The problem with the Clio is that its talents are uneven. Its good points (like pliant suspension, superb safety features and a colourful paintwork palette) are sadly offset by its mysterious weaknesses. For instance, the Clio’s automatic headlights are way classier than its tacky reading lights and the soft-touch dashboard materials clash with the cheap, hard plastics here and there. Another mystery is how the cabin accommodates passengers nicely but not their personal effects.
The 207 has been expertly designed to appeal to the keen driver with more dash than cash. Its outright power and performance are about average, but it feels faster than that, thanks to an eager drivetrain and genuinely engaging handling. This is Peugeot panache at play. The ride is not the smoothest in town and the level of utility might not be adequate for the busy family, but there is no doubting the 207’s joyful character. And the car looks fantastic from every angle (sans that tacky decal! – Ed).
Compared to the Peugeot, the Polo is less sexy (both on the outside and inside) and less dynamic in its directional changes. Compared to the Clio, the Polo is less spacious and less supple in its ride quality. But the Polo beats both cars in pure practicality, day-to-day driveability and real-world fuel economy. Admittedly, this miniature Golf for the masses is more functional than fun, but by getting almost everything right (including the price), the Volkswagen Polo successfully repels the French forces
in this story.
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 (with motor) 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 4027mm
Width 1707mm
Height 1493mm
Wheelbase 2575mm
Kerb Weight 1180kg
Power to Weight Ratio 93.2bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.7m
BUYING IT
Price $69,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Big-car comfort and safety, luxurious little touches, very competitive pricing
– Engine noisy when stretched, poor stowage of loose items, overall design getting dated
Volkswagen Polo 1.4 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1390cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 76.5mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Power 85bhp at 5000rpm
Torque 132Nm at 3800rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 177km/h
0-100km/h 11.9 seconds
Consumption 17.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiPremiumContact 2
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 3970mm
Width 1682mm
Height 1462mm
Wheelbase 2470mm
Kerb Weight 1029kg
Power to Weight Ratio 82.6bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $70,300 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Efficient, effective performance, highly practical interior, sturdy build quality
– Cost constraint in evidence, back seat “squeezy” for three, it’s not made in Germany
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 automated manual
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 $72,900 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Enjoyable handling, enthusiastic engine, aesthetics and amenities
– Slightly jumpy ride, unsmooth auto drive mode, glovebox chilled but cramped
