THE spotlight seems to be falling consistently on cars that are at the top of the tree.
High-tech powerhouses are the buzz in the marketplace, being ever more complicated and better equipped as the years pass. But they are also more unattainable as prices often soar with technology.
So it is wise to pause a while and look at some of the developments at the more affordable end of the market.
One of the most practical cars of the past 12 months comes from Kia. It is the Cerato 1.5 CRDi LX Hatchback, bringing diesel power to the Cerato range and providing a sound and attractive family workhorse for £10,995.
After some time at the wheel of this car I've come to realise that its spread of attributes is wide. It does not excel in one area but proves to be a very capable all rounder - a fact just recgnised by the Caravan Club which has named it its Tow Car of the Year in the class for cars costing less than £13,500.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine has excellent cruising capability with good acceleration. But the big news about this family holdall is that its fuel consumption averages 57.6mpg.
The Cerato, although Korean by birth, displays many European influences. Its exterior styling looks as good as some more expensive competitors. The interior is spacious with plenty of leg and headroom for five people
Kia has done a good job on suppression of noise and vibration, because this car displays anything but bargain basement qualities in this respect. I drove one from London to Cheshire and left the car feeling refreshed and without stress.
Standard equipment on this model is impressive. It includes air conditioning, remote central locking, a radio/CD/MP3 player plus split and folding rear seats that increase an already generous luggage capacity. The LX trim includes alloy wheels.
Kia hopes that the Cerato range will attract more than 30,000 European customers annually within two years of launch.
FAST FACTS
Kia Cerato 1.5 CRDi LX 5dr
Price: £10,995
Mechanical: 100bhp, 1,493cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 107mph
0-62mph: 12.5 secs
Combined mpg: 57.6
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 129g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust