Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £14,499 to £24,149
Cheap to buy, should prove reliable, good specification levels
Short service intervals, bland styling, engine noisy, no diesel option
For those who just need to get from A to B without much fuss - don't expect a mini-Evo.
This is a generously equipped contender - alloy wheels, metallic paint, air conditioning, CD player, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors and front fog lights are all fitted as standard. The only extras - fitted to Elegance trim level cars - are leather-faced seats, which aren't really worth £800. The top-spec Sport Estate gains larger alloys, a MOMO leather steering wheel (as found in the Evo), 'Sports-type' front seats with extra bolstering and a CD auto-changer.
The standard seats are wide and very soft, giving little lateral support, but they have been designed with input from a chiropractor, so occupants should arrive pain-free after a long drive. Rear legroom won't please those pushing six feet tall, but would be ideal for shorter occupants. Head and shoulder room is good in all seats.
Both saloon and estate models feature 60/40 split folding rear seats. Boot space is reasonable with the saloon allowing 430 litres fully laden, and the estate 344 litres to the window line, extending to 1079 with the rear seats folded flat.
