Daihatsu - Charade

Taking on the ageing Daewoo Matiz and Fiat Seicento, or the dumpy Vauxhall Agila, the latest Charade meets the brief of city car very well. With a narrow body for squeezing through traffic, roller-skate handling and low fuel consumption and running costs, it makes ideal urban wheels. The downside is that it feels diminutive, lightweight and vulnerable out on the open road.
Available with three or five doors, Charade is more distinctive than the newly-launched Fiat Panda, it's nearest competitor especially in the bright pastel paint colours Daihatsu is offering. Standard equipment levels are high, and it is well-finished with little evidence of cost-cutting.
The tiny three-cylinder engine is gutsy and lively, even in combination with the optional four-speed auto, and it should prove to be reliable, too. It's a shame that the rear seats don't slide or tumble, but otherwise, this is a reasonably practical and versatile small car.