Hatchback Reviews

The small-medium Peugeot 206 was a great car in its day and appealed to those looking for something out of the ordinary. Many were sold to Australians who enjoy driving, not to mention those who love all things French. It rode and handled like a quality car and its dynamics were well ahead of those of the typical Asian cars of the time.Despite the excellent handling, ride comfort remained good, even on rough Australian roads. Though it’s mainly aimed at suburban running, Peugeot 206 can easily be used as a long distance cruiser thanks to its compliant suspension and the usual concentration on relaxing travel by French suspension engineers.The styling of the baby Peugeot broke new ground, with big bold curves and sweeping angles. In particular look at the asymmetrical shape of the body and at the bold lines of the C-pillars. So successful was the shape of the little car that the designers eventually carried the styling theme to the rest of the Peugeot range.In its home country the Peugeot 206 is used by many as a family car so has excellent space efficiency. There's reasonable accommodation for four people and a fair amount of luggage. The 206's interior has been designed to provide a variety of passenger/luggage combinations by folding different seats as required.Most 206s are sold as hatchbacks with either three or five doors, but there's a fascinating open-top model that’s gained a lot of admirers in Australia. Tagged the Peugeot 206CC, with the CC standing for Convertible-Coupe, it has a solid metal roof that can turn it into a convertible at the push of a button. This car was in the vanguard of what has become a popular type in Australia and still draws attention today.There's also a full on sports model in the 206 GTi and its even stronger brother the GTi180. These not only have plenty of engine grunt, but also sports seats, 15-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and ABS brakes. The GTi variants cost a fair bit more than the standard models but offer decent value for money for the driving enthusiast.Engines in the Peugeot 206 begin with a 1.4-litre unit, only sold from March 2002 and used in the lower cost variants. The 1.4 has better performance than you might expect in a car of this size, but try it for yourself, preferably with a reasonable number of people on board before settling for its lower price. Far more common is a 1.6-litre engine installed in cars from the original 1999 imports onwards.A 2.0-litre unit, which is a very large powerplant for a car of this size and light weight, is sold in the sports GTi. That model comes in several formats; most have 100kW or 102kW power outputs but the GTi180 punches out a very healthy 134kW, or 180 horsepower hence the car’s title.Though the engine capacity in the 180 horsepower unit remains at the same 2.0 litres as on the standard 206 GTi, the 180 has variable valve timing, a twin exhaust system and quite a few detailed changes to increase efficiency. The result is a zero to 100 km/h time of a pretty respectable seven seconds.The 2.0-litre engine is also offered in some versions of the 206CC convertible, but only in its lower-powered format. The added weight of the adaptable roof also takes the edge of the car’s performance. But, hey look at that lovely open air feeling, isn’t that more important?Most models in the Peugeot 206 range have a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional four-speed automatic for those who drive in traffic a lot. From the March 2004 model update the automatic came with tiptronic-type manual overrides. Peugeot 206 GTi comes only with the manual gearbox.After a long and successful run in Australia, the 206 was replaced by the Peugeot 207 in a gradual changeover that began early in 2007 and continued model for model for most of the year. In turn, the Peugeot 208 arrived in Australia in mid 2012.Peugeot is long established in Australia, so there's a strong dealer network. The company is represented in some country areas, not just in the major metropolitan zones. Servicing costs and spare parts prices are generally reasonable and we seldom hear of any real problems with parts availability.Insurance costs tend to sit midway up the charts of most companies. The hot 206 GTi models attract higher premiums than the standard ones, but generally not to an outrageous extent.Make sure to arrange a full inspection of any French car you’re considering as, sadly, they don’t have the build quality of Japanese machines.Check that the roof mechanism on a 206CC works smoothly and that there are no unexpected noises during its operation. During the test drive be sure there are no wind noises from the roof when it’s closed.Look for severe tyre wear on a GTi and also for a lot of dust buildup on the wheels. Check for the dust behind the wheels as a smart seller will have cleaned the obviously visible areas at the front.Engines are generally smooth so be suspicious of one that’s on the rocky side, particularly when first started from cold.Check the complete interior, paying special attention to the condition of the seats as they don’t always stand up to the rigours of harsh treatment by Aussie kids.No matter how sure you are of your ability at checking cars it still makes a mountain of sense to call in a professional for the final examination. 

