I bought my S-reg Arosa in August for £6295. Since I wanted a car for me and my two little dogs, I was looking for one where the rear seats folded properly flat, rather than simply folding in on themselves or needing to be removed. This limited my choice considerably. Also, I wanted a car that had some 'go', as well as power steering and auto transmission (I like an easy life!).

My car is orange and very eye-catching, although more 'girly' than I would have liked. Like you, I prefer the face of the VW Lupo, but I wasn't prepared to spend the extra. The 1400 engine is very lively - it's the fastest car I've ever owned. I thought automatics were meant to be quite slow off the mark but I haven't found that at all.

The interior is fine and everything's easy to get at. Both the steering column and the seats are adjustable, giving a comfortable driving position. This version doesn't have an airbag, but I didn't want one as I'm quite short and I am a bit scared of them. It doesn't have central locking, either, but that's not a problem as nine times out of 10 it's only me and the dogs in it. It does have air-conditioning but no sunroof which, again, is fine, as every car I've owned with a sunroof has leaked.

Parking is very, very easy indeed. It's pretty economical on the short runs I tend to do, and it always starts first time. It is very cheap to insure - I'm 35, and fully comp was only £197 - whereas a Lupo was a couple of groups higher up the scale.

All in all, though, I'm very pleased with it and would recommend one to anyone.