BUYING GUIDE Superminis
Superminis BUYING GUIDE
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This is a car that has
undergone an amazing
Superminis
transformation. Where the
old Swift lacked a certain
Suzuki Swift
sense of style, the new
version has it by the boot-
Where the old Swift
full. Thoroughly modern
lacked a certain sense
inside and out, the Swift
MINI £11,680-£16,860 SEAT Ibiza £8,416-£11,379
of style, the current
looks good, drives well and
version has it by the
is superb value. The build
You may have to look closely to spot the differences Designed by a former Lamborghini stylist and
boot-full. Thoroughly
quality is exceptional and it
between the second generation MINI and the fi rst, underpinned by the very latest Volkswagen small car
modern inside and
makes a fi ne long-distance
but BMW has introduced a raft of improvements to its platform, the new Ibiza is one of the freshest and
out, the Swift looks
cruiser. Available in both
funky supermini. The lethargic engine in the Cooper most exciting superminis on the market. It retains
good, drives well
three and fi ve door guises,
has been replaced by an all-new unit while the ride is the sporty responses of its predecessor, but adds
and is superb value.
the Swift is well worth
now much more agreeable. Recently launched Works more style, a bigger cabin and lower running costs.
The build quality
considering.
version adds more power while the oddball Clubman Performance models will follow soon, but for now the
is exceptional
model is a great drive and a real conversation piece. best option is the 1.4-litre TDI version.
throughout and it
makes a fi ne long-
distance cruiser.
Nissan Micra
Its curvy lines are
unmistakable and
help give the Micra
a unique identity.
Honda Jazz
With a decent range
£9,780-£12,521
Renault Clio £9,414-£15,660
of engine and trim
The car that made Honda a force to be reckoned The backbone of Renault’s range, the Clio continues
options, the baby
with in the supermini sector is back for another go. to be a big hit with British buyers. Thanks to an
Nissan makes a
Wisely, the designers and engineers have stuck with amazingly broad range, the French supermini offers
fantastic alternative
the winning formula of the old model, and while something for every buyer. As we’ve come to expect
to the usual sector
every panel – and both engines – are new, it retains from Renault, the Clio has an air of sophistication to it
choices. The build
the cheeky looks of the original. And, like before, that many rivals don’t. And despite feeling slightly soft
quality is great while
practicality is its key strength. With the back seats to drive compared to cars such as the Ford Fiesta, it’s a
the driving experience
folded, the Jazz boasts an estate-rivalling load bay. competent cruiser and decent value for money.
is lively and engaging.
Daihatsu Sirion
The Sirion is another
Japanese supermini
that you’d be foolish
to ignore. As we’ve
come to expect from
Peugeot 207
Daihatsu over the
Skoda Fabia £7,931-£12,859
£9,591-£17,763
years, the Sirion is
The good news for Skoda fans is that the second- A replacement for the much-loved 206, the 207 carries
exceptional value for
generation Fabia is every bit as convincing as the over the same basic design but adds a host of fresh
money, offering the
original. Although based on the same platform, the features. Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor,
kind of extras that
new model is bigger all round and its cabin is one of the 207 is a much more comfortable car to drive and
most other makers
the biggest in the sector. With looks inspired by the ride in. The seating position is now perfect and the
charge extra for. But it
acclaimed Roomster MPV and a more refi ned driving standard of cabin trim has been improved ten-fold.
isn’t just the gadgets
experience, the new Fabia’s most attractive quality is Range-topping GTi version shares its engine with the
that make the Sirion
its remarkable value for money. acclaimed MINI Cooper S.
worth a look – it’s a
lovely piece of design.
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