ACTIVE

If you live, work or play in the city, small can be beautiful. But small doesn't have to put a squeeze on your motoring life - which is why the Agila is about to become hot in the city.

Set for a Spring 2008 launch, Vauxhall's new baby is small enough for tight spaces - with the flexibility of five doors and five seats as standard. With loads of storage space, a tall roofline, an airy feel and high driving position, it makes getting in and out easy- and easier to see out of, even in urban traffic. And for really serious carrying, the rear seats fold, creating a maximum luggage volume of over 1100 litres.

With three new engines and an automatic option for the first time, the Agila performs. There's a 1.0-litre three-cylinder 65PS, or 1.2-litre four-cylinder 86PS petrol engine - the latter with auto option. There's also a fuel-sipping 1.3-litre CDTi diesel alternative.

And the new Agila is naturally big on safety, including four airbags and optional EPS (Electronic Stability Programmes). Catch it at the Frankfurt Show in September and in the UK early next year.