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Superminis

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

The Best

OUR PICK

Toyota Yaris
The all-new Yaris doesn’t redefine the modern supermini like the first Yaris did six years ago, but it is better in every aspect and that’s good enough to make it our supermini choice for 2006.

The new model is even cuter than the old one, with more space, a nicer interior and better specification, too.

Even the entry-level Yaris has electric windows and mirrors, remote locking and 15-inch steel wheels now, while undercutting rivals at €14,995. Astonishing!

Base engine is a hard working, 69 bhp, 1.0-litre unit that returns 5.4 l/100 km, making it an ideal engine for young buyers.

A zippier 87 bhp 1.3-litre is combined with Strata trim level (including alloy wheels) so costs €1,395 more.

Peugeot 207
The long awaited replacement for the best-selling 206 is finally here with crisp styling and much bigger overall shape.

It’s 20cm longer than the old 206 with an 8cm longer wheelbase.

The adoption of a 75 bhp, 1.4-litre as the entry-level engine might stall Irish sales somewhat, though there are new PSA/BMW engines in the works.

The 70 bhp 1.4 litre HDi engine returns 4.5 litre/100 km but will likely be prohibitively expensive.

All 207s will come with electric front windows, redundant radio controls under the steering wheel and six airbags.

We’re expecting class-leading ride and handling, great value pricing and a superb overall package.

Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is back on our top five thanks to its recent revisions.

Better looking than before, the Fiesta is still the driver’s choice in this class but now it’s better equipped and a better package overall.

The entry-level 75 bhp, 6.0l/100km, 1.25-litre engine is a superb powerplant that suits the Fiesta much better than ancient 1.3-litre lump.

Base LX model has power windows, mirrors and locks for €15,320.

Excellent Steel model is just €350 more but includes 16-inch alloy wheels and a ritzier interior.

Fine 1.4 diesel is pricey while only the €17,935 Ghia has air conditioning.

Range-topping ST is great fun but a little underpowered and steep at €27,000.

Renault Clio III
All-new Clio brings a dash of chic to the supermini class, with a sporty 3-door and well-proportioned 5-door model.

Five-Star NCAP safety would be reason enough to buy the Clio, but it also offers better build quality, high specification, plenty of space and more involving handling.

The entry-level 1.2 Authentique boasts electric windows, audio controls on the steering, remote locking, a trip computer and a perky 75 bhp, 5.9 l/100 km, 1.2-litre engine for €15,850.

Dynamic and sport models don’t add anything significant aside from alloys and bits of trim.

Air conditioning is an expensive €1000 option and there’s no diesel or RenaultSport version yet.

Mitsubishi Colt
Cute, unpretentious, well made and amusing to steer, the Colt is Mitsubishi’s best car in years.

Highly recommended to Irish buyers on account of zingy (but insurable) 1.1-litre three-cylinder engine that’s a hoot to thrash but as reliable as they come.

It’s nippy too, with 75 bhp and 0-60 time of 13.3 seconds, while also proving economical at 5.5l/100 km.

Five-door is spacious and understated while the three-door adds a splash of funk for younger buyers.

Equipment levels are high considering low €14,995 entry-level price but model designations unfathomable.

The Colt doesn’t rewrite the rulebook on small cars, but it does offer a superb all-round supermini package.

The Rest

Skoda Fabia: Bumped off our top five simply because the competition is moving so fast. Huge range, great price, fine quality means it’s still a fine buy.

VW Polo: Facelift wipes away gormless expression and equipment is better, but high price, snooty dealers and more appealing Fabia make it hard to recommend.

Honda Jazz: Handsome, excellently engineered and innovative but it’s getting on a bit now and the range is too limited.

Kia Rio: Quite a decent car, the all-new Rio, but it has the legacy of the awful old model, an undesirable badge and a one-engine range to overcome.

Mercedes A-Class: Considerably better than the mess it replaces but it’s just too expensive to make sense for bread-and-butter supermini buyers.

Fiat Grande Punto: Bigger and better in every way, we worry about the Grande Punto’s long-term quality and sales incentives down the line cutting used values.

Nissan Micra: Once the most eye-catching supermini around, newer competition shows the Micra how to make small pretty, too. Fun and well made, though.

Citroen C3: Loaded with equipment and cheap as mud it might be, but the C3 is still a pretty dreary drive. Cheap Interior plastics and coarse engines don’t help.

MINI: Getting on a bit now. Looks are starting to date and cramped interior isn’t cute anymore. Range is limited also though it’s still a barking drive.

Seat Ibiza: Almost as strong a package as its Fabia sibling, but awkward looks and unappealing interior keep it out of the Top 5.

Avoid

Peugeot 206: 207 is almost here now so don’t touch a 206, even if they’re practically giving it away. It’s too old and too creaky now.

Hyundai Getz: Does nothing wrong but does nothing spectacular either. It’s cute with a reasonably nice interior, but dull to drive and joyless to own.

Opel Corsa: Vile handling, dull looking and nasty inside, there was nothing to recommend the Corsa when it was new. Needs to be put out of its misery soon.

Chevrolet Kalos: It wasn’t very appealing as a Daewoo and new badge doesn’t change raucous engines and sloppy handling.

Smart ForFour: Essentially a Mitsubishi Colt in drag, the ForFour’s fake funk is an embarrassment to be seen in.

Mazda2: Basically a Fiesta with a better warranty and far nicer interior, the 2 is marred by an inexplicably higher price and ambiguous market identity.

Suzuki Ignis: Suzuki’s mini-crossover is cute and spacious, but so-so to steer. Zero image murders resale, which is a shame.

Seat Cordoba: The Ibiza is no oil painting but the Cordoba manages to be even uglier. Pointless rear appendage boosts luggage space by a few inches. Why?

Daihatsu Sirion: Actually not a bad little box, but sloppy steering, badge and looks means you'll never fall in love.

MG ZR/Rover 25/Rover Streetwise: Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.