Small family cars make up some 30 per cent of the new car market, so are big business and the choice and variety is enormous. Paddy Comynguides you through the big-sellers and some of the ones you should look at next year.
FORD FOCUS
Price:€19,565-€36,095
NCAP Crash Test:* * * * *
Seats:5
Doors:3/4/5
Engines:1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 1.6D, 1.8D, 2.0D
Trim Levels:Freedom, Style, Zetec, Zetec Style, Ghia, Style, Titanium, ST
CO2:124g/km - 224g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:* * *
Judging by the ten thousand or so happy Focus customers per year, the Focus seems to be made of strong stuff. Customer satisfaction levels are high. The car feels well bolted together and the fit and finish overall is very good. The engines are well proven at this stage.
PERFORMANCE:* * * *
Most buyers choose the 1.4-litre 80bhp unit and performance from this is fine. 0-100km/h takes 14.1 seconds which is quite long but fuel economy is good at 6.6 l/100km. The 1.6-litre 115bhp petrol and 1.6-litre 90bhp diesels are better buys, as is the 1.8-litre Flexifuel version, which runs on E85 bioethanol. The 2.5-litre ST is the best hot hatch you can buy.
AT THE WHEEL:* * * *
This is an area where the Focus has won generations of fans. To drive, there is still not a better small family car on the market. It is comfortable, yet very agile and the steering is communicative and accurate. It is easy to get a comfortable driving position thanks to steering that adjusts for height and reach and a seat that moves up and down. The controls are simple and well laid out.
SPACE AND COMFORT:* * * *
There is plenty of room for front and rear passengers in the Focus and with a 364-litre luggage capacity, your shopping will have plenty of space too. The ride is good on all models, but sports suspension on higher spec models can be a little on the harsh side, but even the ST is a comfortable car.
SAFETY:* * * *
Scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and even basic models get driver, passenger and front side airbags. ESP is a €500 option on the Focus but will be standard when the new model comes in February 2008. Higher spec models gain two more airbags.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION:* * * *
While this is a high-selling model and there are plenty of used examples about, this does not mean that the car doesn't hold its value - it sure does and that will keep the cost of ownership down. The fuel consumption from the 1.4-litre petrol and the 1.6-litre diesel engines are great too - the latter returning 4.7 l/100km.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Still the best in the class to drive. Feels a quality product.
AGAINST:Well you won't exactly be showing your individuality.
THE IRISH TIMES VERDICT:Great to drive and really well made. Deservedly on the top of the charts.
BEST BUY:1.8 FFV Style
***************
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Price:€20,535 - €49,350
NCAP Crash Test:* * * * *
Seats:5
Doors:3/5
Engines:1.4, 1.6, 2.0, 3.2, 1.9D, 2.0D
Trim Levels:Base, Comfortline, Sport, GT, GTi, R32
CO2:132g/km - 255g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:* * *
Whether or not it was always true, there was and remains a perception that with the Golf you are getting the "quality" car within the class. Certainly it can be said now, but previous generations were not always up to scratch. The new car feels solid and well put-together and comes with some very well proven engines. The plastics inside the car are not the best out there though.
PERFORMANCE:* * *
The 1.4-litre engine, which so many buyers are forced into because of VRT is pretty tame, putting out a meagre 80bhp and this is simply not enough for a car this size. Better are the new engines, which include a 1.4-litre TSI engine that puts out 140bhp or 170bhp depending on the model you choose. Sadly this engine is costly and adds €4,000 to the price of a standard 1.4-litre Comfortline car. The diesel engines are well proven and the 2.0-litre one, with 140bhp is a cracker.
AT THE WHEEL:* * *
The Golf had some catching up to do on the Ford Focus in this area and while it is still not as involving to drive as the Ford, it is an immensely comfortable car and suits Irish roads perfectly. The cabin is still a little on the spartan side unless you spend more money. The basic car feels very "basic", for example. Our favourite is the GT model as it is a small engine, is powerful and can be chosen with the excellent DSG transmission.
SPACE AND COMFORT:* * *
The current Golf is a sizeable car and few will grumble about space. The 350-litre boot is above average in the class and even the three-door model has easy access to the rear seats. The smaller 1.4-litre engine and the 1.9-litre diesels are not the quietest.
