THERE are plenty of them about and you can't fail to recognise them with their brightly-coloured two-tone colour schemes and funky stick-on graphics.
While Renault's Captur crossover may look like it was created especially to take on the growing band of compact 4x4 SUVs, this French fancy came only as a front-wheel-drive machine sitting on its Clio supermini platform.
But that's where the similarity between the two stablemates ended, for the Captur proved much more practical and its beefed-up stance offered a raised ride height for greater visibility to all on board.
Coming in 100mm taller and 60mm longer than the Clio, it also offered masses of interior space for its size.
Some could say knee room was on the tight side, but there was enough room to let average-sized adults sit in the back without being squeezed together like sardines in a tin.
There was also a decent sized 455-litre boot which could swallow up cases, push chairs and the ususal array of sporting goods and this space could be increased as the 60:40-split rear seats could also slide forward. Fold them and the luggage space increased to 1,235 litres.
And the boot floor could also be adjustable to enable it to be raised so bulkier items could effortlessly slide in and out.
With prices starting at less than £15,000 for the entry-level three-cylinder petrol Expression+ Energy TCe 90 S/S eco2, even the range-topping Signature dCi 90 Auto EDC eco2 had a price tag of less than £20,000 back in 2014.
Now, used car buyers are pretty much spoiled for choice, with six spec levels and four engines to pick from.
But a little bit of advice. Go for one of the mid-range Dynamique MediaNav models and you get masses of hi-tech features, including an integrated seven-inch touchscreen display which controlled the on-board infotainment system.
For me, I certainly was impressed with the fiesty 1.5 dCi 90 diesel, model if only for its superb fuel economy and lively performance. Returning a whopping 76.3mpg on the combined cycle, you couldn't really ask for much more.
Out on the road it pulled way above its weight and once it got going had a top speed of 106mph, although standing to 62mph did take 12.6 seconds.
The automatic gearbox version proved slick and smooth and there was also the option to take over and use it manually.
There was also an eco mode button which reduced performance to aid fuel economy. It reduced torque and modified throttle response to suit and could even automatically adjusted the air conditioning and heating output for maximum efficiency.
The Captur's suspension had a nice sporty feel about it and the car gripped and handled beautifully. The steering was light yet positive and the suspension worked well to offer a smooth ride.
Overall interior quality came up there with the best and I liked the removable zipped seat covers which could be thrown into the washing machine to keep them clean and fresh.
With its chunky but stylish exterior looks, decent road manners, great fuel economy and affordable price tag, the Captur has lots going for it which makes it just right for any family looking for something of a bargain-buy used car.
All Captur models are pretty much sought-after and prices hold up well.
A 2014 14-plate five-door 1.5 dCi 110bhp Dynamique Media Nav Energy will have a price tag of between £7,975 and £9,935, while a 1.5dCi 90bhp automatic in Signature trim will set you back between £8,915 and £11,110.
However, for those on a tighter budget, a 90bhp diesel in Expression+ trim should come in at between £7,250 and £9,035 while a similar 0.9 90bhp petrol version will cost between £6,930 and £8,635.