Small fun practical and desirable?
Discussion
So the other half and I both have small cars (Fiat Panda 100HP and Citroen C2 1.4), as well as my "high days and holidays" XK. Bearing in mind the driveway only fits two cars, we're starting to think we have one too many cars.
So if we flog our hatchbacks, what's available?
I want:
For me, the obvious choice is a Suzuki Swift Sport, but I'll admit the interior is bland. Looks good in blue, though.
She has mentioned the Fiat 500. Obviously I like small Fiats, but the 500 is so impractical compared to a Panda that we'd end up having two cars with useless rear seats and boots. Also, I'd then want the Abarth 595, which will have a similarly crashy ride to the 100HP.
I'm quite drawn to the new Mazda 2 in top GT Sport trim it's really well equipped (it's got a ruddy HUD!), has a low curb weight, and reasonably eager naturally aspirated engine. It also handles well in that traditional, compliant way that suits UK roads so well, even having decent sidewall. But it does look a bit sad, and even that glorious shade of red that Mazda do cannot really lift it. I don't really care about that, but it's also pretty new, and so will cost £12k, which I do care about.
We both quite like MINI's, though for me the new Mini started great in 2001 and has gone downhill in each iteration. Mainly, I hate how fat it's got, particularly that Countryman thing. But there's something about a tiny estate that I'm really drawn to, and the Clubman does appeal. I know the first Clubman (the 2007–2014 model) retains much of the charm of 2001 model (save for the supercharger), but what of the newest model (2015-)? Is it still a good steer?
Any other suggestions?
So if we flog our hatchbacks, what's available?
I want:
- Similar practicality to the Panda (few cars this small are as practical)
- Tidy handling for spirited driving, and a naturally-aspirated engine
- Decent equipment (DAB, Sat Nav, Cruise Control)
- Good looks (an interesting colour and nice design details)
- Good visibility
- A more compliant ride than the Panda (not hard to find!)
For me, the obvious choice is a Suzuki Swift Sport, but I'll admit the interior is bland. Looks good in blue, though.
She has mentioned the Fiat 500. Obviously I like small Fiats, but the 500 is so impractical compared to a Panda that we'd end up having two cars with useless rear seats and boots. Also, I'd then want the Abarth 595, which will have a similarly crashy ride to the 100HP.
I'm quite drawn to the new Mazda 2 in top GT Sport trim it's really well equipped (it's got a ruddy HUD!), has a low curb weight, and reasonably eager naturally aspirated engine. It also handles well in that traditional, compliant way that suits UK roads so well, even having decent sidewall. But it does look a bit sad, and even that glorious shade of red that Mazda do cannot really lift it. I don't really care about that, but it's also pretty new, and so will cost £12k, which I do care about.
We both quite like MINI's, though for me the new Mini started great in 2001 and has gone downhill in each iteration. Mainly, I hate how fat it's got, particularly that Countryman thing. But there's something about a tiny estate that I'm really drawn to, and the Clubman does appeal. I know the first Clubman (the 2007–2014 model) retains much of the charm of 2001 model (save for the supercharger), but what of the newest model (2015-)? Is it still a good steer?
Any other suggestions?
Late Alfa Romeo Mito. Various levels of power available up to 170.
A left field choice for juniors first car in 1.4 16v Non turbo form, 60 plate. Had it a year and no regrets so far.
BUT, fails the comfy ride test and get over 105 bhp they have a turbo. Avoid the twin air.
Polo GTI, not cheap though, not sure if they have turbo on these days, TBH many small cars do these days.
A left field choice for juniors first car in 1.4 16v Non turbo form, 60 plate. Had it a year and no regrets so far.
BUT, fails the comfy ride test and get over 105 bhp they have a turbo. Avoid the twin air.
Polo GTI, not cheap though, not sure if they have turbo on these days, TBH many small cars do these days.
Edited by Wingo on Wednesday 30th October 15:04
Polo GTi is not a bad shout (I actually really want an Up! GTi, but think she'll say it's too small). They are definitely turbocharged (have been for years), but to be honest, that's not a deal breaker for me. I'd just rather have one more n/a before they all disappear.
MiTo is a fair shout. I considered one when I got the Panda. I think I discounted the early ones but quite liked to look of later models, which would now be in budget. Will have to give that another thought.
Not really into Fiesta ST's (even though I know they're very highly regarded). Don't know why...
MiTo is a fair shout. I considered one when I got the Panda. I think I discounted the early ones but quite liked to look of later models, which would now be in budget. Will have to give that another thought.
Not really into Fiesta ST's (even though I know they're very highly regarded). Don't know why...
300bhp/ton said:
Practical for what? Aren't GT86's near to this money these days....
Being four-up in comfort. Doing tip runs. Buying bulky items etc... The Panda is a TARDIS; I'll never beat it for practicality to exterior dimensions ratio.SweptVolume said:
Being four-up in comfort. Doing tip runs. Buying bulky items etc... The Panda is a TARDIS; I'll never beat it for practicality to exterior dimensions ratio.
4 up in comfort, not sure I'd say any of the small hatches to that tbh 
As for bulky items, coupe are often quite good here as they have longer boot. I had a Nissan 100NX years back, tiny car but supremely practical boot, far better than even the mid sized hatchbacks of the same era.