SAFETY:* * *
The Golf gets driver and passenger airbags, side airbags at the front and head curtain airbags front and rear. You also get ABS brakes and traction control as standard. ESP is an option at €842. Rear side airbags can also be added for €656.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION:* * * *
The Golf remains one of the lowest depreciating cars on the road and that is what makes it such a good buy. Buy a 5-door one, get it in a safe colour and avoid the basic spec model and you will have a car that you will have little trouble shifting on again. These are not expensive cars to run, although servicing costs at main dealers can be a little on the pricey side.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Comfortable, very refined and it does have a posh badge.
Against:A little on the bland side. The 80bhp 1.4-litre is pretty miserable.
The Irish Times VERDICT:Still the most desirable car in the segment for many valid reasons.
BEST BUY:GT 5-door DSG.
TOYOTA COROLLA
Price:€20,790 - €25,690
NCAP Crash Test:* * * * *
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engines:1.4, 1.4D
Trim Levels:Terra, Strata & Luna
CO2:128g/km - 158g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:* * * *
There really isn't likely to be too much to worry about with the Corolla in terms of the quality of the car and its reliability as these are a given.
The car feels really solidly built and while the interior is a little on the bland side you just know it will be hard wearing.
PERFORMANCE:* * *
You have a choice of two 1.4-litre engines - one petrol, one diesel. The 1.4-litre petrol engine puts out 97bhp and 130Nm of torque which is not bad for an engine of this size and while performance is not earth shattering, it is fine for most owners. Better is the 1.4-litre diesel which has 90bhp but more pulling power at 190Nm.
AT THE WHEEL:* *
Don't expect excitement because you just won't get it. This is functional motoring at its finest. Sure, it is bland but it does everything perfectly well. The steering doesn't give away too much about what is going on underneath but is certainly light, and this makes the car easy to park and manoeuvre.
SPACE AND COMFORT:* * * *
The car is not short on space, it is vast for a saloon car of this class and this can account for a lot of its popularity this year - it looks as if it could be an Avensis rival. The ride is softly sprung too, so this makes it a great car for long journeys.
SAFETY:* * * *
Scored a five-star result in the Euro NCAP safety tests. Built around a very strong body, with up to nine airbags available. ABS brakes feature with Electronic Brake Force Distribution as standard and you can specify ESP stability control for around €780.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION:* * * * *
Both the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel are frugal, especially the latter which will return an amazing 4.9l/100km and
's are superb at holding their value.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Spacious, comfortable, reliable, frugal.
AGAINST:Not very exciting.
The Irish Times VERDICT:Hard to ignore its qualities and a good way to spend your cash.
BEST BUY:1.4 D-4D Strata.
***************
OPEL ASTRA
Price:€20,420 - €34,020
NCAP Crash Test:* * * * *
Seats:5
Doors:3/5
Engines:1.4, 1.6, 1.6T, 1.8, 2.0T, 1.3D, 1.7D, 1.9D
Trim Levels:Life, Club, Design, SXi, SRi, OPC.
CO2:130g/km - 226g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY: * * * *
There is a big step-up in quality with the new Astra compared to the old one. There is a much better finish to the interior and it has a more Germanic feel overall than before. This is now the biggest selling car in
so consumer confidence in the car is high.
PERFORMANCE:* * * *
There is a wide range of engines available. The petrol engines start with the 1.4-litre with 89bhp which is not bad, but the 1.6-litre VVT engine is much better. The 1.3-litre diesel is a good entry-level choice in the 5-door model. The larger diesel engines are really good, with the 150bhp 1.9-litre in particular deserving a mention.
AT THE WHEEL: * * * *
In all the model variants it is easy to get a good driving position thanks to a multi-adjustable seat and steering column. Depending on the model you choose you can have a comfort or sporty biased car and both do their job well. The SXi and SRi models in particular do a good job of blending these two traits. The handling is excellent in these cars. A drawback of the Sport Hatch, however, is the rear visibility which is plain awful.
SPACE AND COMFORT: * * *
The 3-door Sport Hatch model is compromised in terms of space, but the 5-door and Estate models have no such problems. There is less rear legroom in the Astra than in some models such as the Kia Cee'd. The boot space of 302-litres is not class leading either. Ride comfort in some of the sportier models is on the firm side.
