1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is only really happy in town. Four-cylinder engines range from the adequate 1.2-litre 16v up to the 1.8 16v with a nippy 125bhp. Mid-range petrol and diesel units strike the best balance between performance and economy. Easytronic system offered on smaller petrol and diesel engines swaps gears without a clutch pedal and has an automatic mode, while a fully automatic gearbox is available on the 1.4 petrol engine.

It’s a very easy car to drive. Handling is precise, but it rolls considerably when cornered quickly. One of the changes to the 2003 model was to make power steering standard across the range, a godsend when driving in town and for parking, although it still feels lifeless at speed. Sporty SRi versions offer the best handling for those seeking more fun and those with the 1.8 engine have the added security of traction control.