VW Polo Trendline and Kia Rio S Hatch go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The Golf is back to its best with the arrival of the seventh-generation German baby. A road-up re-work has brought everything from a bigger new body to a three per cent boost in showroom value. The seventh-generation Golf drives like a shrunken luxury car, not a traditional tiddler, and is going to make life tough for anyone shopping in 2013.They will have to judge it against the all-new Toyota Corolla that's just around the corner as well as all the value contenders, including the locally-made Holden Cruze. The new Golf is not as sharp to drive as the Ford Focus, and it wil not have a $19,990 driveaway pricetag, but it is loaded with technology and comes with the promise of a 100-kilogram weight loss and up to a 23 per cent economy improvement.The Golf is more than just a car, too, as it signals the arrival of a new 'toolbox' for model development inside the Volkswagen Group. Around 40 individual models will eventually be spun from the MQB mechanical package that provides the foundations for the newcomer, some as small as Polo and others as big as Passat.More than 95 per cent of the parts in Golf 7 are new, a contrast to the outgoing car which was more like a 5.1 update than a true sixth-generation Golf. "This is the most important car for brand Volkswagen," says Albert Meltzow, head of the Golf project. "It is important that it is a practical everyday car. Every year we sell around 700,000 Golfs."Volkswagen applies predictable spin at the press preview of the car in Sardinia, with only two engine choices - a 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel - and cars fully loaded with infotainment, luxury and safety equipment. That makes it tougher to be judgemental, but the first impression is good. Very good.VALUENo-one is talking yet about the starting price for the Golf in Australia. But global marketing boss Jurgen Stackmann confirms to Carsguide that European prices have been held steady at the level of Golf 6, with a value boost of three per cent thanks to extra standard equipment.The pricing has already sparked a round of discounting by rival brands in Europe, as they rush to convert customers before production of the Volkswagen flagship gets up to speed. Australian deliveries will begin in the second quarter of next year, but there is no detail yet on pricing, equipment, or even the engine choices. The Golf will definitely continue as a five-door hatch, with the three-door body reserved for the GTI and the R model that will follow."We'll try to keep the price as close as possible to the current car. But there is a significant increase in the standard equipment," says Karl Gehling, spokesman for Volkswagen Group Australia.TECHNOLOGYThe heart of Golf 7 is the MQB - translated as Modular Transverse Matrix - that provides the mechanical package for a car that is both bigger and lighter. It's not a traditional mechanical platform, but a range of parts that can be built - almost Lego style - into a range of different cars.But there are also all-new engines, lightweight suspension - although a basic rear axle is still fitted to cheapie Golfs - stop-start fuel saving, an electronic parking brake and a lot more. Infotainment is a major component for the Golf, with everything from iPhone-style 'swipe' controls for the TFT display screens to a driver-adjustable display layout. The engines at the press preview drive are the 1.4 petrol with 103 kiloWatts/250 Newton-metres and the 2-litre diesel with 110/320, promising economy of 5.0 and 4.1 litres/100km.DESIGNThere is nothing radical about the look of Golf 7. You can easily pick it as a Golf from 200 metres away, thanks to the DNA that carries through from earlier models, but it's not until you get closer that you see the fastidious detailing and restrained panel work."There are cues that are hallmarks of the Golf," says Stefan Wallburg, exterior designer. "Compared to the outgoing car, I think this is an evolution. If you compare them side-by-side, you will see the changes." Inside, even the switches are new and there is more obvious quality in the look and feel of all the materials.The new design brings a payoff in the cabin, where a longer wheelbase has liberated an extra 14 millimetres of rear knee room and another 30 litres for the boot, while head clearance is also improved despite a lower roof and Volkswagen claims improvements for shoulder and elbow clearance.SAFETYThe Golf will be a five-star ANCAP car. It gets six airbags and the regular ESP/ABS combination, but there is also a huge range of extra safety equipment starting with the multi-collision braking system that automatically applies the brakes to prevent secondary