Charade a top act.

Byline: By Stewart Smith 

Diesels of all sizes are the in-thing at the moment. Even Jaguar has installed an oil-burner in its X and S-Types.

The latest engine technology has turned the smelly, noisy power plants into smoth-running, economical motors and around 30% of all new cars sold in the UK are now diesel-driven.

But I doubt whether petrol power will be overtaken by oil-burners. Some people still want the lively performance offered by good old gasoline.

This is particularly so in the small car market. Owners who spend most of their time town driving and don't cover many miles prefer to stick to petroleum.

The latest Daihatsu Charade, launched last year, is a prime example. It has a one-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine which is reputed to be the world's most efficient for its size.

Its makers claim the Charade can return almost 60mpg on a combined run and even around town you should get 47mpg.

Now, I'm not a great fan of motors with such tiny engines, but the Charade was an eye-opener when I tested it. It's a little beauty!

Not only will it keep you away from the pumps for a long time, it packs a punch which many bigger cars would be proud of.

Its top speed is claimed at 100mph and from a standing start Daihatsu says the three or five-door city car will take just over 12 seconds to hit 62mph.

It's certainly a lively little thing which, unlike some others in the same size and price sector, has zippy performance. Interior room is a revelation. With the wheels on the extreme front and rear edges, a lot of space has been allotted to front and rear seat occupants.

I'm over 6ft tall and even with the driver's seat left in my usual position I slipped into the seat behind with no problem with plenty of head a leg room. The Charade has angular, boxy lines with a tall body but has very low wind resistance.

The whole package sounds too good to be true, especially at pounds 5,995. Items included are twin airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable seatbelts, power steering, engine immobiliser, central locking, electric windows and mirrors, radio/ CD player, internal fuel flap release, tachometer and anti-lock brakes.

Facts and figures

Make: Daihatsu Make: Charade 1.0 SL 5-dr

Price: pounds 7,295

Mechanical: 58bhp, 989cc, 3 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 99mph

0-62mph: 12.2 secs

Combined mpg: 58.9

Insurance group: 5

CO2 emissions: 114g/km

BiK rating: 15%

Warranty: 3 yrs/ unlimited miles; 3 yrs paint; 6 yrs anti-rust