TOPBUYSOF2009INPROFILE: SUPERMINISThe supermini segment is where motoring starts to become a little more than getting from A to B - the segment gives small car costs plus the fun of good manoeuvrability and quick bursts of speed
OPEL CORSA
Price: €14,765 - €30,265
NCAP Crash Test: *****
Seats: 5
Doors: 3/5
Engines: 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 turbo, and 1.3D litre
Trim levels: Life, Club, Design, SXI, OPC.
Quality and reliability: ****
The current Corsa has a much more upmarket look and feel. Even lower spec models don't look like bargain basement cars, and as you go up the range, there are some handsome trim options. The engine range is well known and well tested.
Performance: ***
The lower power petrol engines struggle a little as the Corsa has grown considerably, so avoid the 60hp 1.0-litre model if you can. The 80bhp 1.2-litre fares better, but still struggles at times. Much better are the 1.3-litre diesel engines, which come with either 75bhp and 89bhp, and these are frugal yet feel powerful. The 90bhp 1.4-litre petrol is about right for the car as regards petrol engines. At the top of the range, the 1.6-litre turbo found in the OPC is serious fun.
At the wheel: ****
Not only does the cabin feel much better than before, it is more spacious. It offers a nice blend between a comfortable car and a lively chassis. You can choose between a standard set-up or a slightly firmer arrangement as found in the SXi model.
Space and comfort: ****
Much bigger than before, both the three- and five-door are spacious, with the five-door obviously more useful as family transport. Ride comfort is impressive and even in the SXi model it is not too extreme. The luggage space of 285-litres is good for a car of its size and this can expand out to 1100-litres.
Safety: ***
Scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, the minimum amount of airbags is two and increases to six on some models. ESP is a €466 option.
Running costs and depreciation: ****
This car is cheap to run, with both the petrol and diesel engines proving themselves to be frugal. However, it has not always enjoyed the best record when it comes to depreciation - an area where it will have to improve. The reputation of this new model should improve matters.
THE CONCLUSIONS:
For: cute looks, generous space and nice blend between handling and ride comfort
Against: the 1.0-litre petrol engine struggles a little, rear visibility could be better
Irish Times verdict: deserves its place at the top of the pile
Best buy: 1.3 CDTi
TOYOTA YARIS
Price: €14,910 - €22,565
NCAP Crash Test: *****
Seats: 5
Doors: 3/5
Engines: 1.0, 1.3, 1.8, and 1.4D litre
Trim levels: Luna, Sol, Terra, Strata, T-Sport
Quality and reliability: ****
It is almost a cliché at this stage to talk about Toyotas and their reliability but that they score so well in customer satisfaction reports indicates a reputation that is well founded. The Yaris is no exception, and while it might not feel as plush as some rivals you know it will work perfectly.
Performance: ***
Few people buy the Yaris to tear up the highway, but the engine range is willing enough. The 1.0-litre 67bhp unit is the most popular and while not fast is incredibly frugal. The 1.3-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engines are much peppier, with the diesel in particular deserving special mention.
Top of the range is a 1.8-litre diesel with 131bhp.
At the wheel: ***
The interior is a little unconventional. The centrally-mounted digital instruments can be hard to read and you sit very upright in the car, but this will suit older owners. The steering adjusts only for height. There isn't really anything exciting about piloting it either, but it is comfortable and safe.
Space and comfort: ***
While the Yaris is shorter than some of its rivals, the high roofline allows for generous interior space and the 272-litres luggage capacity is generous. The Yaris can feel a little unsettled at times and the three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine's growl can grate a little on long journeys.
Safety: ****
Scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and all cars get at least twin front and side airbags. Luna and Sol models also have curtain shield and drivers knee airbags.
Running costs and depreciation: ****
Probably one of the best cars to buy in this class if you want to minimise depreciation. Demand and its reputation for reliability keeps residuals strong. Engines are frugal, especially the diesel and the only time you should be in the garage is for servicing. 1.0-litre petrol model sits in Band A, 1.3-litre petrol is Band C, 1.4-litre diesel is Band A and the 1.8-litre T-Sport is Band D.
THE CONCLUSIONS:
For: reliability, clever packaging, frugal engines, strong residuals
Against: engine sound can be grating; staid image
Irish Times verdict: not an exciting choice but a very shrewd one, the Yaris is an educated buy at this level, if not a passionate one
Best buy: 1.3 VVTi Luna
FORD FIESTA (new model)
Price: €15,395- €19,225
NCAP Crash Test: *****
Seats: 5
Doors: 3/5
Engines: 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.4D litre
Trim levels: Style, Zetec-S, Titanium
Quality and Reliability: ****
There is a lot of new technology in the new Fiesta, but it is tried and tested in cars such as the Focus and even in sister brand Mazda's 2. The car feels really well built, but there are still areas of lower grade plastic in the interior out of eye shot. However, overall the attention to detail is very good.
Performance: ***
The 1.25 litre petrol engine marks the entry-point to the range and its 80bhp is adequate if not that potent. Next up is a 96bhp 1.4-litre petrol which feels more eager. The 1.4-litre TDCi offers Band A emissions and decent performance with the 120bhp 1.6-litre providing the best thrills. There is no sign of the 1.6-litre diesel here yet, which is the pick of the engines.
At the wheel: *****
The news that the new Fiesta is great to drive won't really be a surprise. It has excellent balance and responsive steering and is certainly one of the most fun superminis to drive. The new steering system is light but there is still a fair amount of feedback. Parking and city driving is a doddle.
