RIVALS

MINI COOPER

Closest to the Lupo for combining a quality feel with a fun drive in a compact package. £ 4000- 5000 gets you a vast selection of naturally aspirated R56 Coopers or blown S models.

PEUGEOT 106 GTI/ RALLYE

Even more involving to drive and increasingly collectable ( especially the original 1.3- litre Rallye), with good cars starting from around £ 3500. The Saxo VTS is a cheaper relative.

SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT

Another evo favourite, the Swift Sport is nippy, practical and plenty of fun, if lacking a little cachet. Well- maintained first- generation cars with 123bhp are priced from £ 3500 to £ 5000.