BIG HOPES FOR A LITTLE VEHICLE
Diane Rowe wants a small car that won’t let her down
THE QUESTION
I have a five-year-old Holden Barina and have had a number of problems with it. I’m in my late 60s so the next car I purchase will be my last, I’m thinking. Can you recommend a new, reliable, small car? What are your thoughts on the Mini Cooper and Suzuki Swift Sport? Diane Rowe
ANSWER
You should never consider your next car as the last, as many people are buying and enjoying new cars into their 80s. If you’re looking at the Mini and Swift Sport then it seems you want something slightly sporty, at least in styling, and able to make you smile. There is a big spread of smile-mobiles, without having to spend Ferrari or Lamborghini money, in a similar size to your current Barina. But you should also consider whether a baby SUV would be better in coming years, because of the slightly elevated driving position and easier entry and exit than a car from the ranks of the tiddlers.
CHOICES MINI COOPER, FROM $29,000
A definite funster but comes with lots of ifs and buts that quickly translate into a “maybe”. The basic car is not particularly well equipped and the driving experience is not great. It’s not as perky as the looks suggest with only a 1.2-litre engine in the starting-price Ray specification. And it’s easy to be lured into expensive options you don’t want or need, or can’t afford.
SUZUKI SWIFT, FROM $16,990 DRIVE-AWAY
Suzuki has an impeccable reputation for quality and longevity, with many owners rating the brand ahead of Toyota. The Swift has just been renewed so if you’re wanting a Sport then it’s still about six months away. The best of the newcomers is the GLX, not for its turbo engine and auto but for its full suite of safety gear.
VW POLO, FROM $17,190
The small-car benchmark costs a bit more but gives back with German engineering that translates into a solid feel on the road, classy cabin materials and all-round quietness and refinement. The basic engine is not very punchy and the Trendline equipment package is fairly basic, but there is a $16,990 drive-away deal on the starter car until July 31.
WILDCARD MAZDA CX-3, FROM $20,490
The pick of the litter among the many baby SUVs. Go for the Maxx spec, at least, to get a reasonable list of equipment for the starting price of $22,890. The good thing about the CX-3 is that it drives and feels more like a car than an SUV. Boot space is tiny.