SAFETY: * * * *
The entry-level Life model gets ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbag and front side-impact airbags. All other models have Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). From Club spec upwards there are side curtain airbags. ESP is standard on the SRi models or is between €800 to €873 on other models.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION: * * * *
The Astra traditionally didn't hold its value as well as the Golf or Focus but this changing with the quality of the new model. The standard equipment is very impressive on the car and this makes it great value for money. The 1.3-litre diesel would make a great buy for keeping running costs down.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Stylish, well-equipped, good value and a wide choice of engines.
AGAINST:Doesn't hold its value as well as some, cramped Sport Hatch rear, rear legroom.
The Irish Times VERDICT:A stylish choice, excellent value but not the best car in the class.
BEST BUY:five-door Club 1.6 16v VVT .
***************
NISSAN TIIDA
Price:€20,995 - €25,345
NCAP Crash Test:N/A
Seats:5
Doors:4/5
Engines:1.6, 1.5D
Trim Levels:SE, SVE
CO2:139g/km - 165g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY: * *
The Tiida is a budget car in other markets, so it doesn't quite feel like a real competitor to the high standards of the likes of the Volkswagen Golf in terms of quality.
It's likely to be reliable enough though.
Personality is not its strong point.
PERFORMANCE: * *
The 1.6-litre petrol engine has 110bhp and 153Nm of torque and this is about enough for respectable performance levels. This engine is noisy at speed. A better choice is the 1.5-litre diesel, which has 105bhp and 240Nm of torque.
AT THE WHEEL: *
This is a dull car to drive. On the good side, the controls are simple to use and clearly laid out and there are high levels of standard equipment. That's perhaps the redeeming feature of the car.
SPACE AND COMFORT: * * *
A real strong point on both fronts. The car is set up for comfort rather than handling and the seats are wide and squishy. There is plenty of room for four adults and the boot space is generous too.
SAFETY: * * * *
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. There is no Euro NCAP score but you could expect five stars. ESP is an €800 optional extra.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION: * * *
Both the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine are frugal enough, especially the latter, which will return 5.2 l/100km. It is hard to tell about depreciation just yet but these cars should remain pretty stable.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Spacious, relatively speaking.
AGAINST:Dull to drive and to look at.
THE IRISH TIMES VERDICT:There has to be more to your motoring life. For those who give as much thought to their car as they do their washing machine.
BEST BUY:1.5 DCI SVE.
TOYOTA AURIS
Price:€19,900 - €29,570
NCAP Crash Test:* * * * *
Seats:5
Doors:3/5
Engines:1.4, 1.6, 1.4D. 1.6D
Trim Levels:Terra, Luna, Strata, Sol
CO2:131g/km - 166g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY: * * *
There is no doubt that this car will be reliable, but the interior plastics don't feel up the quality of some of its rivals, such as the Opel Astra or Volkswagen Golf.
The plastics are durable all right, but just don't feel very special - the centre console is just plain silly.
PERFORMANCE: * * *
The 1.4-litre petrol engine is the bread and butter of the range and with 97bhp it gets to 100km/h in 13 seconds.
The 124bhp 1.6-litre is punchier and the 1.4-litre diesel with its 90bhp and 190Nm of torque gives the best all round performance.
AT THE WHEEL: * *
Another car that is geared towards comfort, but is not particularly dynamic compared to some of the better handling cars in the class.
There is enough grip and the handling is not bad but it just feels imprecise. The interior lay out is a bit of a mess, with that ugly centre console taking up space and looking cheap.
SPACE AND COMFORT: * * * *
There is generous room for five in the Auris, more so than in most of its rivals, with plenty of legroom in the rear in particular.
The boot space of 354-litres is pretty generous, although the opening is a little on the narrow side.
SAFETY: * * * *
Driver, passenger and side airbags are standard in the five-star Euro NCAP scoring Auris, which incidently scored the highest safety score in its class.
ABS brakes with brake assist is standard but Electronic Stability Program will cost you €780.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION: * * * *
Incredible fuel economy from the 1.4-litre diesel, and the 1.4-litre petrol is not bad either.
Toyotas are great at holding their value, and this, for some, is reason enough to buy in the first place, as they make sound investments.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Spacious, decent engines, good spec, right badge.
