THESE TWO COMPACT saloons are still spacious enough to carry five adults and come with a very generous list of safety features and driver’s aids for the price.

First up, this 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer (€16,995)

Source: Westbrook Motors

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a sporty-looking saloon that, although compact, can still comfortably fit five adults. Though the exterior styling is a little dated looking it is cleanly styled and still looks confident and sturdy on the road.

It is finished in ‘Sporty Blue’ metallic paint and has 16-inch light alloy wheels, front foglights, electric heated folding door mirrors, chrome surround on the front radiator grille and chrome beltline moulding. It also has LED daytime running lights and front fog lights.

Source: Westbrook Motors

The cabin features dark cloth trim upholstery and has a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob with boot ring, chrome door handles, chrome on the air outlet panels and front and rear centre armrests (front with integrated storage). The boot can hold 400 litres.

For your convenience, there is automatic air-con and a Bluetooth hands-free system with voice control and steering wheel controls.

Source: Westbrook Motors

Safety features include Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, multiple airbags, two ISOFIX child seat anchors and rear door child locks.

Source: Westbrook Motors

It is powered by a 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine with a five-speed automatic transmission driving power to the front wheels. It produces 117hp and goes from 0 to 100km/h in 10.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 191km/h. The official combined fuel economy figure is 5.7 litres/100km.

It falls into tax band B2, which means it is €280 a year to tax. The car has 15,000km on the clock and a price tag of €16,995.

Next, this 2016 Renault Fluence (€16,995)

The Renault Fluence is a smart looking compact saloon and takes styling cues from the Clio, which is no bad thing. It is a comfortable car with plenty of leg and head room both up front and in the rear.

Source: Dennehy Motors

This particular four-door saloon is finished in a red metallic paint and comes with 16-inch Kaleido alloy wheels. It has body-coloured bumpers and side protection, chrome detailing and a sunroof.

Inside, there is a front central armrest with storage, leather steering wheel and the seats are finished in dark cloth upholstery. The boot can hold a generous 530 litres.

Source: Dennehy Motors

For your convenience the car comes with electric windows, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone air-con, an onboard computer and a radio CD with MP3, USB and Bluetooth.

Safety features include cruise control with speed limiter, Electronic Stability Control (ESP) with ASR, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist, rear parking sensors as well as multiple airbags, ISOFIX points and hands-free Renault key card entry.

Source: Dennehy Motors

It is powered by a 1.5-litre DCI diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission driving power to the front wheels. It produces 95hp and goes from 0 to 100km/h in 13.0 seconds and onto a top speed of 185km/h. The official combined fuel economy figure is 4.0 litres/100km.

It falls into tax band A3, which means it is €190 a year to tax. The car has 15,459km on the clock and a price tag of €16,995.