Space and comfort: ****
Ford deliberately hasn't made this too high-roofed like say, a Honda Jazz, but there is plenty of space in the front, and unless you are a very tall adult you should be able to cope in the back too. The boot is only slightly larger than before, and this falls short of some of its rivals, but at up to 295-litres it should be enough for most buyers' needs.
Safety: *****
Scored five stars in the recent Euro NCAP safety tests.
All models come with front, side and new driver's knee-protecting airbags. Full-length head-protecting curtain airbags are optional at €430. ESP is a €565 option.
Running costs and depreciation: ****
The 1.4-litre diesel has Band A emissions of 110g/km, with Band B for the 1.25-litre petrol. Both will be pretty cheap to run and with this being a new car, the residuals will hold up as much as we can hope for in what will probably be a bad 2009.
THE CONCLUSIONS:
For: great looks, good to drive, good reputation
Against: not as cheap as some rivals, where is the 1.6-litre diesel?
Irish Times verdict: bound to push the Corsa hard for top honours in 2009
Best buy: Style 1.4 TDCi
PEUGEOT 207
Price: €14,955 - €30,850
NCAP Crash Test: *****
Seats: 5
Doors: 3/5
Engines: 1.4, 1.6, 1.6T, 1.4D, and 1.6D litre
Trim levels: S, SE, SX, ST, GT, GTi
Quality and reliability: ****
This is an area where Peugeot hasn't done so well over the years. The 206 had some shocking quality issues. But this seems initially to have been sorted out with the more upmarket-feeling 207. There are much-improved surfaces and a much greater sense of all-round quality. It remains to be seen if the long-term reliability holds up, but the signs are good.
Performance: ***
The 1.4-litre 75bhp and 90bhp versions are the big sellers and despite the seemingly modest outputs are willing enough for most palates.
The 1.6-litre petrol engines are available as naturally aspirated or turbocharged versions, with the GT and GTi offering 150 and 175bhp respectively. The diesels on offer are a 70bhp 1.4 HDi which is pretty weak and a much better 1.6-litre with 90 and 110bhp.
At the wheel: ****
Certainly one of the strong points of the 207 is its good blend between ride and handling. The 207 is very comfortable yet manages to remain entertaining to drive with electric power steering that is light at low speeds and firms up as you push on.
The diesel models feel a little more nose heavy than their petrol counterparts. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach and the controls are easy to use.
Space and comfort: ****
The 207 feels like a really substantial car and while rear legroom might not match some of its rivals there is enough space for adults at the rear and the 310-litre boot capacity is one of the best in class.
Safety: ***
All models get front and side airbags and ABS brakes with brake assist. GT and GTi models get stability control as standard. Scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.
Running costs and depreciation: ****
Residuals for anything at the moment are poor, but the 207 isnt bad for the class. Fuel economy is good from the 1.4-litre petrol engines and exceptional from the diesels, especially the 1.4-litre, which will return an impressive 4.5l/100km. 1.4-litre petrol engines are Band C, with the 1.4-litre diesel Band A.
THE CONCLUSIONS:
For: stylish, good blend of ride and handling
Against: average performance from lower versions, not cheap
Irish Times verdict: big on image, very comfortable and fun to drive
Best buy: 1.4 90bhp SE
NISSAN MICRA
Price: €14,785 - €18,785
NCAP Crash Test: ****
Seats: 5
Doors: 3/5
Engines: 1.2 and 1.5d litre
Trim levels: SV, SVE
Quality and reliability: ****
While there is definitely a rather toy-like feel to the Micra's exterior and interior, it is all hard-wearing and reliability surveys reveal happy customers. The range here is paired down and pretty well equipped, so none of them feel particularly low grade.
Performance: ***
There are now two engines offered in the Micra, the first is the 80bhp 1.2-litre and this will manage 0-100km/h in a leisurely 13.5 seconds, but as most of these cars tend to spend time in the city and on school runs few will grumble over its lack of pace. It is not all that quiet either and noise can be an issue as you gather speed. There is also a 1.5-litre diesel available, which is a Band A car, with 85bhp and this is a great engine, which is strong and smooth.
At the wheel: ****
Boasts an excellent driving position that will suit a wide range of shapes and sizes, from young to old. It is reasonably fun to drive, if a little on the soft side. Sport models, with the larger wheels can make things feel a little firmer. This is a really easy car to pilot, so it makes an ideal first car. Equipment levels on the Micra are superb with air conditioning, bluetooth and MP3 jack featuring.
Space and comfort: ****
Boot space of 251-litres is less than many of its rivals and the curved roofline impedes rear headroom, but this won't bother kids too much. You can slide the rear bench to give extra legroom at the expense of more boot space. The compliant ride makes for a comfortable car.
Safety: ***
Scored four stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. SV models get driver and passenger airbags and ABS with brake assist. Side airbags and active headrests feature on the SVE model
Running costs and depreciation: ****
Cheap to buy and laden with equipment, the Micra makes a very good buy and while residuals are not as good as the top level cars this will be a very cheap car to tax, insure and run.
THE CONCLUSIONS:
For: now very well equipped, cute styling, ease of use
Against: lacks room in the rear, a little "girly", small boot
Irish Times verdict: the latest specification models are incredibly well equipped and make buying the Micra more attractive. Diesel option is worth a look
Best buy: 1.5-litre diesel 5-door SVE