impacts.The package for Australia is still being decided, and there is likely to be an extra cost for the extra gear, but the range of safety stuff available includes lane-assist and anti-fatigue system, radar cruise control and city emergency braking. The press preview cars have a space-saver spare tyre but there is no decision yet on puncture protection down under.DRIVINGThis is a very mature, very refined car. That much is obvious from the first kilometre at the wheel. Golf 7 is extremely quiet, it absorbs bumps like a costly luxury car, and you can see and feel the extra space and luxury equipment.It's the sort of car you would happily drive from Sydney to Melbourne, or just down to the shops, knowing it's going to cause minimum fuss and reward you with impressive efficiency and minimum fatigue. Tackling a wide range of roads and surfaces in Sardinia, the new Golf refuses to be unsettled. It turns light and easy, has good cornering grip, is easy to park - there is, of course, an optional auto-park package - and generally just gets the job done.The boot is roomy and flexible with a low loading lip and an easy-close hatch, there is plenty of space in the back seat, and everything fits nicely. There are a couple of glitches on some test cars, with wind noise on one and a recalcitrant infotainment system in another, but these are some of the first Golf 7s to come down the line. What's not to like? I'm still not convinced about DSG gearboxes, and there is still some shunting during three-point turns with variable shift quality, and it's impossible to really rate the engines or suspension so far from home.Also, without a pricetag there is no way to say how it will line up against the new Corolla, or even the Mazda3, Cruze, Mitsubishi Lancer and the rest. But I know the new Golf is an utterly competent and very impressive car. The overall refinement is incredible. Volkswagen has hit all its targets and that means Golf 7 should now be the first choice for anyone shopping for a small car.VERDICTThe new Golf is the new benchmark for the small-car class. It's the car to recommend to your family and friends.

Class-leading handling and ride will jumpstart the Renault Clio’s launch in the light-car market next year. A lack of airbags may deflate some of that edge, at least among potential buyers who want the maximium protection for rear-seat passengers. It’s still a five-star car, though, and one of the best driving vehicles in the light car segment.VALUEPrices haven’t been set for the Clio - it doesn’t go on sale until midway through next year - but Carsguide predicts it will be around $16,500. That’s based on Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar’s assertion the car will be priced between the top-selling Japanese model (the $15,790 Mazda2) and the best-selling Euro vehicle (the $16,990 Volkswagen Polo).Specification likewise hasn’t been set for the local cars, but expect the base model - a 900cc turbocharged three-cylinder - to come with cruise control, keyless entry, daytime running lights and possibly even satnav as standard gear.TECHNOLOGYThe optional R-Link seven-inch touchscreen is an Android-powered system developed by Renault and TomTom. It is a multimedia interface with satnav and an embedded SIM that lets it connect to the internet and download apps that (in Europe) range from alerting drivers to the nearest and/or cheapest fuel, provide speed camera warnings and prioritise internet radio stations based on users’ previous preferences.A dual-clutch automated manual transmission will be available on the mid-range petrol engine - likely the 1.2-litre turbo - and the top-end turbo diesel. All models should have engine idle stop/start.Outputs for the turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel aren't huge -- 66kW/220Nm -- but it has impressive economy at 3.4L/100km, making the diesel Clio the most fuel-efficient engine in its class. In Australia it will only be sold with the EDC dual-clutch transmission, so expect around a $4000 premium over the base price.STYLINGA compact, classy package with plenty of interior space should put the Clio on a lot of short lists. The 300-litre boot takes two big suitcases with ease and there’s room for two adults in the back without the front occupants having to keep their seats forward. The materials look and feel good and the only complaint is the seat is made for a bigger butt than mine.Even then, the fabric has good grip but I’d prefer the side bolsters to have thicker padding to offset cornering forces. The front end is dominated by the big Renault badge set on a piano-black horizontal stripe across the bonnet that gives the car road presence. The scalloped door panels don’t hurt either, while the rear of the five-door