The best cars for downsizers

Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart

This small hot hatch with a 1.5-litre 147hbp engine comes from the same stable as the Mitsubishi Evo. At £12,049, it's £7-8K cheaper than a Golf GTI or Focus ST.

You'll also get about 30% more miles per tank, thanks to fuel economy of 40.9mpg. And the lower insurance group (14 compared to the Golf's 17) also means lower running costs.