CARS FOR LESS THAN 20,000

THE CITROEN C3

WANT a budget car that delivers more than low bills? The New Citroen C3 goes on sale during 2010 at just over 10,000. What impresses most is the light feel. For that reason, this is one of Citroen's most CO2-efficient models, which means of course that buyers pay less road tax.

The Citroen designers have focused on minimising weight and optimising aerodynamics, snazzier than a Floyd Mayweather combination. But there's more to the C3 than fast and efficient performance (up to 48.7mpg for petrol models, and up to 74.3mpg on diesel versions). Citroen has focused on style, quality and space too. The panoramic Zenith windscreen (better than the Vauxhall design) is just one extra feature that will mark this one out as a benchmark of engineering in the small car market for 2010.

Click here to view the Citroen C3

FORD C-MAX

New technologies include the 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost direct injection petrol. A semi-automatic parallel parking and a blind-spot detection system are among the many affordable safety features that will popularise the industry over the next decade. To be launched in the second half of 2010 in the 17,000 - 23,500 price range.

Click here to view the Ford CMax

HYUNDAI i30 CLASSIC

Unbeatable value from Hyundai in 2010. The 2010 entry-level model - the i30 Classic will come with a 1.4 petrol or 1.6 diesel, and includes AirCon, ESP and front electric windows. Starting price is 312,000.

Click here to view the new Hyundai i30

SEAT IBIZA ST

If you like a good looker, watch this Seat become the most desirable estate on the market in 2010. Sleek and sporty, it's expected to sell for just over 11,000 from the middle of the year. But this car is not just about a good style. With a 410-litre boot and rear seats that fold flat, this Ibiza is a practical too.

Click here to view the new Seat Ibiza ST

VW SCIROCCO

The Volkswagen Passatt range for 2010 has made the headlines for new equipment and price, but check out the new Scirocco that went on sale on January 4. If the entry-level engine 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS engine is efficient, so is the price tag at just under 19,000 on the road. The two-door compact coupe accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in less than 10 seconds, and tops out at 124 mph.

VAUXHALL MERIVA

A summer launch for the Meriva, Vauxhall's five-seat MPV. With a longer wheelbase and a hybrid platform, the car has something in common with the family-based Astra and Insignia.A sure winner for 2010 with fuel consumption 15% better than the outgoing model. From about 314,000.

TOYOTA AURIS HYBRID

A landmark year for Toyota in terms of hybrid innovation. The ground-breaking Toyota Auris Hybrid will be built at the Burnaston factory. Engines will be supplied by the Deeside facility in North Wales. At less than 18,000, the expected launch date is late 2010. Toyota's first full hybrid to be built in Europe, and the first hybrid to be built in the UK. Another one to look out for.

PEUGEOT 5008

Peugeot will launch the i0n at the end of 2010 - an electric vehicle that can travel 80 miles on a single charge. A nice a touch.With four doors, four seats and a turning circle of 4.50m, this could be the perfect motor for City driving.

But if more storage capacity is your thing, then prepare to get excited by the Peugeot 5008, which goes on sale in February from 17,000. Seating for up to seven people, automatic electric parking brake with Hill Assist, Energy Saver tyres and air conditioning as standard. That's a lot of standard extras.

The 5008 Exclusive model includes a Cielo panoramic glass roof, automatic headlamps and wipers), Distance Alert, rear parking aid, USB and Bluetooth hands-free equipment and climate control air conditioning.

 

Stephen Neale, 9th January 2010

TOP 5 £15,000 - £20,000 DEALS

The results below show the top £15,000 - £20,000 deals on buyacar

Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £17,527 Read Sportage Reviews	Save £3,063
Citroen DS4 2.0 HDi DSport 5dr Diesel Hatchback
Price £18,667	Save £5,389
Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 3 5dr [Sat Nav] Diesel Estate
Price £19,632 Read Sportage Reviews	Save £3,553
Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Edge 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £15,795 Read Mondeo Reviews	Save £5,841
Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 3dr Coupe
Price £19,692 Read Scirocco Reviews	Save £2,173
VIEW MORE DISCOUNT £15,000 - £20,000 DEALS