DAIHATSU CHARADE 5D HATCHBACK (1988-1994)
THE Charade's reliability and economy reputation is well-founded. Its 66kW 1.3 four-cylinder engine is smooth, economical and durable, and zippy when when married to a five-speed manual. Stylish and fun, it makes a quality city car, aided by a pleasant cabin and easy manoeuvrability. Crash safety isn't great though.

HOLDEN MH BARINA 5D HATCHBACK (1991-1994)
THE MH Barina hatch was built by Suzuki, and is superior in many ways to its Spanish-built (by Opel) 1994-1997 SB Series I successor, with an eager and economical 1.3, adequate interior space, good visibility and excellent durability and reliability. It still looks good too.

MAZDA 121 4D SEDAN (1990-1997)
THE Mazda 121 four-door sedan's upright style makes for good interior space and good visibility for the driver. The eager 1.3 or torquey 1.5-litre 16-valve engines offer good fuel economy and zippy performance. The latter model has power steering as standard from mid-'91. The offbeat, high-quality choice.

SUZUKI SWIFT 5D HATCHBACK (1994-2000)
THE Swift-based Cino was sold as the Holden Barina until 1994. The interior and exterior have had minor upgrades but the mechanicals remain almost identical to the Barina. The Cino shows its age in some areas, particularly in ride and handling refinement, but otherwise it's the same as for the Holden above.