ALWAYS get a five door car if you have kids, because getting little ones in and out of a child seat in the back of a three door is a guarantee of back trouble.
One of the few city cars with five doors is the Chevrolet Matiz and it makes a very good small family holdall.
Some cars in the class are so small you couldn't even shoehorn kids into the back but the Matiz manages enough rear legroom even for two adults to ride in comfort.
It's also good value for money, with high specification compared to some other city cars and very reasonable second hand prices.
Engines are either three cylinder 800cc or four cylinder 1.0-litre and performance is decent in either.
There's a slick changing five-speed gearbox and the clutch is as light as a feather.
Handling is safe and sure, tending to understeer in the wet like most other front wheel drive cars and the level of equipment makes some competitors look very spartan.
Interior
All have twin airbags, 60/40 split fold rear seat, RDS radio cassette or CD and power steering.
SE+ trim adds better audio, alloy wheels, electric windows and central locking.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Matiz
Price: Pay about £3,200 for an '05 SE, £3,900 for an '06 SX and £4,500 for a '57 SE+
Mechanical: 65bhp, 995cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving the front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 97mph
0-62mph: 13.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 50
Insurance group: 2
CO2 emissions: 137g/km
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: Peugeot 107