Volkswagen » Polo

This is a very good all-round small car indeed. It offers reasonable speed, handling, traction and acceleration, great suspension and is also economical to tax, insure and run. One of the first cars in its class to be awarded a 5 star NCAP rating, it also sets the standard for interior fit and finish in its class. Five people will feel like a bit of a squeeze, but it seats four more than adequately and the boot is also surprisingly large for a car this size (280 litres - 952 with the back seats down). Pretty much a standard because of its 'Jack of all trades' approach and slow value depreciation.