Most of us hated them as we struggled along with standard grade mathematics. You remember them - those whiz kids that seemed way ahead of their age group when it came to anything academic - not even higher grade maths was enough of a challenge them, hence the introduction of Ad Maths.

I'm not trying to rekindle any classroom memories here, but after spending some time with the four newest B-segment small car arrivals, I can almost imagine some of their older and less refined rivals shooting spit balls onto the ceiling and double clutching a half-melted cheap cigarette in the lavatory.

With cars like the new Clio, Grande Punto, 207 and Yaris around, you no longer need to buy a big luxury car. All of these cars have good road manners, spacious interiors and 5-star EuroNCAP ratings - they're as refined and well engineered as most cars in higher segments, yet they don't cost too much more than traditional small cars.

We intended this test to cover the 1.3- and 1.4-litre petrol versions of these cars, but unfortunately, due to the press fleets of these newly introduced cars being in a somewhat short state of supply, two of the cars arrived with the wrong engines, which ruled out the possibility of obtaining accurate, high-altitude performance figures. Even so, between us, we have driven all engine derivatives available in these cars so the pecking order became obvious when it came time to assess these four.

If this test was based on looks alone, the new Fiat Punto would have creamed this contest and sent the others home as quickly as they arrived. This is a fine example of emotive Italian styling and proof that small cars need not sacrifice form for function any more. The cheeky styling of the Yaris adheres to the same ideals and should please the aesthetic desires of most people. The Clio is a little dull by comparison, but is otherwise the most elegant and mature design here. The Peugeot will most likely challenge your perceptions - it looks great from some angles but is way too fussy and over-designed in other areas.

The big question was: would the tables turn when everyday functionality was assessed?

Performance (15)
Fiat: 7
Peugeot: 9
Renault: 10
Toyota: 10

It's quite clear that the Fiat loses out here. As the only car with a dated SOHC engine layout, it has the least power and torque. We have driven the Punto with this engine on previous occasions and found it a constant battle to keep on the boil, the only upside is how refined it feels when wringing its guts through the rev counter.

Like the rest of the pack, the 1.3-litre Yaris has 16 valves and is the only one here with variable valve timing. It's still the second least powerful, although the car's low overall weight keeps it with the better half of this pack in performance terms. It also feels surprisingly quick off the mark. For such a sophisticated engine, the Yaris seemed disappointingly rough and unrefined through the rev range.

Though better endowed than the Punto in the engine department, the Peugeot also fights a losing battle against its bulk, and while the Renault is also heavy it does have the best power and torque outputs in this batch and should be the strongest performer.

Ride & Handling (15)
Fiat: 8
Peugeot: 9
Renault: 10
Toyota: 9

When it comes to dynamic ability, these four cars have moved the game right ahead. None of these cars fail in any respect here, so what you're about to hear is nothing more than nitpicking. All proved highly stable and responsive through the bends, but steering feel and communication was not a strong point in any.

The Peugeot felt the most artificial, the Renault had the best feel. The Regie also has the best ride quality, with the Peugeot not far behind, the latter's only vice was that it tends to overreact to larger undulations. While the Toyota and Fiat do ride quite well, they can be a bit too harsh and crashy when the going gets tough.

Interior (20)
Fiat: 11
Peugeot: 13
Renault: 13
Toyota: 12

It's here that we find the most evidence of growing up. Interior space is generous in all of these cars, but most surprising was the Yaris. It has easily the most cabin room here despite having the smallest dimensions ? it's also the only car with rear seats that slide forwards and backwards but when configured for more interior room, the car's boot shrinks to miniscule.

The Toyota's facia design, with its centrally-mounted instrument pod, is the most radical but won't suit all tastes. Yaris also has a universe of storage compartments for junk hoarders. Despite having virtually no bolstering, its seats have deep cushioning that make them both comfortable and fairly supportive.

The Fiat's interior looks dull by comparison and though they've tried to spice it up with a massive baby-blue colour explosion on the dashboard and seats (this will change in accordance with the car's exterior colour) it's likely to be more of an eyesore to most. This car has well bolstered seats, although the coarse cloth covering detracts from the comfort factor. The Fiat's cabin does pack decent space and should fit five people with ease, but in the end, the Fiat's beauty is definitely on the outside.

The Peugeot's interior is a huge improvement over the 206 and its design seems inoffensive enough and even functional thanks to the high-mounted trip computer, but some of the switches are a bit far from reach and there are no steering wheel controls to compensate.

The Clio's interior proves that the feudal system still exists in France. The high spec model we drove previously had what is arguably the classiest interior in any small car, yet the base model in this test seemed to have traded every material and surface for something of a cheap and nasty grade and the end result will make you feel like a French peasant carrying a basket of chickens on the front seat. Even the seats feel cheap and under-bolstered and unlike the other three here, they have no height adjustment. While all these cars have height adjustable steering wheels, the Clio is the only one lacking reach adjustment. At least the interior is spacious.

Value (20)
Fiat: 13
Peugeot: 11
Renault: 15
Toyota: 12

If we limit our views to this bunch, the Clio does appear to offer the best package ? it's the cheapest to buy, packs the best performance and has all the necessary luxury features. The Fiat offers even more features for a few grand more, but its lack of power brings it down.

Yaris offers a combination of top-level spec and decent power at an even bigger premium, while the Peugeot is the most expensive but still can't match the Toyota's feature count. Also bear in mind that the Toyota and Fiat have five-year service plans built into their prices, the Frenchies have nothing of the sort.

Safety (10)
Fiat: 10
Peugeot: 10
Renault: 9
Toyota: 10

All four have 5-star EuroNCAP credibility, but the Clio lacks the side-curtain airbags fitted to the crash test car. The Peugeot and Fiat have all six airbags in place and the Toyota has 7 ? there's even one to protect the driver's knees. However, it's worthwhile noting that cheaper versions of the Fiat and Toyota only have dual front airbags.

Emotion (20)
Fiat: 14
Peugeot: 12
Renault: 10
Toyota: 14

While these cars have all grown up, they unfortunately lack the fun factor that some of their predecessors had. This is especially true in the case of the French cars. Surprisingly, it's the Japanese contender that's most fun to live with all 'round, offering the best combination of performance, driving joy and style. Somewhat of an oddball in this test, the Fiat is by no means fun to drive, but many buyers will no doubt find themselves mesmerised by its gorgeous styling.

Verdict (100)
Fiat: 63
Peugeot: 64
Renault: 69
Toyota: 69
It's a tough call to make, but if you're shopping on a budget, the Clio emerges as the best buy in this group. However, if you're looking for a more emotive option and can part with an extra ten or so grand (or opt for a Yaris with fewer airbags), the Toyota is the undisputed champion.

However, throw away the constraints of this test and there are other worthy options should you have up to R140K to spend. Like a 1.6-litre Clio with the high-end interior, or the Fiat Punto mated to the 1.3-litre JTD diesel engine ? it feels far gutsier than the motiveless 1.4 petrol. Similar money could also get you the even more powerful Clio diesel.

Choices, choices... we'll leave that up to you this time.