THE CONTENDERS

Ford Focus

1.5 Ecoboost 182 Zetec S Black Edition List price when new £22,520 Price today £12,000 Available from 2012-2018 Designed to offer some hot hatch fun without the high running costs.

Seat Leon

1.8 TSI 180 FR List price when new £21,565 Price today £13,000 Available from 2013-present A more understated option; good value, well equipped and fun to drive

Price today is based on a 2016 model with average mileage and a full service history, correct at time of writing