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Mazda 2 Maxx hatch

$19,690 (auto) Road noise and a slightly too-firm ride take the shine off Mazda’s baby, but it otherwise brings plenty of appeal in the form of a tractable, rev-happy 1.5-litre atmo four and an eager, playful chassis. Fine quality and strong resale, too.

Volkswagen Polo 81TSI Comfortline

$20,990 (auto) Clobbers the Rio for spritely, engaging performance thanks to its perky 81kw/175nm 1.2-litre turbo four and quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutcher. Our 2010 COTY winner deftly distils VW virtues.