AGAINST:Silly interior, pretty dull.
THE IRISH TIMES VERDICT:
Not a bad car, but you feelthat
didn't try hard enough - please give us an interesting car - please.
BEST BUY:1.4 D-4D Strata.
***************
MAZDA 3
Price:€19,645 - €37,995
NCAP Crash Test:
Seats:* * * *
Doors:4/5
Engines:1.4, 1.6, 2.3, 1.6D
Trim Levels:Comfort, Touring, Sport, MPS
CO2:125g/km - 231g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY: * * * *
Mazda have a deserved reputation for reliability because they are well built and the engines have incredible longevity. The 3 will be no different, with a particularly well-crafted interior. The plastics in particular deserve a mention.
PERFORMANCE: * * * *
Very good performance all-round from the 3's powerplants. Even the 84bhp 1.4-litre engine feels peppy enough. Better is the 104bhp 1.6-litre petrol and the 107bhp 1.6-litre diesel feels strong, with plenty of low down torque.
AT THE WHEEL: * * * *
Getting comfortable in the 3 is pretty easy thanks to a steering wheel which adjusts for height and reach and a driver's seat which moves up and down.
The car feels really well sorted on the road and you would expect this since it shares a platform with the excellent Ford Focus. The cabin is a nice place to be, too.
SPACE AND COMFORT: * * *
Not massive inside but there is enough room in the front and rear for most, even if shoulder room is a little tight in the rear. The boot space of 290-litre is not class leading but is about average for the class.
There is a nice blend between comfort and agility in this car, much like the Ford Focus.
SAFETY: * * * *
Driver and passenger airbags and front side airbags are standard fit and as well as ABS brakes you get Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Cornering Brake Control. Scored four stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION: * * * *
Mazda's hold their value well thanks to their good reputation, but probably not as well as the more traditional choices of the Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla or Ford Focus. You get good fuel economy all-round (apart from the 2.3-litre MPS version) and servicing costs are reasonable.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Good to drive, nice cabin,good engines, reliable.
AGAINST:Not as big as some rivals.
THE IRISH TIMES VERDICT:Deserves a place in the top 10, this is a smart car to look at and to drive.
BEST BUY:1.4 Comfort SE five-door.
***************
RENAULT MÉGANE
Price: €20,650 - €36,995
NCAP Crash Test:* * * * *
Seats:5
Doors:3/4/5
Engines:1.4, 1.6, 2.0T, 1.5D
Trim Levels: Authentique, Dynamique, Sport Plus, Monaco, RenaultSport
CO2:117g/km - 184g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:* * *
Early examples of this generation of Mégane were notoriously troublesome but this situation does appear to have improved dramatically over the last few years and now the car feels much better constructed, especially the interior which has really nice soft-touch plastics. The switchgear does feel a little flimsy in places though.
PERFORMANCE:* * *
The 80bhp 1.4-litre makes up the majority of sales but the 1.5-litre diesel with either 86 or 106bhp is gaining more favour for its power and aversion to fuel pumps.
The 109bhp 1.6-litre petrol offers more punch and can be bought for not much more than the 1.4-litre with few fuel penalties. Look out for some Biodiesel models in the future.
AT THE WHEEL:* * *
Not tight like a Ford Focus with a certain amount of lean through bends, but certainly very comfortable. The steering is light and could do with a little more feel, but it makes the car light around town and easy to manoeuvre. The driving position is quite high, but it is easy to get a good seating position and the seats are nice and comfy.
SPACE AND COMFORT:* * *
A little tight on rear passenger space in terms of legroom, but this won't bother kids too much and there is plenty of headroom. Comfort is good, due to the soft suspension and the cabin is well sound-proofed from engine noise.
SAFETY:* * * *
Five door models have eight airbags, three door models have ten and like all Renaults it has achieved the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. ABS brakes get Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION:* * *
Does not hold its value as well as some of its rivals, but the engines are frugal and reliable and the diesel in particular boasts superb fuel economy.
***************
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
Price:€23,575 - €34, 775
NCAP Crash Test:N/A
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engines: 1.4, 1.6, 1.9D, 2.0D
Trim Levels:Base, Comfortline, Sportline
CO2:137g/km - 189g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:* * * *
It still feels like a solidly built car, like the Bora that it replaces, but there is not the same thud to the doors as there used to be.
