Smallgoods often boast a great concentration of flavour and it's the same in the automotive world. The adage 'small is beautiful' applies more than ever, now that fuel prices seem permanently set north of the dollar per litre mark, and motorists become more conscious of their impact on the environment.
But 'small' cars ain't what they used to be and if you were to park any of the Astra/Corolla/Mazda3 variety of so-called small car alongside its equivalent model of just a decade ago, you would notice a big difference in size. The old medium, has become the new small, and a current Corolla has more space inside than a late 1980s Camry and much more than an EH Holden.
As the popular models in this class continue to grow not just in size but also in popularity there is a marketing opportunity for vehicles that might be called genuinely small. So Honda offers the Jazz as an alternative to the once small Civic, in the same way that Toyota fits the Yaris below the Corolla.
Indeed, the early years of this century ushered in a raft of premium light cars including the Jazz, Mazda2 and Renault Clio to compete against longer established models such as the Peugeot 206 and Holden Barina. There are also cheaper light cars available including the Echo (forerunner to the Yaris), Kia Rio and Hyundai Getz.
Typically such vehicles notch up fewer kilometres than your average used car and, in keeping with their size, duties are often more of the lightweight variety than heavy duty interstate trips. That said all are entirely capable of such work and will use as little as 5.0lt/100km at a steady 100-110 km/h.
Contrary to some popular misconceptions, there is no reason to suppose than any of these six will not last as long as their physically larger siblings, so there is great used car buying to be had in the automotive smallgoods category. Dual front airbags and remote central locking are givens and many add standard air, electric windows, side airbags and a CD player.
Citroën C3 (more here)
The car that is in some ways the spiritual successor to the legendary 2CV is the newest design of this group and, some would say, also the prettiest. For $19,990 in mid-2003, you could buy just the base model 1.4-litre manual.
With 57kW of power and just 115Nm of torque, the little C3 could not be expected to offer much in the way of performance but it achieved figures around the class average with exceptional fuel economy as a sweetener. This market sector is far more about lt/100km (about 7.3 in all-round driving) than it is about seconds from 0-100km/h (14).
The Citroën marque has a strong enthusiast following but unfortunately there is nothing inspirational about the driving experience. The electrically assisted steering is exceptionally light and lacking in feel. Ride comfort is a long way short of the 2CV, which was designed to be able to carry a basket of eggs across a paddock without breaking any. It's fine on the open road but harsh at low speeds on poor roads.
The C3 is nonetheless stylish inside and out with lots of room and very comfortable seats up front, although accommodation in the rear is less generous Build quality is also superior to the level aficionados of older Citroëns would be accustomed to. Standard kit includes air, fast glass and DVD.
Holden Barina (more here)
The previous Barina was a European design, unlike the current Korean-sourced model. Known as the Opel Corsa in its home market, its character is unmistakably sporty and the electric steering system delivers more feel than does the Citroën's.
Indeed, the Corsa/Barina is a neat handler with a natural bias towards understeer (like the others here) and a generally smooth ride, but overall is not as appealing to drive as its larger Astra sibling.
Maximum power and torque figures of 66kW and 120Nm respectively are around the class average. Compared with the C3 the little lion feels lively but is nevertheless among the slowest accelerating cars in the group, requiring almost 12sec to reach 100km/h from a standstill.
Fuel economy is excellent at less than 8.0lt/100km of mixed driving.
The interior is not especially stylish but the seats are supportive and the controls are logical. There is better room than in the C3 for rear passengers, but disappointingly the split-fold rear seat does not go down far enough to create a flat load space.
Honda Jazz (more here)
Honda introduced two of its most successful models within a year or so of each other. Both the Accord Euro and the Jazz have consistently been close to the top of the sales charts in their respective classes. As much as anything this is because each is a most distinctive, innovative car.
The Jazz, in particular, wrote its own formula and brims with character. The interior design is especially appealing, thanks to stylish and comfortable seats, a neat-o steering wheel and typically classy Honda controls. The unique folding rear seat arrangement also maximises flexibility and offers an entirely flat, cavernous load area.
Air was not standard on the GLi but most cars got it anyway. Fuel economy is fantastic, averaging less than 7.0lt/100km.
While the 61kW/119Nm 1.3-litre four is a reasonable performer, the 1.5-litre models (81kW and 143Nm) go impressively hard (the manual reaching 100km/h in less than 10.5sec).
Alas mostly the driving experience disappoints. There is considerable body roll, a lack of steering feel, and the ride can only be described as average.
Mazda2 (more here)
Mazda's new-century small car arrived only a couple of months after the Jazz but failed to attract as many buyers -- probably because its styling was comparatively plain and boxy.
However, beneath the humble exterior resided a very good package. The first clue comes before you start the engine, the chunky sports-style multi-function steering wheel promising involvement. The dash layout is similarly inviting -- all materials are of high quality, the controls are logically placed and tactile, and a number of details such as a rubbish bin with removable liner on the passenger's side and a rear seat which slides backwards and forwards, as well featuring adjustable rake, come into the surprise and delight category.
The 2's 82kW/141Nm 1.5-litre engine is typically Mazda in its enthusiastic delivery, combining meaty lowdown torque with a zest for high rpm, although it sounds a bit more willing than the stopwatch suggests. Zero to 100 km/h takes 11sec and average fuel economy is typical of the class at a little less than 8.0lt/100km.
Dynamics are another Mazda2 strength. It handles as well as any in the group but has the most steering feel and the best ride.
The entry level Neo model has air but power windows were not included on pre-June 2003 models.
Peugeot 206 (more here)
The 206 is the oldest of the designs in this group but does not lag far behind in essentials. However, it trails all but first cousin C3 in performance because the 1.4-litre engine makes just 55kW of power and 120Nm of torque. Zero to 100 km/h takes 14sec.
Fuel economy is exemplary, which is more important to most buyers in this sector. An average figure barely more than 7.0lt/100km puts it in the same league as the Jazz.
Although somewhat dated now, the 206's interior layout is pleasing to the eye and efficient. Air is standard and there is a decent six-speaker CD sound system.
Like most small Peugeots it's a buzz to drive with well-weighted, direct steering and a hint of go-kart feel. Ride comfort is equalled only by the Mazda.
The seats are only fair but the interior is spacious (save for driver foot room), although lacking the high-tech tricky bits of the Jazz.
Renault Clio (more here)
How important is rear seat room to you? If the answer is 'very', then forget the Clio.
While the Clio's cramped in the back stalls, accommodation for front occupants is excellent in a classy feeling cabin. And the driving experience is every bit as good as you would expect given the commanding vision, grippy wheel and stylish instrumentation.
There is excellent feeling and weight to the steering and the overall dynamics are the equal of any in this group. The Clio also feels more refined than some in the group, notably its French rival.
Performance is closer to average with 0-100km/h in 12sec, although it feels livelier than this in everyday driving. Maximum power and torque are 72kW and 127Nm, respectively, neither of which is fantastic in itself but the Clio is a relative lightweight at just over 1000kg.
Multiple airbags and anti-skid brakes are present but there is no CD player.
THE CARSALES NETWORK'S PICK OF THE BUNCH
The Driver's Choice
Keen drivers will choose the Mazda2 ahead of the Clio and 206.
The Sensible Choice
The Honda Jazz is the most innovative and appealing of these cars, while the Citroën C3 may seem like the most stylish and thus appealing car for the money... So, it's the Jazz by a short half-head, with the Mazda a fast-finishing third.
To comment on this article click here