In typical Teutonic fashion, the Opel Corsa is designed around the driver, both in the cockpit and on the road. This is its greatest strength, but also its greatest weakness. Because by prioritising the person at the wheel above his or her passengers, the Corsa has compromised its appeal to the average car buyer who appreciates equipment more than driving excitement.
The Clio is classy and well-equipped for a Category A hatchback, with safety features galore and a couple of expensive touches that belie its affordable price. Also impressive are the Renault’s refined cruising, capable handling and tight build standards. But, at the end of the day, its French rival is still more convincing.
So the 207 aces our European hatch match, thanks to its superior blend of abilities. With this supermini, you get most of the Clio’s comfort, mod-cons and genuine quality, together with all of the Corsa’s stylishness and cornering flair. A dash of Peugeot panache seals the 207’s victory.
Peugeot 207 1.4 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1360cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 75mm x 77mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Power 88bhp at 5250rpm
Torque 133Nm at 3250rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 5-speed semi-automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 180km/h
0-100km/h 12.7 seconds
Consumption 15.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts,coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Drums
TYRES
Type Goodyear GT3
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4030mm
Width 1748mm
Height 1479mm
Wheelbase 2540mm
Kerb Weight 1156kg
Power to Weight Ratio 76.1bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $66,900 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Excellent ride/handling balance, thoughtful cabin amenities, style backed up by quality
– Least back-seat space of the trio, sometimes indecisive auto mode, engine’s lethargic low end
Opel Corsa 1.4 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1364cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 73.4mm x 80.6mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Power 90bhp at 5600rpm
Torque 125Nm at 4000rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 166km/h
0-100km/h 14.8 seconds
Consumption 14.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiEcoContact 3
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4000mm
Width 1715mm
Height 1490mm
Wheelbase 2510mm
Kerb Weight 1145kg
Power to Weight Ratio 78.6bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $67,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Enthusiastic handling, versatile boot layout, solid construction
– Overly firm ride, no footrest for the driver, rear power window switches
Renault Clio 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1598cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 79.5mm x 80.5mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Power 110bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 151Nm at 4250rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 186km/h
0-100km/h 12.2 seconds
Consumption 13.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiPremiumContact 2
Size 185/60 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 3985mm
Width 1710mm
Height 1490mm
Wheelbase 2575mm
Kerb Weight 1180kg
Power to Weight Ratio 93.2bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.7m
BUYING IT
Price $67,900 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Mature ride and handling, interior space and comfort, comprehensive safety gear
– Ridiculous shift paddles, intrusive engine noise, artificial steering feel
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