Small car wars (December 2002)

2002 brought change for the good to the compact car buyer in Australia. More than any other class of car, the tiny tots improved in a big way, discovering refinement, ride quality, practicality, roominess and pizzaz. Without doubt, the baby-car buyer has a tougher job deciding than ever before.

The Hyundai Getz brought European styling to a Korean price tag, Honda's revolutionary Jazz rewrote the book on interior versatility and space, and Citroen's C3 dropped a ton of good looks in the sub-$20k market. Then along came the Mazda 2 with bucketloads of fun and finesse bred into every bolt and crossmember. Did it sacrifice practicality and affordability at the alter of Zoom-Zoom? We don't think so.

So, if you're shopping for a new car in the sub-$20,000 range, then don't do anything before reading CarPoint's in-depth review of each of 2002's new models. And if you want to know which one we'd choose; it ain't French and it doesn't start with a 'H'.

» Mazda 2
Mazda's 121 replacement combines practicality, affordability and excitement in equal measures unmatched in the compact car class.

» Citroen C3
Citroen's sub-$20,000 C3 is undoubtedly a standout player in the light/small car market if looks are anything to go by. Does this uniquely French car have the substance to back up the style?

» Honda Jazz
There's no doubting the Honda Jazz raises the benchmark for compact cars in Australia. It's economical to run, incredibly roomy and versatile, it's even zippy. Shame then, it's let down by a too jiggly, too firm ride.

» Hyundai Getz
Hyundai has moved on from its Excel roots with a full ten-model lineup under $50,000. But it has lost buyers in process and hopes the new Getz will bring them back. Russell Williamson goes for a drive.