Kia Picanto

So you like the idea of a budget machine, but want some badge recognition? Then the Kia Picanto is worth a look and is the second cheapest car on sale in the UK at the moment. To achieve the low £5,995 list price you'll need to go for the 1.0-litre model, though it's only a handful of horsepower lower than its 1.1-litre relative and a good bit more frugal. Driven sensibly the Picanto should get close to the official quoted 57.6mpg, stretching out the stops at the fuel station to the maximum.

As you might expect, equipment levels aren't exactly on the generous side, but for under £6,000 electric windows up front and a CD player are a bonus. It's not that bad to drive either, the 1.0-litre engine feeling more peppy than its 16.4 second 0-62mph time suggests. It feels far more modern too, and comes with a warranty one year longer than the Perodua's too.

Tuesday April 15