hatch is solid, if not sensational.SAFETYIt will be interesting to see if ANCAP adopts the five-star rating EuroNCAP has given the Clio. The light car comes with four airbags, meaning the rear passengers aren’t cushioned in a side-crash, much like the VW Up!.Renault admits the decision was price-driven but argues the structural strength and dual-stage seatbelt pretensioners provide more than enough protection for back-seat passengers. Software includes the expected ABS with stability control and hill-start assist.DRIVINGThe Clio has the capacity to surprise, at least not when it comes to the 900cc engine that is expected to be the entry point for the range in Australia. The lightweight engine isn’t the quickest cab in the field off the lights but once underway it is hard to fault, pulling cleanly from low revs right up to redline.The Ford Fiesta was Renault’s benchmark for ride and handling and they’ve come very close to bettering it, though a definitive test will have to wait until the Clio lands here. The car’s poise through corners shames much more expensive models and changes of direction are taken in its stride. Understeer eventually appears but a tiny lift off the throttle will have the car tracking true again.The electric steering is light around town and adds effort as the pace picks up. The good news is it’s pinpoint precise at any speed. The suspension coped with rural Italy’s patched-up roads with barely a shake and while larger bumps at speed could momentarily unsettle the torsion-beam rear, it is something most owners won’t feel.A brief stint in the diesel shows it is on a par with the best oilburners coming out of Europe, with on-the-go performance that impresses. Like the 900cc petrol, the engine is functional ahead of frisky, with low-down torque that happily copes with third gear roll-on acceleration from 30km/h.VERDICTThis is the best regular Renault on the market. It drives as well as it looks and, airbags aside, will rate as one of the smarter choices in the light car pack. 

Mazda 3 SP20 Luxury and Honda Civic VTi-L Hatch go head-to-head in this comparative review.

We like this little Soul bus because it has plenty of cheek. The brutally cut-off rear styling is a cute standout and the frontal treatment, recently revamped, has plenty of attitude even if it's a tad "try hard" with over-styled headlights.The Kia Soul started out a few years back as something of an oddity and was available with silly graphics and paint schemes. A reality check and restyle by Kia's design gurus sees Soul present as a viable compact SUV alternative. It fits in among the likes of RAV4, Mitsubishi ASX and the like.We got hold of the top priced $29,990 diesel auto Soul + complete with 18-inch alloys, roof rails, fog lights and adjustable driver's seat height. It is a generously equipped car that goes extremely well using minimal fuel.Plenty of power comes from the 1.6-litre, turbodiesel, four-cylinder driving the front wheels through a six-speed auto. A six-speed manual is standard. Outputs are 94kW/260Nm  same as other vehicles in the Hyundai/Kia range that use this powertrain.The auto is a cracker and is used throughout the Hyundai/Kia lineup. It offers sequential change mode and is both smooth and efficient. The engine has a variable geometry turbo to reduce lag off idle and boost mid-range and top end performance.It's a twin cam engine capable of returning 5.9-litres/100km fuel economy meaning an 800km range from the 48 litre tank.Emissions are minimised through engine technology and a particle filter in the exhaust to give Soul a Euro 5 emissions rating. It also gets a five star crash rating. Hi fives all round if you include the fuel economy figure. Under the funky bodywork is a conventional vehicle with a strut front/torsion beam rear suspension capable of towing up to 1100kg braked.All Souls get numerous storage compartments, Bluetooth phone and audio, decent six speaker sound with power bass as well as a host of other goodies. Seats for five and a large load space give it a practical edge as does the amount of headroom and legroom.The drive feel is all good with plenty of at times noisy performance available at will and especially in the mid range of engine speeds. It has a decent turning circle for city work but the spare is a temporary unit. The vehicle seems to be built on the same platform as Kia's small Cerato hatch and it feels a bit like that to drive offering up a firmish ride, quick steering responses and impressive cornering despite the top heavy look.We found the ride a bit choppy with those low profile 18s but overall, the Soul is an adept little butter box. Kids love it. The whole box and dice is made even better with fixed price servicing and roadside assist.

