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A J r/ Jg f iJAISj YOUR ESSENTIAL BY ADRIAN TAYLOR


country during August and the top-rated hot hatchback here for the past two years.


S


Agila is a car wittuMs of appeai-a VAUXHALL is to make its own version


of Japan’s biggest-selling car. The high, short and narrow Agila is


based on the hugely-successful Suzuki Wagon R and will be made at a new. Gener­


al Motors factory in Poland. I t will go on sale in the UK during next


summer and, although prices have yet to be finalised, a Vauxhall spokesman confirmed it would become their lowest-priced car, undercutting the Corsa. Wagon R is a bit part player in Europe,


but has been a phenomenal success in Japan, where it has topped the domestic


And all this without it


ever being a looker. When I first drove Saxo, I


was impressed by its solid feel, its commitment to safe­ ty through strength, and its great chassis and suspension which made it a hoot to


drive. But I recall being disap­


sales charts for two years. Agila will use Wagon R underpinnings,


but will be distinguished by VauxhaU’s own bonnet and grille. And it will be powered by a choice of two Vauxhall ECO-TEC engines -1.0 litre, 12-valve and 1.2 litre, 16-valve— giving it an average of up to 47m.p.g. Described as a five-door mini MPV, Agila will seat four adults and have a luggage


capacity of up to 600 litres. Vauxhall engineers will tweak the chassis


and fit side impact protection beams, dual front airbags and anchor points for child


seats.


pointed by its lack of visual flair and universally dour interior. For those of us who had admired Citroen’s Gal­ lic unpredictability in the past, Saxo was a shock of common sense. Two and a half years on,


curvaceous bonnet and1 front wings can make. New


softly-rounded headlights, with indicators integrated behind the same glass, and a more prominent use of the


AXO has been a huge hit for Citroen: the


French manufacturer’s fastest-ever selling car in the UK, the biggest selling car in the


mmsmm has become sexier


famous Citroen chevrons, make it look more imposing and give it a stronger identi-


Inside, the dashboard and


seats remain black, but the dials are brighter. Other improvements are


and with its popularity at an all-time high, Citroen has given its supermini the Hash of panache it was miss­


ing.In truth, the makeover is hardly comprehensive. I t is pretty much limited to the front end, but the redesign gives a massive improve­ ment to the car’s appear­ ance, making it look chirpy and characterful. What a difference a more


the arrival of a digital main­ tenance indicator, more oddment stowage, a tinted windscreen and an anti-cor­ rosion warranty extended to a reassuring 12 years. The one area Citroen did


not need to improve remains its best feature.


Saxo is quite simply a joy to


drive, and such fun. The short wheelbase is


utilised brilliantly to speed up responses. I t holds the road tenaciously and enjoys virtually roll-free cornering. Steering is lively and accu­


rate. ’ And the 90 b.h.p. VTR


and 120 b.h.p. VTS remain the most affordable ways to enjoy safe but massively entertaining performance motoring. In many ways Saxo is the


most convincing spiritual successor to the Mini, but is much more comfortable for passengers, despite its tight


the manufacturer seeks to capi­ talise on its growing reputation for quality/ flair and keen pricing. Slightly longer, with cleaner


Seat’s super new Ibiza S


EAT'S new Ibiza will be unveiled in showrooms on Wednesday as


turbo and 1.6 litre petrol are due before the turn of the year. The range will be completed next


spring. Seat says the new car is 30 per


lines, an all-new interior and high­ er levels of refinement, the new Ibiza launch is being phased in, with 1.4 litre models arriving first.


A turbo diesel, 20-valve petrol u ■


■ • O O . u r i J :


cent stiffer, which brings important safety gains and sharper handling. Eventually, there will be seven


fmodels to choose from, including the sporting flagship of the range,


; a 156 b.h.p. turbo-charged flier. U a i l> a ; / " ' - 1


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turning circle and zest for bends. I t can be thrown around with abandon. According to Citroen’s


research, half of all Saxo owners are aged under 25. This new incarnation will enhance its youthful appeal still further as it battles for road space with the new look Ford Fiesta and Fiat


Punto, Nissan’s blobby Micra and the strong and


sensible VW Polo. There are 17 models the


choose from with prices starting at just over £7,000 for the Saxo First, rising to £12,495 for the 16-valve VTS - a car which is begin­ ning to enjoy cult status among the knowledgeable


young. All models are agile, fun


to drive and cheap to keep. Most have electric front windows, remote central locking, transponder immo­ bilisers, sun roof, split fold­ ing rear seats and front fog lamps. The sexier Saxo has


arrived.


Yaris is the tops for women T OYOTA’S Yaris has been named best


small car in the AA/Good House­


keeping Woman-Friendly Car Awards. It was praised for its low cost of running, high level of standard equipment and nippy performance. The magazine conducted a poll of


readers to learn what women really want in a car and it revealed some interesting facts. What women do not want is an awkward driving position, steep set ped­ als, high tailgates and fingemail-snap-


HUNDREDS of cars for sale inside


ping door handles, according to Good Housekeeping. Neither are they much impressed by engine power, as safety emerges higher on the wish list. Indeed, it is a prime consideration for 57%. Com­ fort and economy come next. If they could have whatever they


wished for, most women asked for a space specifically to stow a handbag. A cliche it may be but, virtually every woman car­ ries a bag and they want a well-designed place for it to be safely tucked away.


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