The new Swift picks up right where the last one left off. They’re broadly similar in design with the same underpinnings – the fourth-generation model just has an enhanced formula.

It’s great fun to drive and astoundingly efficient, but an air of cut-rate, bargain-basement remains in the fit and finish. Though for a car that has a starting price of £19,000, can you really get upset about that? It’s cheaper than many rivals with a similar feel to the interior so no, we don’t think so.

Even so, we reckon a Skoda Fabia remains the best all-round small car. However, the Renault Clio is very nearly as good and usually has better finance deals.

What we like

The new Swift is good fun to drive, economical and cheap to buy. It’s also more spacious than most rivals and very well equipped.

What we don’t like

The interior is still laden with many cheap plastics, so don’t expect a plush feel. Some rivals have bigger boots and are also quicker.