Honda Jazz is the smallest model from the at-times quirky Japanese car maker that’s sold in Australia. Since its launch in October 2002 the Jazz has gained an excellent reputation for build quality and trouble free running.Quality is of particular interest as the Jazz comes from Thailand, not Japan, to hold down manufacturing costs. We have visited Honda’s Thai plant and came away impressed, though hardly surprised, to note Honda's big emphasis on quality control.Honda Jazz has a high roofline to maximise interior space in what is a relatively small body. It can seat four adults with little compromising on legroom, but in Australia is more likely to carry either a couple or a family with young children. It fulfils both tasks with ease.There’s reasonably easy entry to the back seat, but some may find the rear door opening is a little tight in the original model. Those sold from the new model of 2008 this mild problem had been rectified. The Jazz has one of the best folding rear seat designs of them all. The rear seat slides backwards and forwards to let you choose your own compromise between people and/or luggage.And it can be folded in a few moments to create a huge luggage area. Even better, the front passenger seat backrest can be reclined all the way down to let you carry long loads extending from the dashboard to the rear window. In August 2008 Honda introduced a new Jazz that looked the same as the first generation, but was actually a major evolution of the old.The gen-two car is larger and sits on a longer wheelbase, so has significantly more space inside, particularly in the rear area of the cabin. Boot space increased and the 60/40 split rear seats could be folded flat without having to move the front seats a few notches forward as in the original model. At the same time the body was more rigid to improve NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). The post-08 Honda Jazz has the sort of refinement that normally requires a car a size larger.Honda Jazz comes with a 1.3- or 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Though the engine sizes remained in the second-generation Jazz, they were actually all new. Power and torque were both increased, yet fuel consumption and emission decreased. Best of all, the torque graph has stretched to give you more grunt at the bottom end of the rev range.The gen-one Jazz has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 1.5 CVT comes with a sports mode offering seven preset gear ratios operated by steering wheel shifters. The 1.3-litre engine runs purely as an automatic. However, Honda decided to go back to a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission in the gen-two Jazz. Honda made this decision because potential buyers didn’t like some of the characteristics of the CVT, particularly the way it selected relatively high engine revs to gain maximum efficiency.Handling of the little Honda is good if roads are reasonably smooth, but it can be bounced about on bumps. On surfaces that suit it, the Jazz turns in easily, is happy to change direction in corners and is generally well set up for everyday driving. Enthusiastic drivers may find it a little lacking in steering precision. While the Jazz is reasonably easy for the amateur mechanic to work on, there is some underbonnet crowding that’s inevitable on a car of this size. Keep some band aids handy - and don’t forget the workshop manual.The Honda Australia dealer network is widespread in the heavily populated areas, but isn’t all that established in remote areas. We seldom hear of any real hassles with getting hold of spare parts, but if you are concerned about this it may be smart to make local enquiries before falling too deeply in love with one of these cute little models. Spare parts prices for Hondas are more reasonable now than they have been in the past.Insurance costs for Honda Jazz generally sit in the mid-range of the field. There doesn’t appear to be any real differentiation between companies on premium charges. It’s always wise to spend some time shopping around for the best deal, though.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck that the engine starts easily and responds quickly and positively to the throttle, even when it’s completely cold. A continuously variable transmission should be crisp in its reactions to changes in throttle position and road conditions. Because a CVT transmission sounds and feels different to conventional automatics, have an expert drive it if you are not confident it’s working correctly.Make sure the brakes stop the car without any pulling to one side and that no one wheel locks while the others are still turning. Bodywork should be undamaged and free from rust. Corrosion is not common unless the car has been poorly repaired after a smash. Look over the interior to make sure it hasn’t suffered at the hands of uncaring owners, especially bored young kids. As always, it makes a lot of sense to get a professional inspection after carrying out initial checks to the best of your ability.CAR BUYING TIPCars that are always used in cities or close-in suburbs can suffer from a lot more parking scars than those that live in more spacious surroundings. Small cars are often city cars, so check them very carefully. 

