Audi A1

A small car with Audi qualities and the Audi badge can't fail. All the petrol engines are good, and quality is up to the usual Audi standards. The A1 has a far bigger boot than the rival Mini.

Against As you progress up the trim hierarchy, you get firmer suspension, bigger wheels and a firmer ride. The list prices aren’t exactly cheap, either, and the diesel engines are noisy.

The Audi A1 is a sure-fire hit. It has all that's good about the brand in a package less than four metres long. However, unless you can live with a hard ride, avoid the firmest suspension and biggest wheels.

SEAT IBIZA

The Seat Ibiza is attractively priced and smartly styled. It backs this up with competitive running costs, decent equipment and a composed ride.

Against The interior can’t match the best-in-class for quality, and room is restricted in the back of the three-door model. Some engines feel a little underpowered, and the diesel engines are noisy when revved hard.

The Seat Ibiza trails the class best in a number of areas, but overall, it’s a fairly sound buy.

RENAULT CLIO

The Renault Clio has some smooth and flexible engines, and most versions are affordable to run. The touch-screen infotainment system fitted to high-end models is packed with features and is easy to use.

This is an exceptionally competitive class, and the Renault Clio isn’t that far behind the class leaders.

SKODA FABIA

The Fabia offers excellent space, economical engines, impressive visibility and plenty of safety equipment for a competitive price.

Against It doesn't ride that well over patchy surfaces and many rivals have more appealing interiors.

The Skoda Fabia is supremely spacious for a small car, plus it's well equipped, good to drive and undercuts its main rivals on price. It's a brilliant choice and is thoroughly deserving of our 2015 Car of the Year award.

VOLKSWAGEN UP

The Volkswagen Up is a funky-looking city car, which is economical, spacious and good to drive.

Against It looks a bit pricey compared with some rivals and the lower-powered engine can struggle on the motorway.

HYUNDAI I10

The i10 is quieter and more practical than all its city car rivals. It’s also cheap to buy and run, and is easy to park.

Against A VW Up is more enjoyable to drive and looks a bit classier inside.

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

The Polo is refined, competitively priced and has a plush-feeling cabin. Its resale values and infotainment system are excellent.

Against Some rivals have more rear-seat space, the low-speed ride is a little fidgety, and the 1.0-litre petrol engines feel underpowered outside of town.