SecondHandSense:Mitsubishi Colt
The super-mini segment is a crowded marketplace but an extremely popular one for Irish buyers, who tend to use small cars for far more than the city experience they are designed for.
There are plenty of models to choose from, ranging from the practical Toyota Yaris to funkier models like the Nissan Note and the Renault Modus, both of which are, incidentally, the same car. In the middle of the lot is the Mitsubishi Colt, a car with a long history for reliability and economical motoring if not for classic design features.
The newer model, introduced in 2004, is a good deal more attractive than the one it replaced but it is still not a car to capture the emotions. It is smart and has a large glass area but it lacks individuality and presence, a common criticism of Mitsubishi cars.
It is, however, a good option when it comes to choosing something practical that comes with a good reputation. But with so many cars on the market to pick from, it faces an uphill struggle for recognition.
When the Colt should be giving the Honda Jazz a run for its money it does not really stand up to the comparison.
The Colt comes with a choice of 1.1 and 1.3 petrol engines. Both can be quite shrill when pushed and the 1.1 doesn't exactly sparkle when demands are made on it.
The two units are economical and good around town - for anything more you would need the extra energy of the 1.3.
The steering feels quite light and the ride can be soft too but the car is generally pleasing to drive and is an ideal city car.
Perhaps the Colt's best feature is its interior, which is bright and airy and comfortable.
The instruments give digital readings and everything is where you need it. There is plenty of space and light and both front and rear passengers will have a comfortable trip but the rear space comes at the expense of the boot accommodation. Compared to practically any other car in the segment, the Colt comes off badly when it comes to aft storage.
The designers clearly had trendy city folk in mind when they signed off on the boot and many Irish buyers will find it too limited for their requirements. The Colt was developed with Daimler-Chrysler and it and the Smart Forfour share many components.
Mitsubishi cars do have a good record for reliability and the newer version of the Colt has not been recalled at any stage. It has a four-star rating in EuroNCAP crash tests which is good for a car launched in 2004. Anti-lock brakes are standard.
A 2004 five-door version with a 1.1-litre engine, alloys, metallic paint, electrics, twin airbags, a CD player, remote locking and 17,600 miles on the clock is on offer for €12,900, while a 1.3-litre version with the same equipment and 9,000 miles on the clock is on offer for €14,250.
A 2005 model with a 1.1-litre engine and 18,000 miles on the clock is quoted at €10,995 and a 1.3-litre of the same year, with 14,000 miles, is quoted at €10,995.
FOR:Good city car, easy on petrol
AGAINST:Small boot and noisy engine.