Available to order from early next year, the compact but flexible newcomer benefits from tax-busting CO₂ figures of just 120g/km on both the entry-level petrol and diesel engines, meaning it will fall into VED Band B – the cost of a tax disc being just £35 a year!

Adding to its affordability, Agila will cost from only £7,595 when it arrives. Three trim levels will be on offer, all with impressive levels of standard equipment, plus the added advantage of the car’s incredibly versatile interior layout.

Small enough to be manoeuvrable into tight parking spaces, but with five doors and five full-size seats with three-point belts as standard, Agila benefits from enough luggage space to rival cars in the class above, providing plenty of room for the busiest of lifestyles.

The clever design allows for plenty of storage space inside and the tall roofline provides an airy, spacious feel. It also allows a high seating position, making it easy to get in and out of the Agila and ensure good visibility even in heavy urban traffic.

For those occasions when owners need to carry furniture rather than friends, the rear Seat backs can be folded down to create a completely flat load floor on all but the entry-level model. In total the new Agila has a luggage capacity of 1050 litres – among the best in this sector.

To complement the dynamic looks and all-new chassis, the Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox will be available for the first time. Petrol units include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit developing 65PS and an 85PS 1.2, the latter of which will be available with optional automatic transmission. Vauxhall’s award-winning 1.3CDTi diesel will also be on offer, delivering excellent performance from its 75PS while sipping fuel.