The interior is heavily based on the Golf, so it is quite plain at the lower levels. The trim quality is good though, and at this stage the engines are tried and tested.
PERFORMANCE:* * * *
The new 140bhp or 170bhp 1.4-litre TSI engines are brilliant, but make the car a little expensive, with the 113bhp naturally aspirated petrol engine now the entry level car. The diesels, with either 105bhp in the 1.9-litre or 140bhp in the 2.0-litre are well known to buyers, and are powerful and frugal.
AT THE WHEEL:* * * *
A big improvement over the Bora with the same tight handling characteristics of the Golf in a body that is actually stiffer.
This is a nice car to drive with a good balance between comfort and agility and while the interior might be plain it is very well thought out and straightforward to use.
SPACE AND COMFORT:* * * *
There is decent room in both the front and the rear and a massive 527-litre boot space, which is huge by any standards.
The 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesels are a little noisy and can grate on the ears a little, so opt for the 1.4 TSI or 2.0-litre diesel for added refinement.
SAFETY:* * * *
Driver and passenger front and side airbags are standard fit, with rear side airbags adding €683. Traction control is standard but stability control adds up to €877 depending on the model.
This car has a solid structure, so this itself adds its own sense of security.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION:* * *
We like our saloon cars in Ireland, and we love our Volkswagens, so this makes depreciation a very small element in buying a Jetta - they will be in less demand than the Golfs though, so don't expect them to hold their value as well as the hatchbacks.
The engines are frugal, even the 1.4-litre TSI, which can still return 7.2 l/100km.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Upmarket looks, high quality, great 1.4 TSI engine.
AGAINST:Won't hold its value as well as a Golf, 1.9-litre diesel is a little noisy. Priced too close to bigger Passat.
THE IRISH TIMES VERDICT:Good quality choice for those that want a saloon. But why not opt for Passat?
BEST BUY:1.4 TSI DSG Comfortline.
***************
HONDA CIVIC
Price:€23,440 - €36,980
NCAP Crash Test:* * * *
Seats:5
Doors:3/4/5
Engines:1.4, 1.4 Hybrid, 1.8, 2.0
Trim Levels:SE, ES, Hybrid, SE-S, Type R
CO2:109g/km - 215g/km
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:* * * *
Honda have built a reputation for building cars that last and the current Civic model is testament to this. It feels very well constructed both inside and out, and Honda's high scores on the JD Power reliability surveys of ownership satisfaction would back this up.
PERFORMANCE:* * *
Honda is not really helped by the engine range for Ireland with the Civic, with the choice of either a fairly meagre 83bhp 1.4-litre or a large 1.8-litre with 138bhp. The saving grace is the Hybrid model which appears to be good value thanks to a VRT rebate and is one of Ireland's lowest emission vehicles.
AT THE WHEEL:* * *
Neither as comfortable or as dynamic as the best cars in the class - but it acquits itself pretty well in their company. The cabin of the Civic is a little unorthodox, with some very unusual futuristic displays which might not be to everyone's taste, but it is cleverly thought out.
SPACE AND COMFORT:* * * *
There is a little less headroom in the rear than in some rivals, thanks to the sloping roofline of the hatchback but this counterbalanced somewhat by the enormous luggage space of 415-litres. Not as softly sprung as some of its rivals, and the fact that you have to make the 1.4-litre petrol model work quite hard can spoil the overall feeling of refinement.
SAFETY:* * * * *
All Civics get twin front, side and curtain airbags and the Civic is one of the few cars in Ireland to get stability control as standard, so its gets the full five-stars here for safety. Impressive levels of equipment.
RUNNING COSTS AND DEPRECIATION:* * * *
The engines are very economical and have low emissions. Poor initial supply of the Civic has meant that it is still a little early to judge depreciation fully but the signs are good, as Honda's reputation for quality and reliability sits well with the trade.
CONCLUSIONS:
FOR:Styling, safety features, luggage space.
AGAINST:Zany styling (might not age well), visability from cabin.
THE IRISH TIMES VERDICT:The Civic's styling is a gamble, but it has paid off so far. Good safety equipment are its main strong points.
BEST BUY:1.4 Hybrid.