Best new supermini?

[white_goodman]

Had you asked me this question 20 years ago, the answer would have been easy. Peugeot 205. Good range of engines (petrol and diesel), 3 or 5 doors or convertible, manual or auto, stylish, cheap, universal appeal (men and women) and a halo model to really aspire to (GTi). Looking at the new stuff, there is lots of choice but the 207 doesn't quite hold the same universal appeal. There are lots of complete cars in the next class up e.g. Golf, Focus etc but what car in the supermini class holds the best universal appeal to both men and women in terms of style, value, choice and driving?

Personally, I like the Mazda 2 and Fiesta (quite dynamic looking) and Suzuki Swift (MINI-like but a bit more masculine) as all-rounders but none of them currently offers a "halo" model and the Fiesta is quite expensive (I don't think there is a Swift Sport any more and I think it was only available as a 3 door anyway).

The Alfa Mito, Audi A1, MINI and Citroen DS3 are stylish but expensive and 3 door only (I don't count the Clubman/Countryman or C3 as the same model). I would have been seriously tempted by a new Mito if they had done it in a 5 door. And what does a new C3 look like anyway?

The Fiat 500 is stylish and reasonable value and has a desirable range-topper (Abarth) but Abarth accepted it's a bit girly. Is there anything that offers the same universal qualities as the 205 still on sale today?

[bobmcgod]

Bar the convertable the polo's a good all rounder. But still a little expensive tbh.

[c0ldpl4ya]

Ibiza Cupra? plenty of variation including an estate. Cupra Halo Model with differant tiers leading to it (FR, FR TDi) appealing to women as much as males?

[mattnunn]

We went through this 18 months ago before the A1 and the Ds were about but I can tell you for nowt the Mini is streets ahead of teh Mazda and Fiesta and anything else we drove, well worth the extra few quid. The Mito felt okay but didn't drive anywhere as good as a Cooper and the Fiat 500 is like driving a teenagers handbag.

[white_goodman]

bobmcgod said:

Bar the convertable the polo's a good all rounder. But still a little expensive tbh.

I don't think the convertible element really matters. I forgot to mention the Polo but it is quite expensive, not very well equipped and the 1.2 and 1.4 normally aspirated petrol engines aren't great. I guess the Ibiza is cheaper albeit with the same engines.

[D1bram]

white_goodman said:

The Alfa Mito, Audi A1, MINI and Citroen DS3 are stylish but expensive and 3 door only (I don't count the Clubman/Countryman or C3 as the same model). I would have been seriously tempted by a new Mito if they had done it in a 5 door. And what does a new C3 look like anyway?

I'll give you the Countryman is a completely different model (and not a supermini at that) but why discount the clubman? It really is just a Mini with a different back end giving a useable boot and good rear seat space for 2 adults. They drive brilliantly too. Only downside for me is the cost.

[Alpaca]

I would go for the Mazda2. It looks great, drives well and is actually good value.