Dacia Sandero (2012) priced from £5995

Buying advice doesn't come more pragmatic than this: if you want a brand new car for the least possible amount of money, then this is your next drive. It's the new Dacia Sandero, which has been officially priced at £5995.

That's £2000 less than the cheapest Citroen C1, and £3800 less than a similarly-sized Ford Fiesta. 

The £5995 base model comes in 'Access' trim, complete with a 1.2-litre 74bhp four-pot petrol engine, capable of a claimed 47.9mpg and 137g/km of CO2. You don't get alloy wheels, but you do get daytime running lights and pre-wiring for a dealer-fit radio option. It's back to basics motoring, at last!

On the engine front, the most exciting option is that of the 0.9-litre 89bhp three-cylinder effort, good for a claimed 54.3mpg and 120g/km of CO2. It's the same unit that'll see duty in the new Renault Clio, and should provide the best balance of economy and thrummy three-pot fun in the Sandero. You can also have a 74.3mpg diesel engine, for the princely sum of £8395, though that comes as standard with CD/radio, USB connectivity, Bluetooth and electric front windows.

Yes, though you'll still struggle to spec a fully-loaded Dacia Sandero into five-figure territory. Optional goodies include a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment interface (only for top-spec Laureate models) at £250, plus leather seats (£600) and alloy wheels for £425.

You can also extend the standard three-year warranty to five years, and choose practical add-ons like a protection and or touring pack, comprising extras like an alarm and rear parking sensors, and a luggage net and roof bars.

By Ollie Kew