WHAT CAR? SAYS

Let’s be honest here: take money out of the equation and this isn’t a line-up of the world’s greatest cars. Our contenders are built to a price and, quite understandably, they all show signs of cost-cutting. So, the question is, which offers you the most for your relatively small outlay?

Well, it isn’t the C3. Its tempting entry price belies a stingy kit list and an eyewatering APR rate for those taking out finance. Indeed, mid-rung Plus trim makes more sense than You!, bringing lots more useful equipment for around a tenner extra a month, thanks to a much more reasonable interest rate.

The C3 isn’t a brilliant buy in any form, though; you’d be better off with the Sandero or Aygo X. Both are genuinely good cars with very different strengths; the Sandero gives you more space, stronger performance and lower monthly PCP bills, while the Aygo X counters with sharper driving manners, cheaper running costs and a more generous roster of safety kit. Which is better depends on your priorities.

Still, we reckon the Aygo X is better suited to more buyers. Sure, it’s cramped in the back and has a tiny boot, but our research tells us practicality isn’t a priority for most small car buyers. And while the list price of the Edge model we’d recommend is way above that of a Sandero Expression, it’ll work out cheaper in the long run. Even if you buy on finance, the difference isn’t huge. Plus, there’s Toyota’s reputation for reliability and a warranty of up to 10 years, if you get your car serviced annually at a main dealer.

So, the answer is that new car bargains do still exist – particularly when you consider long-term ownership costs – and the Aygo X is the best of them.