02 Jan 09
4. Peugeot 207
Like the Fiat Grande Punto, the 207 is both pretty and cheap. Nearly-new examples look great value in particular, with loads of mid-specification models with minimal mileages priced at £7,500-£8,500. Shop around.
Easy to drive and notably well sound-proofed, the 207 is comfortable and gives the feel of a considerably larger car - at least from the front seats. The petrols are a better drive than the nose-heavy diesels, and also come up cheaper. We like the 1.4 16v (95bhp), which uses the same BMW-developed engine as the Mini One and delivers 46.3mpg.
The 207's reliability record is no more than mediocre and early models have suffered their fair share of electrical and electronic glitches - another reason to buy a sorted nearly-new one. Insurance tends to be low, Peugeot servicing and maintenance is reasonably priced, and though residual (resale) values aren't great, small Peugeots are very popular and never difficult to sell second-hand.
5. Vauxhall Corsa
The British best-seller, and with good reason: practical, easy to buy and easy to own, it appeals to a huge variety of buyers across all age-groups and demographics. It's cheap to buy, with official list prices from £7,995, and plenty of discounts, deals and special offers to take prices even lower.
The Corsa shares most of its underpinnings with the Fiat Grande Punto - the legacy of the ill-fated GM-Fiat alliance - but feels more solid and substantial. It also gives a quieter, more comfortable ride. The engine range is similar, with the 1.3 diesel offered in 75bhp and 90bhp outputs (delivering 62.8mpg and 58.9mpg respectively), though again, it's an expensive upgrade.
Try a cheaper petrol model: the 1.0i 12v returns 50.4mpg, though we'd suggest paying a bit more for the livelier 1.2i 16v, which does 48.7mpg. Vauxhall servicing is not expensive, insurance is relatively low, and while the Corsa does not hold its value very well, it's easy to sell.
