Hatchback Reviews

The Mazda 3 SP25 is aimed at those seeking a bit more grunt than the 3's entry 2.0-litre engine.  Since the arrival of the third-generation 3 in February, both hatch and sedan SP25s are now available in three different trim levels.  VALUE The $32,590 automatic SP25 GT tested here is second only to the top of the

Peter Anderson road tests and reviews the Holden Barina RS, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

WE turn the spotlight on the VW Golf GTI Performance and ask the crucial questions, including the biggest -- would you buy one?

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 2000-2013 Kia Rio.

Wow, what an impressive car. Kia's new Proceed GT took us by surprise especially as our expectations for it were of a slightly different take on the Kia Koup - which we like but not nearly as much as we like the European made Proceed GT. They all spin off the Cerato small car platform but you wouldn't know it from the drive feel. PRICE / FEATURESThe Proceed GT is a sports hatch in the truest sense offering nearly as much as some of the premium European coupes and hatches at seriously less money. The Proceed GT we drove goes for $29,990 with the Tech version adding $3500 despite being exactly the same under the skin. We wouldn't bother upgrading to the Tech, as the GT offers more than enough.Standard on the GT is cruise control, black dash fascia, seven inch info screen with multi trip computer, user select car set-up options, multiple digital infotainment connectivity, dual zone climate control, steering wheel control buttons and a clean air module. There's also a reverse camera, park assistance, heated exterior mirrors, puddle lamps, side skirts and spoiler, cornering lamps and dual outlet chrome exhaust.Both the GT and Tech models have leather upholstery while the Proceed has a clever dual mode instrument pod that reads out analogue style or in digital display. Love the red stitching on the seats.DESIGN / STYLING We love the way it looks too – something completely different and classy in a wedge shape capable of carrying five people and their luggage. While the Kia Koup is a two door with a boot, the Proceed is a three door hatchback and there are plenty of other differences inside and out particularly the detail exterior trim on Proceed which features splashes of chrome and those really neat ice cube LED daytime driving lights. ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONPower comes from a 1.6-litre, direct injection, turbo four cylinder with variable cam timing both sides and a twin scroll turbo integrated into the exhaust manifold.It's a high tech unit and achieves 150kW/275Nm output – rather conservative in the greater scheme of things but sufficient. Fuel economy on regular octane is rated at 7.4-litres/100km. No auto is offered so you'll have to be happy with the slick shifting six-speed manual.DRIVINGThe Proceed GT is one of the better front drive performance cars going around at present thanks in part to its Australian fettling. They take the car out onto real Aussie roads with a bunch of different suspension and steering bits, a computer and change things around until it's right.We reckon the Proceed looks better and the Australianised dynamics (also on Koup) give a satisfying, engaged drive feel. That could be down to the multi-mode steering with sharp, firm responses. It could be down to the taut ride control with multi-link rear suspension and the strong brakes coupled with Michelin Pilot 18-inch rubber. It could also be the responsive engine but is probably the whole package. Whatever, owners will love the way this car drives and feels from behind the wheel. It's a bit on the quiet side in exhaust terms though.It has plenty of get-go and revs strongly to about 6500rpm where the action stops. Through corners it's stable and flat with nicely weighted steering and great grip from the tyres. The brakes are impressive. No bump steer or torque steer to be concerned about either.

Joshua Dowling road tests and reviews the Mazda 3 diesel.

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the Mazda 3 Maxx hatch, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Wow. Besides being much nearer to the Golf in terms of quality, this car is about five grand cheaper than expected. It gets the same turbocharged engine as the GTI, sports suspension with adaptive chassis control, progressive steering and even the trick XDL differential lock. PRICE / FEATURESPrices for the sedan start from $36,490, or $38,790 for the auto - while the diesel adds $1000 to the price tag (wagon is $1350 extra in any denomination). In comparison the GTI in standard form is priced from $41,990 or $44,490 for the auto.The interior of the RS is dominated by a huge 8 inch navigation screen, with a proximity sensor that pops up the menu system before your fingers reach the screen.The DVD-based system infotainment system features eight speakers, Apple video functionality, two SD card slots, Bluetooth phone functionality, voice control, JPEG viewer - with 64Gb of internal memory. ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONThe petrol engine produces 162kW/350Nm while the diesel delivers 135kW/380Nm. The petrol engine is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG dual clutch auto, while the diesel is available only with the auto. Gear change paddles are standard with the DSG change as are auto stop-start and brake energy recuperation.Fuel consumption for the petrol engine is a claimed 6.6 litres/100km and for the diesel, 5.2 litres/100km – but beware it takes 98 strength petrol (we were getting 9.2 after 360km.The handbrake in the RS (another point of difference) is a traditional mechanical device while the GTI gets an electronic one. DESIGN / STYLINGFinally they've done something about that awful front grille and it actually looks okay. The new grille is underscored a honeycomb-style air dam, with fog lights and new bi-xenon lights with integrated LEDs. The car is also longer and wider than before, with a 102mm longer wheelbase.Red brake callipers are standard and it rides on 18 inch alloys, with 225/40 tyres. Inside the RS sport seats are available in an attractive combination of leather and fabric, or optional Alcantara leather with red stitching. There is also a sporty three-spoke wheel a colour multi-function display. RS badges adorn the steering wheel, gearshift, door sills, seats and floor mats.SAFETYGets a full five stars for crash safety. Comes with nine airbags as well as some newly developed, active safety systems including multi-collision brake with automatic braking action engaged after an accident, Passenger Protect Assist and Fatigue Detection. Front Assist with emergency braking is also available in the optional Tech Pack. DRIVINGLooks good. Smooth and powerful. May lack some of the refinement of the GTI but at the price who gives a toss? Strong performance is underpinned by excellent ride and handling plus a roomy, comfortable cabin with enough rear legroom to accommodate adults - not to mention a large luggage area. By the way it may look like a sedan but is actually a lift-back.Because the Octavia is larger and heavier than the GTI it's a fraction slower out of the gates – 6.9 versus 6.5 secs for the dash from 0-100km/h. The two have a different track (distance between wheels) and wheelbase and a different suspension setup as well. Again who cares? 

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the Volkswagen Golf 110TDI Highline, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

NEW The Korea-built TK Barina got off to a rather rocky start when the Euro NCAP people could only give it a miserable 2-star rating. At a time when carmakers were making great strides in the area of safety the littlest Holden stood out for all the wrong reasons. But by 2008 things were looking up when it was given it