Mini marvels
KIA RIO Price: from £11,995 WITH so much choice and so many good cars to choose from, the supermini market is a tough one to compete in, let alone conquer.
Kia’s Rio has not really stood out in the past but this fourth-generation version might have what it takes.
A smart design plus a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine (in 99 and 118bhp forms) and four trim levels are on offer in the range.
To start with there is also a First Edition model that is loaded with goodies, improved build quality and good design inside, plus a decent driving experience – although the ride could be smoother.
The emissions are as low as 92g/km and there’s an average fuel economy of 80.7mpg. There is much to recommend. VAUXHALL CROSSLAND X On sale: Summer Price: est from £15,500 THE crossover and SUV market has been booming in recent years and Vauxhall is about to cash in with not just one but two new models.
First there is this Crossland X. Then there is the larger Grandland X, both of which will sit in showrooms next to the existing Mokka X.
Smaller and lower thanthe Mokka, the Crossland is aimed at the lifestyle crossover market against models such as the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008.
Sliding rear seats for improved legroom or boot space and a host of in-car tech and safety features are sure to boost its appeal, too, with adaptive front lighting, a heated front windscreenw and heated steering wheel all available. FORD KA PLUS Price: from £8,995 FORD has dropped its original 1996 concept of the Ka being a smart and trendy city car and is instead aiming for the budget market with this new five-door Ka Plus.
Rivalling the Suzuki Celerio, Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10, Ford is hoping that customers are looking for space more than substance compared to other showroom cars.
There is a choice of just one 1.2-litre engine in two different power outputs – either 70 or 85bhp – and while there is not much in the way of the very latest tech – or Ford’s renowned heated front windscreen – it does offer plenty of room in the front and rear. VOLKSWAGEN UP Price: from £8,995 VOLKSWAGEN’S updates to its Up city car could be best described as subtle. A handful of tweaks to the outside, including a new front bumper and grille, are echoed inside where there is a new steering wheel and more equipment.
Under the bonnet the changes are more extensive with a new three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 90bhp for the first time and a 0 to 60mph time of 9.9 seconds along with a 114mph top speed and 68.9mpg average fuel economy.
Elsewhere in the new Up range, you can also choose to fit your car with VW’s economy-boosting Bluemotion technology, with stop-start engine tech and regenerative braking. NISSAN MICRA Price: from £11,995 NISSAN has its supermini mojo back with this new Micra. The Japanese firm’s previous Micra might have been lacking compared to its European competition but this latest fifthgeneration is a definite step up.
With everything you could want from a small five-door hatchback, the new Micra boasts some sharp styling as well as being responsive and nippy at urban speeds and surprisingly refined and fun to drive.
For the moment, there are just two engines, a 900cc turbo three-cylinder petrol or 1.5litre turbo-diesel, both of which offer 89bhp, though the diesel would be the first choice for many.
Add that to some high quality materials inside, good equipment levels and reasonable space and the latest baby Nissan is up there among the best in the class.