SMALL CARS

SEAT IBIZA PRICE FROM: £17,000

An updated Ibiza comes out this year, modernising one of the best small cars on the market. It’s probably fair to say that the Ford Fiesta is better across the board, but it’s also quite predictable, and if you want something a bit different (albeit still very conventional) the Ibiza is a great place to start. Mechanically identical to Skoda’s Fabia and Volkswagen’s Polo, this small car is one of our favourite runabouts for buyers who “just need something small to pop to the shops”, but who also want the long-legged flexibility required for the occasional motorway journey.

KIA RIO PRICE FROM: £12,000

The Rio is Kia’s bestselling model around the world, though we Brits – with our discerning taste in superminis – have never liked it that much. With new mild hybrid engines and a practical five-door layout, this small hatchback is the perfect second car or quick-trip runabout that many buyers are in the market for. It’s probably never going to go around the feared Nürburgring circuit, nor will it turn heads in the car park, but it’s safe, efficient, comfy and practical. Plump for a mid-range “2” model, cue up your easy-listening playlist and bask in the warm, unimaginative glow of your sevenyear warranty.

SUZUKI SWIFT PRICE FROM: £15,000

The Swift is an unsung hero of the automotive world, earning itself a following of devoted repeat customers but unfairly ignored by mainstream customers who prefer the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo. With a reputation for reliability and a fairly nimble driving experience, the Swift has received a slight update in the form of new hybrid engines, which make this (already fairly frugal) car even cheaper to run. That said, what is Swift by name is no longer quite so swift by nature – critics are complaining that the updates have made this hatchback less fun to drive.