As with Alfa, Citroen is a company looking to resurrect past glories, and the good news is that the little C3 pretty much does just that. It takes styling cues inspired by the C4 Cactus, bet deploys them on a car with a much more practical cabin and boot, and with a far better driving position. It's actually like a mini Picasso, for decades the family favourite from the French brand.
Actually, the C3 Aircoss’s cabin is as good an indication of what to expect from Citroen in the next few years – quirky styling, hugely comfortable seats, and no emphasis on sportiness (in spite of rallying success with Irish driver Kris Meeke). Think of it as a sittingroom on wheels. Comfort has become Citroen’s unique selling point and it uses this car to make that very point.
The 1.2-litre PureTech engine is a star performer here, peppy enough in 82hp form, but even better (if rather more expensive) in 110hp turbocharged form. There’s no point in going for a diesel model unless you’re covering mega- miles.
Best model: Flair 1.2 PureTech 110
15: BMW i3 – Silly price for a small car but it’s an icon of futuristic engineering
16: Opel Astra – Still the saving grace for the German brand after a torrid year
17: Mazda 6 – Starting to show its age but still best looking mainstream saloon
18: Tesla Model S – Welcome Irish arrival of most hyped car of the decade
Prices start from: €20,695
Finance package from: €215 CO2 emissions: 104-126g/km Sum-up: As close to a modern 2CV as we're likely to get.