IF you want a MINI with a decent amount of people space, go for the Clubman or the Countryman.

The standard hatch - marvelous to drive though it is - is very small, and there is only room for three people if the driver is any kind of normal size.

The Clubman is just as good to drive, although you don't quite such a good rear view because the company, rather madly, fits twin van-like rear doors.

I recently drove the Cooper SD and this is the diesel engine the MINI has been needing since launch.

It's a two-litre unit with 140bhp and that's enough for brilliant acceleration both from rest and in the gears.

It is flexible and willing from very low revs, quiet and refined at all speeds, and with the help of standard stop/start, could get to a heady 64 miles per gallon.

If I have a criticism, it's that £19,790 is a lot of money for such a small car.

Inside it is as funky and good looking as all the rest, with lots of chrome and aluminium touches around the cabin, a large central speedometer with all the warning lights mounted in it and a tachometer that moves up and down with the wheel.

: Skoda Fabia Estate