Marketers are always on the lookout for new ways of grabbing the attention of the buying public and those at VW have come up with the name of Up! – the exclamation mark is an integral part of the name, we’re told – for this cute and affordable little city hatch. Also likely to rate a mention is the fact that Up! is the reigning World Car of the Year.VALUEVolkswagen has launched its all-new light car onto the Australian market with a price tag starting at a surprisingly low figure of just $13,990 for the three-door and $14,990 for the five-door. Of course, on-road costs have to be added to that. The Up! is available with just one equipment level but there are a number of option packages.There are three option packages available with the Up!. The biggest seller will almost certainly be the Maps + More Package, a portable infotainment system displayed on a five-inch touch screen monitor mounted onto a bracket above the centre console. Features include satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, trip computer with a fuel-saving trainer and media player. At $500 we would expect a large take-up rate.The Comfort Drive Package ($600) provides cruise control, multi-function display and rear parking sensors while the $2500 Comfort Style Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather trimmed steering wheel, parking brake lever and gearshift knob, heated front seats and carpet floor mats.A panoramic powered sunroof is also available for $1400, a pretty reasonable price for this popular option. There are a number of cost-saving cues in the Up! including sealed side windows in the rear of the three-door version and pop-out windows (only to about 10 degrees) in the five-door.DESIGNFirst up, and of vital importance in this market segment, it looks the part with a distinctive frontal styling with more than a hint of the iconic Beetle about it. No such likeness at the rear with its functional, near-vertical black-glass tailgate. At 3.54 metres in length the Up! is pipped by a mere 40 mm by the Suzuki Alto as the shortest four-seat car on the Australian market.While such a compact length doesn’t make much of a difference in the Australian suburbs, in tight city areas it can allow access to a parking spot nothing else with four wheels can fit into. Importantly the Up!’s wheelbase is almost half a metre longer than that of the Alto with short overhangs and extra interior space.There is seating for four, although rear seat adult passengers will need to impose on those in the front seat to get comfortable legroom. If you’re buying an Up! as a small family car make sure the kids are aware that they won’t be able to wind down the rear windows. There are no headroom problems in any seat and just the occasional elbow bumping between the two front seat occupants.Maximising the size of the passenger cabin inevitably reduces storage space and, at 251 litres maximum, the boot is relatively small. However it is quite deep and can take a single large suitcase with several soft bags squeezed in around it. The rear seatbacks fold down to greatly increase carrying capacity.TECHNOLOGYPower for the Up! comes from a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine. Peak power is 55 kW at 6200 rpm and 95 Nm of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. For the time being, there is no automatic transmission on offer. But for those who prefer to do their own gear changing then this smallest of all Vee Dubs could be just the car for you, as it’s sold with a five-speed manual gearbox.We were a little disappointed with the fuel consumption number during our test which we found well above the combined city/highway published figure of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Having said that, it was a small engine working hard with a reasonable load on board so even consumption around 7.0 L/100km is quite acceptable.SAFETYThere are no curtain airbags to protect rear-seat occupants. Volkswagen expects the Up! to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating in its upcoming is test. It already does have a European NCAP five-star rating. In a logical compromise the Up! doesn’t come with cruise control as standard but does have City Emergency Braking (CEM).This uses a laser sensor mounted at the top of the windscreen to scan a space in front of the car, detect the risk of imminent collision and selectively apply the brakes depending upon the force required. It will reduce the impact of a collision at speeds up to 30 km/h.DRIVINGWe spent about three hours driving in and around Melbourne and found that it performed above our expectations. There were few hills in our drive route but those that we did encounter didn’t offer any serious challenge to the Up! despite it carrying a couple of non-anorexic occupants.By their nature lower-powered cars do require a bit more thought and planning in the driving technique needed to get best out of them. We did encounter the occasional bump and pothole but the Up!’s suspension absorbed the impact surprisingly well.VERDICTWith its combination of European branding, neat styling, a reasonable array of features and that sub-$14,000 starting price Volkswagen Up! should be a sure-fire winner with the Generation Y female market.Volkswagen UpPrice: from $13,990Engine: 1-litre 3-cyl petrol, 55kW/95NmTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 4.5L/100km

