Subaru Justy Hatchback (2007 - 2009) practicality

The Justy hasn't been crash tested as such but the near identical Daihatsu Sirion was awarded four stars out of five in official Euro NCAP crash tests - a good result for a car this size. It also received three stars for child protection and all models get ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, Isofix child seat mounting points plus driver, passenger, side and full-length curtain airbags.

The boot is a good size and more than roomy enough for a weekly shop for two. With 225 litres of luggage space it's on a par with alternatives like the Hyundai i20 and Ford Ka. If you need extra room for larger items, the rear seats split and fold down almost flat, helped by the fact the seat bases cleverly flip forward. There's plenty of storage in the cabin too including a flip-down compartment in the centre console, a twin level glovebox (although only the top section has a lid) and clever cupholders built into the doors.

However, the door pockets are narrow while there's a lack of useful stowage around the gear lever and handbrake.