As an example of how performance and specification demanding we have now become, we compare three of today's smaller hatchbacks.

These three columns on the Renault Clio 2L, the Mini Cooper S and the Vauxhall Corsa VXR.

It would appear from initial investigation that the new Vauxhall has design features and an overall impression that is way and above earlier models.

For a small car it develops a massive 189bhp from a 1.6 L turbocharged diesel engine and would genuinely appear to have the getup and go to match the good looks.

It is a sign of the times and an indication of how important the market is that he competition however is quite serious.

The Clio develops 194bhp from a 2 L engine that takes a little to get it going but once you do, boy does it fly.

As opposed to the other two the Mini Cooper S. produces 173bhp from a 1.6 L turbocharged engine that is more than enough to get this machine moving.

All three cars have a great number of positive things about them with the power and handling of the Vauxhall comparing very favourably with the lightning reactions and good performance of the Mini. In turn comparing more than adequately with the overall power of the Renault once you've got it up and running.

The compromised visibility was the only downside of the great interior design of the Vauxhall. The good quality of the interior of the Renault was marred by the fact that it was difficult to get comfortable and it was a shame but the layout of the brilliant driving position of the Mini was marred by the poor quality of the plastic facing.

One of the definitive issues that we needed to take a look at what's how much value for money was there actually in any of these cars. With a very small depreciation and a strong second hand price the Mini was a definite attraction as far as second-hand owners were concerned. The Vauxhall would have performed better being the cheapest car to purchase and potentially being better equipped but this was marred by sharply increased quite steep running costs

All of the three cars represent quite good value for money when looked at objectively but it would appear that the Mini Cooper S. appears to edge it over the others. If you can live with the cheap tacky interior, tiny rear seats and amazingly small boot the overall handling speed and performance of the mini makes it the best.

Set against the mini you look at the Vauxhall and think that this is a good all rounder of a car. The performance is excellent and the handling superb has an excellent interior. The downside is the fact that the visibility is compromised another negative factor is that it does not appear to have as many safety features as the other two.

Lastly the Renault comes in third which is a shame as the handling of the grip of the co-op is amazing, the engine performance and power of the car is quite outstanding once it's going. It is solidly built but you really have to work the car and engine hard to get the best out of it.