Mitsubishi Colt, Budget player

Mitsubishi's Colt might not immediately spring to mind when talking superminis, but that's what makes it so interesting. It's spacious, drives nicely and comes well equipped too. All that and it's pretty cheap: even the range-topping Ralliart with its 147bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is available in five-door guise for under £13,000. That's middle or entry point of the range money for most superminis. You pay for that low pricing with an interior that's not perhaps as smart as the other cars here, but what you lose in quality you gain in your pocket.

The range isn't quite as extensive as some rivals' either, but alongside the enjoyable Ralliart version Mitsubishi offers its ClearTec, a 1.3-litre petrol version with 56mpg and 119g/km capability for little over £10,000. For those on a budget needing a supermini the Colt can be had in either green or fun guises for a little less than the more obvious choices. That it's different too is part of its appeal.

Kyle Fortune