The mightiest supermini in this story would boast an imaginary amalgam of the C3’s design flair and cruising capability, the Polo’s performance and functionalism, and the 207’s handling. But no such model exists – at least not yet – so we have to choose one of the three candidates as our favourite in the context of this article, which is to find the most functional, most personable car of the bunch.
The Polo Sport aces the functionality test and its high level of utility goes beyond the interior to include the drivetrain, which is as lively as it is thrifty. But the Volkswagen is rather staid in its outlook. The car can crack a few jokes on the road, but it is always poker-faced.
The 207 is Peugeot panache at its delightful best. Its 1.4-litre 4-cylinder doesn’t have much horsepower, but it has loads of “heartpower”. It is the slowest car here, but it is fast through corners. And it happily partners the driver in making the most of the journey. At the end of the day, however, the little Pug is less complete than the Polo and less compelling than the C3.
So, Citroen’s winsome supermini wins this little battle by having the freshest blend of practicality and personality. The C3’s relatively low price is a welcome bonus.
Citroen C3 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Max Power 120bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 160Nm at 4250rpm
Power to weight 101.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.9 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 14.5km/L (combined)
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 4
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 3940mm
Width 1730mm
Height 1520mm
Wheelbase 2456mm
Kerb Weight 1178kg
Turning Circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price $82,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Sheer prettiness, pillowy ride, fantastic manoeuvrability around town
– Limited storage points in cabin, overly light steering, quality quibbles
Peugeot 207 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1360cc
Bore x stroke 75mm x 77mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Max Power 90bhp at 5250rpm
Max Torque 133Nm at 3250rpm
Power to weight 77.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 5-speed automated manual
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 14 seconds
Top Speed 180km/h
Consumption 15.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Goodyear GT3
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4030mm
Width 1748mm
Height 1479mm
Wheelbase 2540mm
Kerb Weight 1156kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $89,900 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Enthusiastic engine, happy handling, zippy driving position
– Unsettled ride, awkward automatic mode, poor glovebox space
Volkswagen Polo Sport 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 8-valves, turbo
Capacity 1197cc
Bore x stroke 71mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 105bhp at 5000rpm
Max Torque 175Nm at 1550-4100rpm
Power to weight 99.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.7 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 18.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiPremiumContact 2
Size 215/45 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 3970mm
Width 1682mm
Height 1462mm
Wheelbase 2470mm
Kerb Weight 1051kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $91,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Good acceleration, low consumption, practical interior, robust build
– Sober styling throughout, firmish ride, $9k more costly than the C3
