lots of glossy materials on the DS 3’s smartlooking dash, but they’re not screwed together as well as in the other cars. Prestige spec brings sat-nav and Alcantara seats, plus xenon lights and active braking.