The list below is intended to cater for all requirements, all conditions and all pockets. That means that some curios such as the Mini, Alfa Mi-To and Daihatsu Sirion make it into the list at the expense of faithful stand-bys such as the 2008 World Car of the Year (oh yes it is) Mazda2, reliable-and-boring Toyota Yaris and lovely Skoda Fabia.1. Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta has always been seen as the class leader in this segment, and the 2009 Fiesta is guaranteed to maintain that record.
It's already won a host of awards, it boasts a maximum five NCAP stars for adult protection and has been hailed as the car that could save Ford. Indeed, the FoMoCo is so sure of the Fiesta's quality it's rolling out the previously Europe-only Fiesta to all corners of the world.
Ultra-smart styling, generous specification, good handling, decent interior space and up to 40 derivatives add up to a great all-round package.
An ECOnetic version caters for those with a green conscience and eye on the wallet, but the pick of the engines is probably the 1.6-litre 90PS TDCi turbodiesel unit.
2. Alfa Romeo MiTo 
Inspired by the £130K 8C Competizione, the Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini success where many manufacturers have previously failed and created a genuine supermini that carries off the marque's style and premium quality.
The MiTo's design pulls of that sporty Italian feel and the engines are all punchy – the 155bhp 1.4-litre is probably the pick. Don't look for a five-door, there won't be one.
There's lots of standard kit and although practicality is somewhat compromised – flat-folding seats are a cost option – looks and desirability will be what sells the MiTo over the likes of the Mini and Fiat 500.
3. Hyundai i20
From the sublime to the, well, practical. The i20 won't have the 'Wow' factor of the MiTo or the all-round quality of the Fiesta, but it will offer a low-cost package that will keep going and going.
European-built to appeal to European motorists, the i20 isn't built to turn heads or race around the countryside but will transport five in relative comfort for relatively little cash.
Its cheap list price, high specification and reliability – backed up by a five-year warranty – make it an obvious for choice for motorists more concerned with getting from A to B than cutting a dash.
4. Renault Clio
In our opinion the Clio is the most fun of any small car in the supermini sector, assuming your bonnet doesn't smash into the windscreen at 70mph on the motorway.
The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine means the Clio feels like it wants to be driven hard, it's composed on the road and feels like it has more than enough grip.
It's also refined and comfortable and will seat five. Prices start fairly low but higher specs get a little pricey. To cap things off the Clio was one for the first superminis to get the coveted five-star NCAP rating for adult protection.
It's fun, it's refreshed this year and it also makes sense. What more do you want?
5. Daihatsu Sirion
Daihatsu's USP is that all its cars are tiny: a tiny SUV, a tiny sports car and a tiny MPV. So it makes sense that Daihatsu's Sirion supermini is one of the best on the block.
The latest Sirion is cheap, versatile, deceptively roomy and the sturdy build and comfortable ride should appeal to those who aren't too fussed about the Sirion's relative lack of driving excitement.
It's not exactly a looker either, but Daihatsu's customers are unlikely to be worried. Daihatsu also offers five-year warranties on the Sirion and there's loads of kit.
In the value-for-money stakes the Sirion is one of the best.
6. Honda Jazz 
It may never been a big seller, but Honda's Jazz has always been near the top of the small-car pile. And for a small car this supermini is big, wider than its predecessor.
The Jazz tends to drive well, but may not offer the most comfortable ride
There's no diesel options as the petrol units available are powerful and frugal, but there will be hybrid units in the future. From late in 2009, the Jazz will be built at Honda's UK Swindon plant.
ES spec offers the best value for money. That means a hefty £11,490 on the road, but the Jazz offers space, economy, quality and, most likely, longevity.
7. Suzuki Swift
The Swift isn't likely to be the best-in-class in many stakes, but it's among the cheapest. Having said that Suzuki's small B-segment model doesn't let the side down in any way.
Handling is solid and reliable, the ride supple, cruising if fairly refined and engines are frugal. The 1.5 petrol is speedy and the 1.3 diesel good for motorway stuff.
At entry-level the Splash is well-equipped and cheap. Worth considering.
8. Mini One
The fun-est of the cars in this list, the Mini is an option only if you're prioritising your car's style and driving dynamics above all else. For the Mini One is pretty expensive, pretty cramped unless you're in the front and pretty mean on the standard kit front.
Still, that's not why you'd be in the market for a Mini. While the BMW is twice the size of the original it's still one of the most enjoyable cars to drive on the road. All engines are punchy and will be sufficiently powerful for most drivers - consider the Cooper or Cooper S if you want more - while returning superb fuel economy, courtesy of BMW's EfficientDynamics.
Residuals will blow other superminis out of the water as the Mini is highly desirable, and running costs should be low. As long as you can afford the price, and space, premium, the Mini's probably the best you can get.
9. Peugeot 207
Three-years old now, so will lose out to the newer small cars on the block such as the Fiesta, but the 207 is still one of the best, despite the advancing years.
Famed for their handling and ride, Peugeot models through the years have set the standard, and the newest 207 is no different. Size in the back and the boot are par for the course, but the interior quality is second-t-none.
The 207 is rather on the pricey side, especially when the mean standard kit levels and average residual values are taken into account.
But it is safe and good to drive. Plus running costs will be good with the 1.6 diesel unit.
10. Vauxhall Corsa
Where Ford goes, Vauxhall is rarely far behind in the UK, or vice-versa if you prefer. For every Mondeo there's an Insignia; every Focus and Astra; every Fiesta a Corsa. There's little to choose between the two manufacturers on this side of the water and the two superminis trade punches for plaudits and sales. Most people consider the Fiesta or Corsa to be the best supermini.
Here's why. The Corsa is spacious, drives well, is well-priced and feels like a quality proposition. The five-door is especially sizeable and the Corsa is equally suited to motorway and city driving.
Before the latest Fiesta came along the Corsa was the best supermini on the market. When the next Corsa comes along it will be the best supermini on the market. And so on.
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