Now before we start, let’s get a disclaimer in. These little belters are surprisingly frugal on the ol’ insurance premium front, but if you’ve managed to reverse into several walls or had some joker run into the back of you in the last few years, then there’s really only so low your insurance can go.

Sorry, we do our best, but we understand that those who’ve had the audacity to rack up claims (even if it wasn’t your fault) will be royally screwed – even on a Peugeot 106.

Still there’s light at the end of the tunnel and you don’t have to resign yourself to an impractically small, low-power city car just to keep your insurance halfway affordable.

So enjoy and be amazed, maybe you could buy a set of our show plates, or better yet, a pint, with your savings…?

Audi A1 Sport 1.2 Litre

Audi A1 1.2 TFSI Sport 3d – insurance group 9

Some have criticised Audi’s ‘Russian-doll’ approach to their cars, but given the popularity of the A1 and A3, they’re clearly onto a winner. Looking for something smaller, cheaper and in a lower insurance group? There’s an Audi for that.

While insurance group 9 is simply a guide for the insurance overlords, keep in mind that a 2012 BMW 3 series 320d M Sport 4 door is in group 32, making the A1 a surprising triumph in the cheap insurance stakes.

This isn’t just good news for spoilt 18 year olds, but makes the beautifully finished little A1 a great value, premium range car. Starting at £14,115, Audi lovers with sensible budgets can rejoice.

Golf V11 S 1.6 (2013)

Golf V11 1.6 TDI 90 3/5 door – insurance group 11

While the TSI 85 with its 1.2 litre engine squeezes into group 7, for a good dose of extra power the TDI 90 1.6 still comes in at an impressive group 11.

With a vastly impressive selection of used Golfs available, be aware that insurance groups fluctuate depending on the mark and spec, but as long as you’re over 25 you’ll generally be sitting pretty with Golf insurance – just watch out for some of the more powerful engines…

Vauxhall Adam 1.2i

Vauxhall Adam 1.2i Glam 3dr – insurance group 3

Although the Adam has been criticised for its handling and refinement, the emphasis is very much on style with a wide choice of personalisation options.

With a price range between £11,255 – £15,290, the Adam certainly isn’t the cheapest small car on the market, but for a hot-hatch with personality, the insurance grouping is certainly appealing to younger drivers, especially considering how high-quality the finish is.

Seat Ibiza 1.4 Estate

Seat Ibiza ST SE 1.4 – insurance group 9

Get hold of the Seat Ibiza in hot-hatch red and you certainly won’t look like you’re driving around in a motor that’s especially cheap to insure, plus the whole family (including the dog) can pile in the back.

It’s fair to say that with a 0-62 acceleration time of 12.4 seconds, the Ibiza estate isn’t particularly speedy, but with 5 seats we’re guessing the target market is more concerned about practicality. This family-friendly style combined with its good looks makes this one of the most affordable stylish family cars around. Plus we just can’t get over that insurance group 9. Excellent.