Two decades ago, the typical “supermini” in Singapore was nothing more than a simple little hatchback for drivers who needed a cheap ‘n’ cheerful form of transportation. Back then, a supermini didn’t have to look good – it just had to be acceptably practical and economical to run. But given today’s car prices and industry standards, supermini buyers want more for their money. They are no longer content with a runabout that’s merely efficient and effective – it has to be stylish and fun to drive, too.
The latest Toyota Yaris is smarter and roomier than its predecessor, and it also has a smaller engine and a more efficient drivetrain. The previous Yaris was made in Thailand, but the new model is assembled in France, giving it a touch of Gallic flair.
The full-blooded French number in this contest is the Peugeot 208, which is also the only diesel-powered contender of the trio. As the successor to the 207, the 208 is not only more spacious, it also boasts a lighter body and more modern equipment.
The oldest car in this contest is the Suzuki Swift. Although this third-generation model was launched in 2011, it still looks fresh thanks to a mild facelift that has enhanced its looks and added more motoring conveniences.
So, which of these three hatchbacks would appeal the most to today’s fussy supermini buyer? Read on to find out what we think. 
When it comes to driving pleasure, the Suzuki Swift is untouchable, thanks to its perky powertrain and delightful handling. These traits, however, aren’t enough to make up for the car’s shortfall in terms of practicality, which is equally important to supermini buyers.
The Toyota Yaris nearly had it in the bag. It might not drive as well as the Swift or look as stylish as the Peugeot, but it nevertheless impresses with its efficiency and outright spaciousness. Had the Toyota given the Yaris a more refined powertrain, it might have emerged the winner in this contest.
Running neck-and-neck with the Yaris, then, is the Peugeot 208. The Pug’s designer looks, elegant cabin and composed ride are compelling enough for buyers to overlook its awkward gearbox. In this mighty, tiny showdown, the Yaris and 208 are the contenders that would appeal the most to today’s fussy supermini buyer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Peugeot 208 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbo-diesel
CAPACITY 1560cc
BORE X STROKE 75mm x 88.3mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 16:1
MAX POWER 92bhp at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 230Nm at 1750rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 84.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automated manual
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 11.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 183km/h
CONSUMPTION 26.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 98g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Michelin Energy Saver+
SIZE 195/55 R16
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 3962mm
WIDTH 1739mm
HEIGHT 1471mm
WHEELBASE 2538mm
KERB WEIGHT 1090kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $123,800
(after $20k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000 km
WE SAY
+ Elegant exterior design, wonderful ride, frugal diesel drivetrain
– Least comfy backseat, sluggish gearbox, some issues with ergonomics
* BEST OF THE THREE IN EFFICIENCY
SPECIFICATIONS
Suzuki Swift 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1372cc
BORE X STROKE 73mm x 82mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 95bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 130Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 91.8bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 4-speed automatic
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 12.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 165km/h
CONSUMPTION 16.1km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 147g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Turanza ER300
SIZE 185/55 R16
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 3850mm
WIDTH 1695mm
HEIGHT 1510mm
WHEELBASE 2430mm
KERB WEIGHT 1035kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $114,500
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Sweetest handling, most enthusiastic drive, cheaper than the rest
– Worse fuel economy than the others, tiniest boot, smallest interior
* BEST OF THE THREE IN HANDLING
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota Yaris 1.3 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1329cc
BORE X STROKE 72.5mm x 80.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11.5:1
MAX POWER 98bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 125Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 94.7bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with 7-speed override
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 12.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 175km/h
CONSUMPTION 20km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 114g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Dunlop SP Sport FastResponse
SIZE 175/65 R15
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 3885mm
WIDTH 1695mm
HEIGHT 1510mm
WHEELBASE 2510mm
KERB WEIGHT 1035kg
TURNING CIRCLE 9.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $126,988
(after $15k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Roomiest cabin, smoothest transmission, best outward visibility
– Highest sticker price, weakest air-con system, tiniest storage points
