What we're driving: BMW 118d When my mum had one of these three years ago, I hated being a passenger in it. The cabin felt claustrophobic, the ride unbelievably hard, the dashboard plastic cheap and easily scratched. But now, inexplicably, I've fallen for this baby Beemer. Maybe it's being in the driver's seat that does it. The cabin doesn't seem as small, which can't all be down to the extra 83mm in length and 14mm width. BMWs have always rewarded the driver more than the passengers, letting one person in on all the car's little dynamic secrets. The beautifully thin steering wheel is knowingly resistant, letting you push it only as far as is required. The engine overruns powerfully when the clutch is depressed, which gives a fluidity to the drive and stops you cocking up your gear changes by mismatching engine speed and gear. The manual change is a thing of delight - short shifts, and a gearknob that nestles smoothly in the palm of your hand. The suspension is supple rather than rock-hard and the brakes don't snatch. It's a flattering, rewarding experience. As is the fuel consumption. I achieved 52mpg without trying, on a mixture of motorways and urban journeys, mainly due to BMW's EfficientDynamics programme, which regenerates the power lost in deceleration and tweaks the engine system in other economical ways, and also includes a stop/start function. But the remarkable frugality is also thanks to the 118d engine, which develops 141bhp and 236lb ft of torque, and does 0-62mph in 8.9sec. In return, it emits 118g/km of CO2. It's a fantastic progression of BMW's legendary diesel technology. This little beauty would get five stars but one star is docked for the violent shudder through the gearstick when the auto stop/start fires up the engine at junctions and lights. Harsh, but true. Price: £29,215 (from £22,030)