It comes as no surprise that Peugeot’s new 208 is all about style, after all the French and flair are synonymous. In an unusual move we will discuss the style of the 208’s interior before we get on to talk about it body. That’s because of a radical new shapes and ideas within the car.The new Peugeot 208 Active starts at $18,490 for the 1.2-litre three cylinder. The 1.6-litre four cylinder Allure starts at $21,490, while the top of the range 1.6 four cylinder turbocharged Allure Sport comes in at $26,490.Lower set, and in the centre of the car, a seven-inch multifunction touchscreen provides access to the satellite navigation and onboard audio systems. The latter comes complete with the usual inputs for music and telephone, but, interestingly no CD player. Peugeot feels the era of the audio CD is now history.Power comes from a choice of three engines, 1.2-litre with three cylinders, a four-cylinder 1.6 with natural aspiration, or the latter unit with a turbocharger to push along the Active Sport model. Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are offered.The first thing you will notice stepping into the Peugeot 208 is the tiny steering wheel, the sort of wheel you would expect to find in a sports car, not in a family hatchback. The miniature wheel is there not to make a styling statement, but to leave space above itself so the driver can view the high-set instatement layout.The intention is that the driver takes their attention off the road for a minimum amount of time to scan the instruments, and thus increases road safety. These instruments are set within a dashboard design that’s classy and finished to a high standard. The plastics have pleasingly soft finish and the minor controls not only look good but function in an easy to use manner.Peugeot 208‘s all-new body comes in three and five-door format. However, the three-door isn’t simply a five-door with fewer openings, it takes quite a different approach to style. Thus the three-door has a real sporty appearance, while the five-door has a slightly less radical shape. The latter still hasn’t lost out in the flair stakes, though.Peugeot was in the vanguard of the latest car ‘big-grille’ styling theme, with close to a decade since it first moved in what was considered a provocative new direction. Now Peugeot has left the others, who have been copying its ideas in recent times, and set off in a new styling direction.While the Peugeot 208 still has a large grille the focus isn’t on the complete grille, but rather on the central section. This is raised in what Peugeot calls a ‘floating’ manner, leaving the main segment of the grille in the background to frame rather than dominate the frontal appearance. Depending on which of the grades of 208 you select – Active or Allure – you get a different finish to the floating segment.The smaller, lighter body has more interior space than the outgoing cars, particularly in the back seat. You wouldn't want to cram five big Aussie blokes in this small car, but two plus a trio of kids will fit nicely.The 208 is marginally smaller on the outside than the 207 it replaces, but intelligent design works gives it even more safety in a crash. Peugeot is proud of the fact that its 208 is the first car in the world to score five stars in the recently toughened-up European NCAP crash testing.On the road on a drive program organised by Peugeot in the Gold Coast hinterland we were able to sample the 1.2 and 1.6 engines, but only with manual gearboxes as imports are still pending. The 1.6 naturally aspirated probably has enough performance for most drivers, but interestingly our favourite was the little 1.2-litre three-cylinder.We like the willingness and character of three-cylinder units and the way they are happy to rev. Though it has to be said that the latter is a handy feature because in the interests of economy this engine isn’t designed as a high-performance powerplant. So you do need to use lower gears on any sort of a hill and keep in mind that on level roads the fuel consumption is going to be well down.Steering and suspension are brilliant and the feel through the tiny steering wheel is great. You really do get the feel you’re in a sports machine, not just a family hatch.In typical Peugeot manner the ride comfort is good despite this excellent handling ability.

