Mazda 2 Problems

You could look at all small models from the mainstream carmakers, like Mazda, and you won’t go wrong. The Mazda2 is a good choice, but you could also look at the Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio.

The Polo is the best car on your list — and until the end of the year it is selling for $15,990 driveaway — but you should include the Honda Jazz, which is even better value for money.

Most modern cars would be perfectly fine for your country commuting, that's not really an issue like it was in the past where it was felt you needed a six-cylinder car at least to handle the long distance, higher-speed cruising. Smaller cars like the Yaris or Mazda2 are perfect for city use; they're small, manoeuvrable, easy to park, safe and cheap to run. A larger car, like the Mazda3 would be a little more comfortable for a longer journey. It would also have better performance, but being larger is a little more difficult to park, and would cost more to run. For your money you could get a 2008/2009 Mazda3, which would also be a good buy. For mine, I would go for the smaller car, the Yaris or the Mazda2.

The two new arrivals this year, the Mazda2 and Jazz, both get The Tick from me. The Jazz is better value in the basic car and the Mazda rival has a more substantial feel. Go for the Honda.

All three get The Tick, which is unusual for me. The Polo is slightly better as a car but the Mazda2 beats it on value thanks to reliability and dealer back-up. The Jazz, in third, isn't disgraced.

Use Mazda ATF, which should be available at your local Mazda dealership.

None of the above. It's the Volkswagen Polo, which recently had a significant price cut, that gets The Tick from me.

I'm doing the same thing with my mother-in-law. A new car will be best with great value and excellent warranties. The three cars she needs to drive are the Honda Jazz, Mazda2 and Volkswagen Polo. All three get The Tick so go for her personal favourite. I'd go for the Jazz.

The Mazda2 gets The Tick and is best on your list, but don't ignore the Honda Jazz which had a higher score in Car of the Year judging.