If you're happy with modest, but still perfectly exploitable, levels of zip (ie, 0-62mph in around 11 seconds) we recommend the Skoda Kamiq's 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol (badged 1.0 TSI 95). You'll find the same engine in the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross, and it's just the ticket for most journeys.

The Kamiq is one of the best-riding cars in its class. When you compare small SUVs on their standard suspension set-ups, only the compliant Volkswagen T-Roc is anywhere near as good at smothering potholes and ridges around town or displaying soothing motorway manners.

Although you don't sit particularly high up in the Kamiq, you still get a better view out in all directions than you would in many of its rivals, including the Puma and the Kia Stonic.

The quality of the Kamiq's interior relative to the wider small SUV class is impressive. Its VW Group cousins – the Seat Arona, Volkswagen T-Cross and Volkswagen T-Roc – have hard plastic in places you touch regularly, including the dashboard and doors, and the Kia Stonic is no better.

While the Kamiq uses the same underpinnings as the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross, they've been stretched so the front and rear wheels are further apart, giving you more space inside, especially in the back. That means there's loads of rear leg room – noticeably more than the Ford Puma, Arona and T-Cross, and slightly more than in the Volkswagen T-Roc.

Storage is a strong area for the Kamiq. We managed to fit seven carry-on cases in the boot, matching the T-Roc, and beating the Nissan Juke (six) and T-Cross (five).

Given so many of the Kamiq’s rivals prioritise looks over usefulness, cars like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Stonic, Vauxhall Crossland and Renault Captur offer nowhere near this much room. Even VW’s larger T-Roc won’t be noticeably more spacious.