Mitsubishi Colt hatchback

The Colt's interior feels basic, but the controls are chunky and well positioned. The 1.1-litre engine is good in town, where the performance it offers matches the larger 1.3-litre option. The range-topping Ralliart sacrifices some comfort with its firmer sports suspension, but its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine gives the small Colt big performance. All models are enjoyable behind the wheel, though, with accurate, light steering and an easy gearshift. The ClearTec 1.3-litre model shuts down its engine when sitting stationary at traffic lights or junctions - helping you to save fuel - and restarts quickly as soon as you go to pull away.

The upright driving position has the space and comfort of a mini people carrier, but the cabin does get a bit noisy at motorway speeds. The 1.1-litre engine is nicely hushed, but the 1.3 and 1.5-litre engines are more vocal - the latter sounding particularly sporty in the Ralliart model. Comfort is good, as the suspension copes well with poor road surfaces. There's plenty of space for four adults thanks to decent rear head and legroom, too.

The interior isn’t the most stylish, but it feels tough and well constructed. The Colt scored a credible four-star rating in the Euro NCAP tests, although only the range-topping Ralliart model gets side airbags as standard - the rest of the range makes do with driver and passenger airbags. Traction and stability control are reserved for the range-topping model, too. Reliability should be good, as Mitsubishi's reputation for trouble-free cars is well established.

The five-door Colt is the more practical of the two body styles, but the boot is easy to access in either guise. The parcel shelf needs lifting manually, though and it's easy to forget to lower it again, which then obscures your rear view. A good-sized glovebox is offered, but sadly Mitsubishi removed the sliding rear seat flexibility when it updated the Colt in 2008; they now just split and fold conventionally.

The Colt is positioned at the budget end of the supermini market, and it's still possible to haggle for a discount with dealers – so it's competitively priced. The CZ1 specification is only offered on the 1.1-litre car and covers the basics, with a CD player with MP3/iPod connection, electric front windows and central locking. CZ2 versions gain alloy wheels, air-conditioning and cruise control. ClearTec models come equipped as CZ2 cars, while Ralliart trim gains sporting looks, side airbags, plus traction and electronic stability control.

The ClearTec isn’t quite the economy champion it once was, with rivals offering better economy and emissions than the 56.5mpg and 119g/km it delivers. Most other Colt variants are still relatively frugal though, returning around 50mpg if driven carefully. Insurance and tax are cheap, too, while Mitsubishi offers fixed-price servicing for either the first three or five services.