Kia Rio

This new Rio looks better, drives better and should now be taken more seriously . Might be a sensible choice, but no longer as dull as it was.

• Comfort

  Riding solo, you might notice the ride feeling a little bit sharp and busy, but otherwise it copes with the big undulations well. 

  

• Performance

  The petrols are swift when revved and the diesels are actually quite classy. That 1.1-litre 74bhp diesel is really frugal (78.5mpg) even if it's 0-60mph time of 15.5 seconds is not exactly fast. Actually, it's not fast at all.

  

• Cool

  A vast improvement over its predecessor, and one you wouldn't feel too ashamed to be seen in. 

  

• Quality

  Feels really well built, and that seven-year warranty is pretty unbeatable.

  

• Handling

  It doesn't wildly outperform and isn't as brilliant as the class-leaders - we're looking at you, Fiesta - but it drives with more than enough panache to not leave you feeling shortchanged. The steering is quick enough and the Rio feels agile.

  

• Practicality

  Boot space isn't quite Dr Who's police box, at 288 litres, but there's plenty of space for four. Seats down, it folds out to 923 litres.

  

• Running costs

  That 1.1-litre diesel with 88.3mpg is the one to go for should you require many miles for your gallon, but equally the rest of the range holds up pretty tightly. Emissions across the range are low too - with some models dipping well below the halo 100g/km CO2 figure, and you can pick one up for as little as £10k.