The price of used examples is equally reserved, both to buy and when you’re going through the insurers. Being in group 23, it’s in a slightly higher group than others on this list, but it’s still at the lower end.
Read our Suzuki Swift Sport review
Ford Fiesta Zetec S (2008-2017)
The Ford Fiesta was always going to make this list. It doesn’t matter which spec, which year or which price you get one for: beneath a pretty handsome shell lies a fine-handling chassis by which the competition was historically judged for nearly 50 years. You could even go so far as to call it the Porsche 911 of superminis.
The best part is that you can pick one up for pennies. You should, however, buy carefully. Some cars will have been tastelessly modified, and steer clear of cars that look ragged and neglected, because you will probably end up paying for more in maintenance than you did for the car.
The very fact that they’re favoured by anyone from those who like to drive quickly to those who can’t drive at all means insurance costs can get quite steep if you modify them, particularly in expensive areas such as London.
Choosing a car isn’t so complicated, because there are loads of examples to go around. The most common engine available is the 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol, which pushes it to 62mph in a little under 10sec with a snappy five-speed gearbox.
Read our complete Ford Fiesta review
Mini 3dr Hatch (2006-2013)
The Mini may be one of the most iconic cars in the world, but it also comes with a bit of exclusivity.
No fewer than 13 trim levels were available with a list of colour combinations and options form so extensive that it looked like a child’s Christmas wishlist. This means that no two Minis are likely to be the same, giving you a slice of car-park cachet.
This generation was birthed with the code ‘R56’ – ‘R’ standing for Rover. That doesn’t mean it uses any Rover bits, however, because this endlessly configurable hatchback was reliable with strong build quality and is now available for sensible money, with fully ULEZ-compliant petrol engines no matter which year you pick. Plus, it’s in insurance group 17.
