Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart (2008 - 2013) practicality

In tests by Euro NCAP the Colt scored four stars out of five for adult occupant protection and three stars for child safety. That's a fairly good result for a car this size, although newer models are regularly achieving five stars. The Ralliart gets the same driver and passenger airbags as the standard Colt, but also adds curtain airbags. There's a traction and stability control system (called M-ASTC) to prevent the car losing control in a skid.

With a boot capacity of just 160 litres, the Colt Ralliart isn't great for carrying luggage. You can get several bags of shopping in the back and a small suitcase or overnight bag, but little else. The boot is also hampered by a high load lip and narrow tailgate opening, but the seats can be folded down (not totally flat) to carry larger items. The rear seats also slide forward to create slightly more space, but it doesn't make a great difference.

Getting in out of the back of the three-door model is a struggle, even if the front seats do slide forward - the five-door makes things much easier, especially if you have child seats to fit. Elsewhere there are two cupholders in front of the gear lever, long (albeit narrow) door pockets and a decent glovebox.