Datsun built itself a fearsome reputation for ultra-reliable highly appointed vehicles  quickly in the UK. The 1978 Sunny proved no exception to the rule - and although it was no great shakes on the road, it offered bags of equipment and a hassle-free driving experience for those not looking for the last word in dynamics. Smooth engine and gearbox made it a learner's favourite, though.

Fiat's Mirafiori replaced the popular 124, but never really entered into the hearts and minds of enthusiasts in the same way. 1.4- and 1.6-litre models were acceptable to drive, but the twincam Supermirafiori and Sport models were a hoot. Very few remain on the roads today - especially the twincams. Blame a combination of rust, disinterest and acquisitive Morris Minor owners for that.

Firmly esconced as the UK's best selling car throughout the Seventies and into the Eighties, the Cortina Mk IV offered all things to all men. Nicknamed the 'Big C' by rival manufacturers, the Cortina was simple to fix and good to drive on the motorway in larger engined forms. Although considered primitive in the chassis department, it still outhandled and out-rode the Ital by quite a margin.

Traditionally considered a producer of wildly interesting and challenging designs, the 18 represented the beginning of a new chapter of blandness for Renault when it was launched. Offered in a wide range of engines and trims, it was certainly a credible alternative for the establishment - and front wheel drive meant more stability on the motorway. Turbo model was fast and flighty.

The Chrysler/Talbot Alpine never really took off in the way its makers expected, with poor build quality and resistance to rust being cited as handicaps. For ultra-conservative fleet managers, the hatchback layout didn't impress either. The answer to that was the plush and rather handsome three-box Solara version. However, the new rear end failed to fix the other shortcomings...

Along with the Ford Cortina, the Cavalier was considered the establishment when the Ital was launched in 1980. Neat and predictable on-road dynamics and a wide range of engines made it a perfectly acceptable alternative to its Ford rival. Unlike previous generations of Vauxhalls, the Cavalier wasn't too bad in the rust stakes either, and went a long way to turning the company's fortunes around.

When the front wheel drive Cavalier Mk 2 was launched, it moved the game forward by a significant amount. Revvy ohc engines and keen handling soon made the crisp and handsome Mk 2 the repmobile of choice in the early Eighties - and leagues ahead of the Ital. There were no real weak points with the Cavalier, and it easily saw off the Cortina - then the Sierra - in the sales chart.

Three-box conversions of family hatchbacks were never a huge sales draw, and the Jetta proved no exception to the rule. It may have lived in the shadow of the more interesting Golf, but it did have plenty going for it - not least the absolutely huge boot. Like all Volkswagens of the period, it was superbly engineered and reliable. High list prices and servicing costs always held it back in the UK fleet market.