SAIRA Khan was the runner-up in the first series of the BBC’s Apprentice. Now an ambassador for Ford cars, she reviews their small vehicle range from an eco, family and female perspective. She is currently filming the fourth series of The Martin Lewis Money Show which will air on ITV at 8pm every Friday from next month. For more on Saira visit her website www.sairakhan.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @IamSairaKhan

What was your first car?

My dad bought me a Mini Metro in1989 so that I could get home from university in Brighton to my home town in Long Eaton. I think it cost my dad about £300 second-hand. It was red and I just remember it being very shaky when I went 70mph. I loved it because of the independence it gave me.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed my test at the age of 17 in 1997 and it took me two attempts. I failed the first time because I clipped the edge of the car when I did my reverse parking. But two weeks later I did the test again and passed. My driving instructor was called David Latham, in fact he is still teaching today in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, and I think I was taught in a Fiesta.

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

The Northern Echo:

My ideal fantasy passenger would be Spiderman – I love Spidey, he's just so cool and imagine the stories he would tell me....

What is your dream car?

I think it would have to be the Ford Mustang – it’s just classy, stylish and makes a great visual impact. I can't wait till it gets to the UK with the right-hand drive! I'm going to treat myself to one – it's on bucket list of things to do!

The Northern Echo:

How would you describe your driving style?

I would definitely say I'm a confident, happy driver. Driving is part of my thinking and chilling time and I drive a lot for various reasons. I get into the car five days a week at 6.20am every morning to go the gym, then I take the kids to school, drive to a business meeting and then do the school at 3pm run to pick up my son and daughter. I could not live without my car.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I remember driving with my son from Oxford to Nottingham and I got to Junction 16 on the motorway and realised I had left his sleeping teddy "Harry" at home. He could never sleep without Harry – so I drove all the way back home, picked it up and got back on the road again! The things mums do for their kids eh? To be honest it was more about the fact that once I had the teddy, I knew I'd be able to get a good night’s sleep!

What are you listening to?

The Northern Echo: George Ezra

I listen to Spotify and have created a playlist, so I play that through my SYNC Aux system in my car. I am loving George Ezra, above, and Paloma Faith at the moment.

What do you drive now?

The Northern Echo: Ford B-Max 1.0 Ecoboost 100PS

As a Ford Ambassador for their small cars, I am currently driving a 1.6 diesel engine B-Max in tectonic silver which I love. It is the perfect family car. I love all their features that make my life as a busy mum easy, the sliding doors, rear view children mirror, clever use of space, FORD SYNC, easy phone set up, panoramic sunroof and the luggage compartment organiser in the boot. It is economical for long distance driving as well as short school drop off trips and importantly whilst its spacious, its great a squeezing into small parking spots. My kids love it and I feel very safe and secure driving them around on a daily basis in my B–Max. As an ex Apprentice I think Lord Sugar would be proud of my choice of car, because with the B-Max you get a lot of fantastic features for your buck - it's a great value car.