Child's play: PH Blog

What to do at SMMT when you're under 25? Thrash city cars and eat sweets, obviously

Right up until being effectively bundled into a Macan (first world problems and all that), the most powerful car I'd driven at SMMT (see Dan's original blog here) was a Mazda 6 diesel as the interesting stuff was reserved for the old farts over 25. [Old what? - Ed.] And you know what? I had an absolute ball.

MG3 impressed with both price and ability

When Speed Matters it's seldom that anything with less than 200hp arrives for test. So to spend a few hours hooning around (up to 55mph of course) in a bunch of skinny-tyred city cars was a welcome change.

The MG3 was first selected from the city car shootout shortlist. A 3Form Sport Tech sounds like a device for abdominal torture but it was a really nice thing to drive. The drivetrain feels unsophisticated but the way it goes down a road (or up a hill route) is super. The steering is communicative and nicely weighted and there's a real sense of vim about the way it gamely attacks corners. Interesting little car that one, and a steal at £10K.

Going straight from that to an i10 (current power total: 193hp) was revealing; immediately the little Hyundai's steering felt like twirling thin air and the brakes were snatchy. It was fine, but as a PH city car the MG was preferable. Really.

Would you Adam and Eve it? Matt rather wouldn't

However both were better than the Vauxhall Adam. I hate to say it was bad because the Adam (to me) can look quite funky in certain specs and the interior is right on too but it really wasn't great. It was firm without feeling that willing to corner and the engine seems old. The fact Vauxhall didn't let it out on the hill route probably says a lot...

We were allowed up the hill with the Dacia Sandero. 'Vague' best describes that experience, being approximate with every input because you could never be quite sure of the outcome. But it's a functioning new car for £6K. Just don't corner too hard, the seats aren't particularly supportive.

I got flagged driving the Suzuki Swift Sport trying to stay with an NSX. Says it all about that little gem.

Changing tact quite dramatically for a second, please consider the Mazda 6 if you're in the market for a Mondeo-sized thing and aren't tempted by the premium alternatives. The SkyActiv diesel is exceptional; responsive, powerful and parsimonious. It was averaging 44mpg even when I got in after lunch. Having been so consumed by the engine I can't tell you much else about the car.

Surprise of the day? A Mazda6 diesel - really!

Anyway, Diesel Car moonlighting over, it would be good to finish where we started with the MG3. As tested, the 3Form Sport cost £10,136. Following our invitation to tell us what to drive PHer Ekona said "Fiesta Auto 1.0!" I can report that its Ecoboost engine made the MG's feel as advanced as a fairground generator. But its as tested price was £17,040. Hmm...

Matt

Click here for Dan's SMMT reviews and intro

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hammo19

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