Up to 349

300 to 349

1) Mini 1.6 Cooper
List price/Monthly lease: 13,715/302
CO2 (g/km)/tax rating: 129/15%
Monthly tax bill (20/40%): 33/67
With its go-kart-like handling and well weighted steering, the Mini is an absolute hoot to drive. The Cooper looks great, too, and the strong resale values help to keep running costs down just as well, given the high list price.

2) Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi VTR+
List price/Monthly lease: 13,345/317
CO2 (g/km)/tax rating: 159/19%
Monthly tax bill (20/40%): 41/83
There aren't many cars as distinctive as the C3 Picasso and there aren't many cars this small that are this practical, either. Yes, it's dearer than a similarly sized supermini, but it's worth the extra it costs.

3) Mazda 3 1.6D TS
List price/Monthly lease: 15,760/319
CO2 (g/km)/tax rating: 119/13%
Monthly tax bill (20/40%): 33/67
Great to drive and sharply styled, the Mazda 3 is an excellent alternative to the more mainstream Golf and Focus. It's comfortable and pretty spacious, too, and the icing on the cake is 62.8mpg average fuel economy.

4) Skoda Octavia 1.4 TSi S Estate
List price/Monthly lease: 13,595/325
CO2 (g/km)/tax rating: 154/18%
Monthly tax bill (20/40%): 40/80
You'll struggle to get much more car for your money than this fine estate, which has plenty of room for passengers and their luggage. The ride and handling are good, too, and the engine belies its size with surprisingly brisk performance.

5) Renault Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Expression
List price/Monthly lease: 19,195/344
CO2 (g/km)/tax rating: 149/20%
Monthly tax bill (20/40%): 63/126
Too many seven-seat MPVs don't really cater for seven, but the Grand Scenic is one that does. There's reasonable room in all three rows of seats, and dynamics that balance decent handling with a generally smooth ride.

Also consider: Ford Focus, Peugeot 207, Renault Scenic, Seat Leon