IT'S said the best things sometimes come in small packages and that's certainly true of the Skoda Citigo.

Launched in the summer of 2012 it instantly attracted a strong following with its economy of size, fuel consumption and running costs matched with its big practicality, reasonable performance and refinement.

There are over a dozen models in the range but I tried the three-door 60 Elegance, the less powerful of the two engines under the 75ps, in the higher trim level.

The engine is remarkably smooth and quiet unless its pushed to the highest revs and the manual gearbox is light in action, direct and also quiet.

I liked the easy flowing steering with the tight turning circle and the power of the brakes was impressive in a small car.

It is smaller than its stablemate Fabia but seats four and has a 251 litres bootspace which rises to 951 litres when the back seats are folded.

The three-door body provides good access to the cabin and reasonably roomy boot, has good seats and a low waistline for good all-round visibility.

There are some useful and attractive features inside, especially if you order the higher model with Personal Information Device which performs as phone, sat nav, and on-board computer and integrates with the media system to permit use of your own entertainment devices. It really is a worthwhile package to have, especially as you can take it with you outside the car.

Inside there are clever storage solutions including document holders and bag hooks, and it is a good family car as a result, even if you have to wiggle a bit to get a child secured in the back seats. The five-door may be a better choice for some users.

You can quickly and easily adapt to driving the Citigo around town, its strong damping can catch you out on bumpier roads, and you have to look ahead when planning to overtake as there is not a lot of power underfoot, particularly if laden with people or goods.

It grips surprisingly well, handles without drama and has no real vices to concern you.

There is an endearing quality to the Citigo which is not often found in modern cars and which is hard to identify.