WHEN I was trying out the latest Vauxhall Corsa three door, I had to pick my granddaughter up from playgroup and getting her into the car seat nearly killed me.

Young families sometimes think that a three door car is safer for their children, but every five door has child locks on the back doors.

If you have young children, getting them into car seats in a three door hatch is a recipe for serious backache at the very least, so get a five door if you can.

The Corsa was powered by Vauxhall's latest 1.0-litre turbo engine and the combination really works.

The little three cylinder unit is available in 90 and 115bhp power outputs and even the 90 I had, although not particularly fast, was great fun to drive.

The engine is smooth and quiet, yet tuneful, very willing and comes with low emissions and excellent economy.

Most of the car makers are now moving towards these small turbocharged engines as it helps reduce their emissions figures without compromising performance.

As I said, the Corsa in this guise is not particularly quick, but the engine's willing nature and great pulling power in the gears means it never seems to be short of puff.

It does have an ‘Eco' button, but this reduces the power so much that it feels nowhere near as willing and economy is only increased a little.

In Design spec, without any kind of sports suspension, it rides brilliantly over all surfaces and I would go as far as to say it's now one of the most comfortable small cars.

Yet the handling is sharp and the road holding marvellous with a great feeling of balance and safety.

There's enough room for four at a pinch, although access into the back seats is never elegant.

But the boot would be hard-pressed to accommodate their luggage unless they all travel pretty light.