Skoda has approached its return to Australia in a canny European manner. Rather than rushing in with bottom end cars to gain quick sales, and then trying to lift its image by aiming at the medium-premium segments, Skoda started at the top end. By doing so it has gained credibility and is now pushing down into the affordable car area.VALUEThe result is that Skoda, now five years into its revival in Australia, has just sold its 10,000th car downunder. It’s also quickly making its name in the affordable end of the hot-hatch scene with the great little Fabia RS as well as a five-door station wagon should the hatch rear end not supply enough luggage space for your needs. The RS starts at a modest $27,990.TECHNOLOGYSkodas use major mechanical components from Volkswagen – having been controlled by the giant German company since the early 1990s when the communist era ended in the Czech Republic – and the Fabia RS shares a Twincharger 1.4-litre petrol engine, transmissions and suspension with the Volkswagen Polo GTI.We were most impressed with the hot little Fabia’s performance. With 132 kW of power, and a strong 250 Nm of torque all the way between 2000 rpm and 4500 rpm, the Fabia RS is a pocket rocket. It goes from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.The use of both a supercharger and turbocharger provides strong push throughout most of the rev range. From about 1500 you can feel the torque working, it quickly rises when you get to 2500 revs and pulls in a very linear manner when it’s comfortably over 5500 rpm.This straight-line speed is enhanced by the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. In flat-out mode the transmission is great to sit behind, switching gears faster than humanly possible.DESIGNThe Polo GTI and Fabia RS have quite different appearances, with the Volkswagen leaning in a mildly conservative direction, while the Skoda has gone for a chunky out-of-the-ordinary look that we love. There’s a hint or two of the cheeky shapes favoured by the British Mini in the character lines of Czech Skoda, these are emphasised by the availability of numerous colour combinations. Letting buyers design their own car by way of accessories is an excellent idea and can result in real fashion statements.Our Skoda Fabia RS road test car came in yellow, which is a bold move in a conservative market like Australia. But, hey this is a sporting model for the young and for the young at heart. Indeed the young at heart could be big buyers of these little cars because in their teenage years bright colours were all the rage in cars, clothes, interior design – you name it.We are currently in the standard Fabia (not the RS) that is a metallic blue and while that shade also works well with the Fabia's lines it doesn’t exactly leap out on the street scene.SAFETYElectronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist are standard to minimise the chances of having a crash – as are six airbags should you still get it wrong. The Skoda Fabia has been designed with pedestrian impact in mind, so the front bumper and bonnet are designed to deform on impact and absorb energy.DRIVINGWhile the DSG works well under hard acceleration and deceleration, like many of its type it is a bit of a dog in slow situations. Even worse, it can surprise when parking in first or reverse gears by responding too quickly to any throttle input. For some reasons no two double-clutch gearboxes are identical in the way they perform, which must be so frustrating for engineers trying to make them work to perfection.The Skoda Fabia RS will really suit those who like to ‘drive' cars. It is stable on all but the worst of Australia's roads and feels really sound in hard cornering. There is some steer torque, which is hardly a surprise in a sporty small hatch with a modified engine, but it is manageable and those who like a bit of character in their car will love that gentle tugging on the steering wheel under hard acceleration.We like the chassis, it uses MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent read end, is a relatively sophisticated setup for a car in the affordable class. The suspension is on the firm side at times, but on the whole it soaks up most bumps without any banging and thumping. Those who like sporting cars will forgive the hot RS for its actions. At 10 metres the Fabia has a tight turning circle and the all-round driver's view is excellent.VERDICTThe hottest Fabia is a great little hot hatch around town and a superb tourer for steep and winding roads where you can really get stuck into the corners.