Mazda SP23
RRP
$29,600
Origin
Japan
Body
5 door hatchback
Seats
5
Transmission
Manual 6 sp
Engine
2.3ltr 4cyl
Power
115 kw
Fuel
55 ltrs unleaded
Fuel Economy
8.6 (1/100km)
Wheels
17" Alloy Wheels
ANCAP Rating
4star
Reviewer
Ryan, 25YO, Single, MaleI loved the leather interior of the luxury model, with a glossy and sexy dashboard design. You can go from auto to manual by using the shift control buttons on the steering wheel which was a lot of fun. Taking off at the lights didn’t provide the initial power that I would have liked, and steering wasn’t as smooth as expected. But overall it was a fun zippy car.
Thumbs-up:
Steering wheel controls, steering wheel button gear shift, sporty look
Thumbs-down:
Take off power, drivers side blind spot, firm steering
Ford Focus Ghia
RRP
$29,600
Origin
South Africa
Body
5 door hatchback
Seats
5
Transmission
Automatic 4sp - sequential sports shift
Engine
2.0ltr 4cyl
Power
107 kw
Fuel
55 ltrs unleaded
Fuel Economy
8.0 (1/100km)
Wheels
16" Alloy Wheels
ANCAP Rating
5star
Reviewer
Karla, Married, Female, 2 Kids
As a person who does a lot of inner city driving, the Ford Focus Ghia is on my list. The zippy engine ( 2.0 litre, 4 cyl) lets you take off from the lights with confidence, and also cruise the freeway with ease. The interior comfort including dual zone climate control and port for ipod connect surpasses what I would expect from a car of this size – and price.The rear seats are prefect for my young children, but might test the kneecaps of adults on longer journeys!
Thumbs-up:
Two tone interior, leather seats, audio input for i-pod, curtain airbags for safety
Thumbs-down:
Body style still quite conservative, fake wood grain “highlights”, rear seat leg room limited for adults
Subaru Impreza RS
RRP
$29,600
Origin
Japan
Body
5 door hatchback
Seats
5
Transmission
Manual 5sp
Engine
2.0ltr 4cyl
Power
110 kw
Fuel
60 ltrs unleaded
Fuel Economy
8.9 (1/100km)
Wheels
17" Alloy Wheels
ANCAP Rating
5star
Reviewer
Tim, 31YO, Single, Male
With 4WD and electronic stability control, a 5 star ANCAP rating all standard, the Impreza is vehicle that will appeal to those who rate performance over trim. Whilst handling and safety are a standout, the Impreza interior does little to excite. The RS comes complete with all the modern features that you would expect (including the option of factory sat nav,) the plastic dominated interior is elementary.
Thumbs-up:
Four wheel drive handling, Safety (5 star ANCAP), Interior space, electronic stability control (VDC stability Control).
Thumbs-down:
Basic interior styling, styling growing on me, but still somewhat conservative.
