HYUNDAI i10 1.1

The Hyundai i10 packs all of its inspiration into a new urban challenger. Elegant outside and versatile inside, the i10 takes driving fun to a higher level. New clean economic power coupled with dynamic chassis design delivers sparkling performance and a supple, precise ride, yielding under 6 litres of fuel per 100km on average. Big on style and safety, the 5-speed manual and 4-speed auto i10 is designed for independent thinkers with busy lives. Its lively 1.1-litre engine offering up a good deal of nippiness, the i10 belies its small compact status with a surprising amount of interior space, along with enough luggage capacity for the shopping. Creature comforts include aircon, radio/CD/MP3 sound system, plus electric front windows.

HONDA CR-Z

The name CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) conveys the essence of Honda’s approach with this car: to experience the pure enjoyment of driving without negative impact on society. The Honda CR-Z is a unique new car, combining the advantages of a clean, efficient petrol electric hybrid powertrain with a 6-speed manual transmission and a stylish coupé body. Its 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine is coupled to the Honda IMA parallel hybrid system with CO2 emissions of 117g/km and 5.0l/100km fuel economy over a combined cycle. Its stylish interior has a 2+2 layout which gives the possibility of extending usability beyond that of a two-seat car. Seats are fitted with ISOFIX child seat points, while the rear seats have been designed to fold easily and quickly to significantly increase cargo space. The one-touch motion folding rear seats can easily be folded, even if standing behind the car, quickly extending beyond the standard 196 litres (VDA) of space. Folding the seats opens up a flat floored cargo area that gives a surprising 370 litres (VDA to window) of cargo space, allowing a wider range of luggage to be carried.

VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Total control, dynamic road-feel, responsive handling and superb driveability - the legendary GTI performance is built on an arsenal of Volkswagen drive technologies: electro-mechanical power-steering programmed with a GTI sports map for a more direct road feel, or the choice between feisty, hands-on 6-speed manual transmission, or velvety smooth power delivery from an automatic, 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). A raging 155kW of power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine means zero to 100 in under 7 seconds is possible in both the manual and DSG, with a top-end of 240km/h, while adhering to EU5 emissions standards, with average fuel consumption remaining under 7.5l/100km. Inside, the GTI combines space, styling, technology and character to create an irresistible driving environment. From the brushed aluminium highlights throughout the interior, to the unique sports seats and signature three-spoke leather steering wheel, the GTI is attitude all over. And while the GTI is an out-and-out performance hatch, it remains practical with some 350 litres of luggage space behind the rear seats and boasting five-star safety levels.

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.4 TRENDLINE

From the sculpted, aerodynamic lines on the exterior, to the sporty, three-spoke steering wheel in the interior and the new generation 16-valve 1.4-litre engine under the bonnet, every aspect of the new Polo 1.4 Trendline seems custom-designed for a sensational driving experience. Get behind the wheel and you’ll discover why the high-spec new Polo is the car you’ll never want to stop driving. The new generation multi-valve petrol power plant not only offers lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, but also delivers outstanding performance and a truly sporty drive. The New Polo is one of the safest compact cars in the world, punching way above its weight with a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating thanks to features such as improved impact resistance, crumple zones, optional ESP, rear foglight, high level rear brake light, ISOFIX child seat mountings, an advanced airbag system with four airbags and improved ABS. Luggage capacity increases from 250 litres to some 952 litres with the rear seats folded, providing the space for a variety of luggage options while adding to the new Polo’s incredible desirability.

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK

A total of nine engines are available for the Audi A3 Sportback, including seven state-of-the-art four-cylinder units featuring direct injection and turbocharger technology. The strengths of the TFSI and TDI units include propulsive power, refinement and efficiency, evident in the range-topping 2.0-litre TFSI S-tronic’s moderate combined fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km despite its impressive 147kW and 280Nm output, while the 2.0 TDI glides frugally by on just 5.4l/100km, even with its 103kW, 320Nm engine performance. Luggage capacity behind the rear seats is 370 litres, but that more than triples to 1 100 litres once the seats are folded, allowing all types of cargo including sports equipment. And with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including Hill-start Assist and Park Assist, as well as five-star safety features, the A3 Sportback leaves little to the imagination.

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.6

What would you pay for total, unquestionable, street cred? The all-new Aveo Hatch makes a confident statement in style, features and economical power – and all this attainable to everyone at an affordable price. With its 77kW, 145Nm 1.6 DOHC engine, the Aveo Hatch packs quite a punch and, with it, loads of interior space to make it fit right into your active lifestyle. And when it comes to economy, an impressive 7.3l/100km helps the Aveo Hatch maintain its low cost of ownership - it costs a lot less to keep a Chevrolet on the road since Chevrolet has a huge parts distribution centre in South Africa, making most parts are available within 48 hours. The Aveo Hatch earned the highest possible rating in recent frontal and side-impact crash tests with a five-star USNCAP rating - when the streets get mean, ABS brakes, airbags and a reinforced safety cage will keep you safe. Offered in three trim levels – L, LS and LS A/T - the Aveo Hatch comes standard with power steering and aircon, while the LS and LT are equipped with a standard radio/MP3/CD stereo with audio input jack that lets you plug in your MP3 player and enjoy your personal playlists, electric windows and mirrors, plus a whole lot more.

CHEV SPARK 1.2

The hot new Chevrolet Spark offers a trendy urban transport solution with a premium specification and a number of segment leading features, and is a significant step up from the Spark Lite as a high specification, latest generation competitor in the small car value segment of the market. The two specification levels offered are the L and LS - both five-speed manuals and powered by the same fuel efficient, multi-point fuel injected, 1.2-litre four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve 60kW, 108Nm engine. Designed to provide excellent interior space utilisation, the front leg and head room rank among the best in the segment, making the new Spark surprisingly functional. The base L model offers power steering, aircon, radio/CD with MP3 compatibility, rear window demister and windscreen wiper, tinted windows all round, alarm/immobiliser system, key remote central locking, plus driver and passenger airbags. The LS adds heated remote electric side mirrors, front power windows, remote boot release, four-speaker RDS radio with front loading CD and MP3 compatibility, auxiliary USB port, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, plus auto-locking doors.

OPEL CORSA ESSENTIAL 1.4

A car that looks this cool on the outside, deserves to be cool on the inside – and that’s exactly what you get with the Opel Corsa 1.4 Essentia; a great interior with some seriously cool innovations. You also get loads more space thanks to the wider and longer track and base, making the good times in your Corsa comfortable too. Ride and handling are excellent, with suspension designed to handle the outer limits of its performance – the Corsa Essentia 1.4 is a car that really moves and really handles while you and your passengers remain as comfortable as ever. Powered by its 74kW, 125Nm 1.4 Twinport Ecotec engine, the new Corsa Essentia is a pleasure to drive and, even with its excellent performance, won’t cost you an arm and a leg as it consumes an average of just 5.5 litres of petrol for every 100km the two of you travel together. Power steering, ABS with Straight-line Stability, Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brake-force Distribution are all featured in the Opel Corsa 1.4 Essentia.

Copyright 2010 Zululand Observer. All rights reserved.