Gridlocked streets, fuel-withering stopping and starting, and parking spaces barely wider than Kate Moss's waist; welcome to motoring city-style. We recommend leaving that over-sized saloon at home and slipping into a dinky city car instead...
First up is the Fiat 500. It's not the best driver's car in its class but the Fiat 500 more than makes up for it with its funky retro good looks and its nippiness round town. Boot space isn't large but what you do have stashed in the car is well protected according to NCAP who gave it a five-out-five rating in their crash tests.
Ford Fiesta
The latest Ford has been winning praise left, right and (town) centre; small enough on the outside to hustle in and out of traffic but boasting a big-car feel on the inside thanks to the interior finish, the neat dashboard and iPod-inspired centre console plus a range of surprisingly quiet engines. And for the petrolheads among you, the Fiesta boasts truly entertaining handling as well.
Mini One
The ever-green remake of the original Mini can still hold its own against increasingly tough competition. While interior space isn't ideal, this small car screams fun. From the OTT dashboard through to the go-kart-like handling, you'll be too busy giggling with glee as you throw the car round corners to care what's happening to the groceries in its small boot...
Ford Ka
The second generation of the Ka has been accused of losing some of its driving and visual appeal but we reckon it still has plenty of charisma, offers an engaging drive and is practical too. The Ka actually features the same chassis as the Fiat 500 but thanks to Ford's handling nouse, the ride and handling is superior to the show-off Italian.
Toyota iQ
If you want to turn heads wherever you go, the eccentric-but-brilliant looking iQ is perfect. It's the world's smallest four-seater and its diminutive dimensions and tiny turning circle make it a cinch to park. Just don't go buying one for space; the boot size is poor when you have all the seats in use and then there's only room realistically for three adults and one (very) small child when you do. However, this is one seriously clever if pricy piece of forward-thinking engineering. And way smarter than a Smart city car.
Hyundai i10
Hyundai used to be a byword for cheap and nasty but now with models like the i10, the company is having the last laugh offering proper packaging, a decent warranty and absurdly low prices.This four-door city car offers enough pep round town and space to fit four adults in relative comfort plus a big enough boot for most day-to-day needs.
Fiat Panda
If the Fiat 500 is just too cutesy a city car for you then the Panda is a cheaper and more practical option for those less worried about what people might think when you pull up outside the local wine bar. It's getting on a bit now and there are more refined small cars available but the Panda ticks all the right boxes. And the 100HP version is still an absolute blast on back roads, if a little punishing on your actual back due to its firm ride.
Volkswagen Polo
It is a rule-of-thumb that if you buy a VW, you're going to be paying more for it than any other car in the same class. And the latest Polo is the exception that proves the rule, offering typically Germanic levels of ride comfort and a high quality interior, all for less than the price of a Fiesta. Feeling as much at home on the motorway as it does on the city streets, this VW doesn't feel compromised in any area. Not as fun to drive as a Fiesta, for sure, but a top quality city car nonetheless.
Kia Picanto
World-dominating Japanese car makers are becoming increasingly nervous about their Korean counterparts - and judging from the Picanto, they should be. It's by no means the best in its class but this bargain four-door small car comes with an incredible seven-year/100,000 warranty, which shames the miserly three years offered by many other manufacturers.
Aston Martin Cygnet
It's not on sale until the end of 2010 but best start saving for Aston's answer to the city car now - after all, you need to already own one of their supercars to actually qualify to buy this £20,000 runabout. The Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ platform and shares the same one-litre, low emissions engine so the mechanics are sound. But because it's an Aston, you can expect spangly alloys, a flash grille, a highly luxurious interior and a bonnet badge to die for.
