Car Choice: Leadersof the hatch batch

If you're on a budget and a non-GB licence, you'll need to aim for a low insurance group. Well, now... over to James Ruppert

Dr Narcis Ursache, 29, is working to a tight budget 2,500 to 3,000. He's not going to be doing a very high mileage and reckons a petrol engine would be fine. He's thinking of a small family car such as a Renault Mgane or Vauxhall Astra. Narcis has a European driving licence, but is willing to get a UK one if that lowers the insurance. All he wants is a reliable, basic car that will be cheap to run. What could be easier?

As Narcis's driving licence was issued in a European Community country, he does not immediately need to change to a British one. Provided this licence remains valid, it can be used for driving in the UK for three years after becoming resident, or until he reaches the age of 70, whichever is sooner. But he can apply for a British one at any time.

If Narcis doesn't become resident, he can still drive in the UK on his licence for up to 12 months. All licence-holders in the EC and European Economic Area plus Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Cyprus, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are entitled to drive for that period, provided the full licence remains valid.

If Narcis wants to continue driving in the UK after those 12 months are up, he must apply to exchange his licence for a GB one within the 12-month period. To exchange his licence for a full GB one, he will have to complete application form D1 and return it to DVLA, Swansea with his licence and the fee of 38. So the British licence isn't an issue, but insurance will be, as Narcis will need to build up a no-claims bonus.

A car for the head

On the assumption that Narcis will need to build up his no-claims bonus, he needs to get himself a no-nonsense vehicle in a low insurance group that will be cheap to run. It's hard to go wrong with a small car like a Vauxhall Corsa or Ford Fiesta, although I note that Narcis is thinking the next size up when he mentions the Astra and even a Renault Mgane.

I'll stick with him on this one, and I agree that an Astra would make a lot of sense. The previous-generation model looked very dull, but it was very practical.

There is plenty of room inside the Astra. When launched, it had the most interior space in its class, albeit clothed in some very drab colours.

This model was longer in the middle, so providing front and rear passengers with more than enough head and legroom. Bigger doors make for easy access, and the boot is usefully large. The seats are comfortable, too.

The equipment levels are pretty comprehensive; all Astras come with a driver airbag and a third three-point rear seat-belt. The 1.4-litre model is group 4 for insurance, and a 2002 Envoy model with air conditioning will easily be within Narcis's budget.

A car for the heart

I realise Narcis doesn't care much about cars, but I think he might discover a soft spot for the Ford Focus. This is still a very stylish-looking hatchback, it's cheap to run, and the 1.4-litre model is also group 4 for insurance, although it may have to be a three-door.

On the practical side, it has a spacious and well-designed cabin, which is a comfortable place to be. The interior is well laid out, with plenty of useful storage spaces. The seats are comfortable, and there's enough legroom. A family of five fit in easily, with room for luggage as well. The driving position is superb, the steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, and the controls are perfectly laid out.

Keen drivers will also enjoy living with a Focus because of its agile, responsive handling. It's safe but fun, the perfect combination. Steering is light and precise, so the Focus is both great on the open road and around town. The smooth suspension provides a very refined environment.

I found several 1.4-litre five-doors in excellent condition. Just over 3,000 for a 2001 1.4CL with 54,000 miles seems good value.

Car Choice

Please write to Car Choice, Features, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or email James Ruppert at carchoice@independent.co.uk, giving your age, address and phone number, details of the type of vehicle you're interested in, and your budget.