What Car? Used Car of the Year 2006 - Best Supermini 2006

Ford Fiesta
Model: 1.4 Zetec 3dr
Year: '03/03
Cost: £4695

The Ford Fiesta does it all. For a start, it's easy to find second-hand examples to buy. It's a long-term favourite in the top 10 sellers list, so there's ample choice all over the UK.

Prices are attractively low and you can find three-year-old 1.4 Zetecs at many garages for under £5000 - less if you shop privately or at car supermarkets. This is a current-shape model, don't forget, so insist on a car in good condition.

Our judges praised the Fiesta for its accomplished all-round ability. It appeals to the young and old alike, and is as good at tackling long motorway journeys as it is zipping around town.

It's also one of the best superminis to drive, with sharp steering and the sort of chassis that wouldn't feel out of place in a hot hatch.

One of the secrets of the Fiesta's success is its superb reliability record. Parts are cheap and easy to find, so this baby Ford will be a cinch to service and repair. Not that it'll break down much - Warranty Direct reckons it's one of the most reliable 'minis around.

Runner-up
Toyota Yaris
1.0 T2 3dr
'03/03
£4195

Others to consider...
Ford Ka 2, '01/51, £2795
Honda Jazz 1.4 SE, '03/53, £6995
Mini One, '04/04, £7995
Nissan Micra 1.0 S 3dr, '00/Y, £1995

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