Cars with engines around 850cc may not be in the luxury class, but stiff competition has led to the inclusion of many desirable features not yet standardised on bigger, more expensive models.

These small saloons have all-dependent suspension, a floor gear lever, a four speed gearbox, and in the most modern examples, synchromesh on all forward ratios.

Today's 850cc engine provides a top speed of 70 or more mph and modern interiors allow adequate room for four adults.

The low first cost of small saloons is attractive. The cars fit easily into small garages and perhaps the biggest arguments in their favour are economic fuel consumption, plus less expensive tyres and insurance to keep running costs to the mimimum.

With the tendency for public transport fares to keep rising, more who need transport are thinking in terms of modern 850 cc saloons.

Nowadays it is cheaper for a family to go by small car than take a train, and usually far more comfortable and convenient.

Prices of fairly modern second-hand cars in this class range between £250 and £475.