With its five doors and wedge shaped exterior, the Agila is a good deal more substantial than other cars in the supermini set. Drop the rear seats and the totally flat load floor serves up a total 1,050 litres of stowage space, making the Agila one of the most practical cars in its class. Sit in the driving seat and the commanding road view and raised position fills you with confidence and prepares you for the brilliantly fun ride the Agila has to offer. Nimble and supple around town it's an unexpectedly cool customer on motorway.

The three engines on offer are also bang on money. The range opens with a 64bhp 1.0 litre 3 cylinder petrol, churning out an average 56mpg, before moving to a more powerful 85bhp 1.2 litre terrier. Diesel options include a top spec 74bhp 1.3 litre CDTi diesel that powers the Agila like a trooper. At entry level the engines are conscious-soothingly clean, with both petrol and diesel units producing no more than 120g/km of C02.

Big car features help the Vauxhall Agila punch well above its weight. ESP stability control and four airbags are a standard fixture on all models, while range topping Design trim comes with air conditioning and sporty alloy wheels.