Nissan Note?
We had a couple of them, an old shape 2012 car followed by a newer shape 2014 version. Both mega practical, sliding rear bench gave a choice of lots of legroom or big boot and various stages in between. Surprisingly decent to drive as well.
The 2014 car had a 99bhp 1.2 litre 3 pot, supercharged, which had a nice linear torque delivery and a reasonable amount of poke for a small car. Being a Tekna model it had all manner of kit including nav, climate control and cruise control.
Only downside is they're a slightly frumpy looking thing. I quite liked the boxy shape of the earlier car, but the newer one was available with a styling pack (side skirts, deeper bumpers etc).
We had a couple of them, an old shape 2012 car followed by a newer shape 2014 version. Both mega practical, sliding rear bench gave a choice of lots of legroom or big boot and various stages in between. Surprisingly decent to drive as well.
The 2014 car had a 99bhp 1.2 litre 3 pot, supercharged, which had a nice linear torque delivery and a reasonable amount of poke for a small car. Being a Tekna model it had all manner of kit including nav, climate control and cruise control.
Only downside is they're a slightly frumpy looking thing. I quite liked the boxy shape of the earlier car, but the newer one was available with a styling pack (side skirts, deeper bumpers etc).
DS3 Prestige
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Clio Signature Nav
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
GT Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Fiesta Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
208 GT Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Clio Signature Nav
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
GT Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Fiesta Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
208 GT Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Update.
So, a few months after offering the Swift as a sound choice, I am surprised one day to find she's fallen for its chunky styling and is actively searching AT for used examples.
One came up last week with 5 doors in blue only half an hour away, so we went to have a look and came home with it.
Not the best photo, sorry.
It's a late 2014 model, which is a little older than I'd like, but we got it for the decent sum of £5325 with 49k on the clock. It needs a service and a pair of front tyres, otherwise seems very good.
The car feels huge inside, which I put down to the deep dashboard, and the ride is much more 'grown up'. It feels firm without being crashy, which is nice. Front end grip isn't great, but understandable due to the damp, cold conditions and worn front tyres; I'm hoping the new boots will sort that.
Refinement on the motorway was good, and cruise control is boon. The seats are lovely and supportive, but will have to do a decent journey to assess whether they are genuinely comfortable.
The throttle isn't mapped very aggressively (a good thing), but that does make it feel more lethargic and heavier than the Panda at town speeds. As it needs new oil, I haven't opened it up to high engine speeds yet to feel the full power, but hope it springs into life above 4000rpm. Speaking of the throttle, the pedals are well positioned and I managed a clumsy heel and toe on the drive home, so hope with a few more practices to get that mastered (I gave up trying to heel and toe in the Panda - its pedals' position and weighting just weren't right).
Suzuki advertise fixed price servicing, yet no dealer anywhere near me seems to have adopted this, which makes servicing this little hatchback at a main deal more expensive than my 5.0 Jaguar. Are there any Suzuki specialists out there or should I drop a service schedule to my local mechanic to ensure the right lubricants are used and the right parts are replaced? Might create a new topic in the Jap Chat on this matter, actually.
So, a few months after offering the Swift as a sound choice, I am surprised one day to find she's fallen for its chunky styling and is actively searching AT for used examples.
One came up last week with 5 doors in blue only half an hour away, so we went to have a look and came home with it.
Not the best photo, sorry.
It's a late 2014 model, which is a little older than I'd like, but we got it for the decent sum of £5325 with 49k on the clock. It needs a service and a pair of front tyres, otherwise seems very good.
The car feels huge inside, which I put down to the deep dashboard, and the ride is much more 'grown up'. It feels firm without being crashy, which is nice. Front end grip isn't great, but understandable due to the damp, cold conditions and worn front tyres; I'm hoping the new boots will sort that.
Refinement on the motorway was good, and cruise control is boon. The seats are lovely and supportive, but will have to do a decent journey to assess whether they are genuinely comfortable.
The throttle isn't mapped very aggressively (a good thing), but that does make it feel more lethargic and heavier than the Panda at town speeds. As it needs new oil, I haven't opened it up to high engine speeds yet to feel the full power, but hope it springs into life above 4000rpm. Speaking of the throttle, the pedals are well positioned and I managed a clumsy heel and toe on the drive home, so hope with a few more practices to get that mastered (I gave up trying to heel and toe in the Panda - its pedals' position and weighting just weren't right).
Suzuki advertise fixed price servicing, yet no dealer anywhere near me seems to have adopted this, which makes servicing this little hatchback at a main deal more expensive than my 5.0 Jaguar. Are there any Suzuki specialists out there or should I drop a service schedule to my local mechanic to ensure the right lubricants are used and the right parts are replaced? Might create a new topic in the Jap Chat on this matter, actually.
They are piss easy to service. The only slight complication is that they have solid valve lifters and the clearances need to be checked.
I’ve not heard of any being out of spec and most people don’t bother other than for cause.
5w30 engine oil and a gearbox oil change every now and again wouldn’t go amiss. Both easy and cheap.
There is a lively Facebook group for all things sss.
I’ve not heard of any being out of spec and most people don’t bother other than for cause.
5w30 engine oil and a gearbox oil change every now and again wouldn’t go amiss. Both easy and cheap.
There is a lively Facebook group for all things sss.
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