GOING away on holiday I wanted a smallish car with comfort, excellent economy and a decent turn of speed.

Renault offered me their Clio Sport Tourer estate with 1.5 turbo diesel engine and at first I thought it might be a bit slow.

But how wrong can you get! It was the ideal companion and added immensely to the fun of the break.

It might look small from the outside but I got a huge amount of stuff in without having to put the easy fold back seat down.

And it averaged a real life 56 miles to the gallon without trying too hard - now that's what I call economy.

It was hugely comfortable on rougher roads, quiet and reasonably refined at speed on the motorway and had enough urge for decently quick overtaking.

There is some roll, but nonetheless, it cornered swiftly and safely and had plenty of grip on mostly dry roads.

There is room enough for five at a pinch and four in comfort, and a roller blind boot cover keeps luggage from prying eyes.

: Skoda Fabia Estate