Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/fiat/500/hatchback/video
With its retro looks, Fiat's 500 scores big with drivers who want their car to make a bold statement. It's a case of form over function though, for those with growing families -- the 500's rear seats, and small boot are too small to seat all but the very youngest children in comfort. That said, if practicality is not at the top of your wishlist the 500 is an excellent choice. It has a smart interior and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. A new two-cylinder engine, launched December 2010, offers almost 100mpg. Both hatchback and cabriolet versions of the 500 are available, and for those who crave extra performance, a potent Abarth version with 150bhp is also built.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2011
Fiat 500C review - CarBuyer
On first sight of the Fiat 500, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time... Fiat's recreation of its famous 1960s city car is so faithful; you really can park the new and old models next to each other and compare like for like. Following on from the massive success of the 500 hatchback, Fiat wasted no time in removing the roof to create the diminutive 500C cabriolet. It's not a true convertible, though, as only the centre section of the roof folds down, and the window frames on either side remain in place. The range of small and cheap to run petrol and diesel engines from the hatchback is carried over, and unsurprisingly the 500C drives similarly to the hatchback, with light and easy controls. The same cute, retro looks are a big part of the appeal, and a big selling point for the 500.
MINI Cooper hatchback review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/mini/mini/hatchback2/review
Unlike the 1959 original, today's BMW-developed MINI is an expensive 'premium' small hatchback. That hasn't stopped thousands flooding the roads, and an extensive options list means it's easy to make every MINI feel unique. Excellent resale values and economical engines make owning a MINI cheaper than you'd think, too. Six versions, from the basic First to the high performance John Cooper Works offer something for everyone, unless you need much space for luggage or rear passengers, that is. All versions share the same quality feel and are brilliant fun to drive.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2011
Ford KA review - CarBuyer
Full Review at: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ford/ka/hatchback/review
The original Ford Ka was much loved for its cute looks, funky interior and entertaining handling, yet this second-generation model feels more straight-laced and less fun. It shares many of its mechanical parts with the Fiat 500: in fact, they're built in the same factory. There are two engines, one petrol and one diesel, while a wide range of trim levels offers plenty of scope for personalisation -- including some crazy looking stickers. Entry models aren't very well equipped as standard, but flagship versions are luxurious.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2011
Smart Fortwo review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/smart/fortwo/micro-car/review
If you're strictly a city driver, then the Smart ForTwo could be the perfect choice. The unusual looks make it a head-turner, while its minuscule dimensions mean it's incredibly easy to park. It's as wide as it is long, so you can even leave it parked at right angles to the kerb!
Toyota iQ review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/toyota/iq/micro-car/review
It's not big but it is quite clever. Toyota's iQ city car is just three metres long but it can carry two adults and two small children - and is very well equipped. It's at its best around towns, where its compact size makes it easy to park.Running costs are low but if you intend to rely on the iQ as your only car, think carefully about the kind of trips you make. For example, you do have to choose between passenger space or luggage space -- you can't have both.
FIAT 500 (Compacts Pt.2) - Everyday Driver
The Fiat brand returns to the US with the 500, so the guys wanted to see what all the fuss is about. And in this second part of our compacts comparison, we put it up against the Honda CRZ and Mini Cooper to see what car offers the most driving fun.
Citroen DS3 review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/citroen/ds3/hatchback/review
The DS3 is Citroen's entry into the premium supermini segment and offers buyers a stylish alternative to the MINI hatchback and Alfa Romeo MiTo. It's based on the Citroen C3 but offers a more upmarket cabin and a more exciting driving experience. Engines range from an efficient 89bhp diesel, which is free from road-tax thanks to its low CO2 emissions, to a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with 148bhp which offers hot-hatch thrills. There's also a range-topping DS3 Racing model, but only 200 examples were sold in the UK. All variants get a spacious, stylish and luxurious cabin making the DS3 a fantastic all-rounder.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2011
2012 Fiat 500 Video Review
Like the Mini, the Fiat 500 has the sort of enjoyable, happy design that makes driving a small car very satisfying. Get photos and a full expert review of the 2012 Fiat 500 at: http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/impressions/2012-fiat-500
VW Scirocco review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/volkswagen/scirocco/coupe/review
Based heavily on the suspension and chassis that underpin the new Volkswagen Golf, the Scirocco is an exciting to drive coupé that competes with the likes of the Renault Megane Coupé and sporty Audi S3.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2011
Toyota Aygo review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/toyota/aygo/micro-car/review
City drivers on a budget need look no further than the Toyota Aygo. Toyota's small car is great to drive, will fit in nearly any parking space and is very reliable. The engine is tiny but it's more than capable of battling it out in the cut and thrust of town traffic. There isn't much boot space, but the low list price and running costs make up for this. Identical in all but badges and some exterior body panels to Peugeot's 107 and Citroen's C1, it's worth shopping around to see which offers the best deal.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2011
Volkswagen Golf review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/video
The Volkswagen Golf is a classy and well-built rival to the Ford Focus. Its neat interior, class leading refinement and smart looks cement its place as one of the most desirable cars in its class. The extensive model range gives choice for all budgets, the TSI petrol engines being smooth and the turbodiesels being strong on economy. The GTI and R models are sporting models that compete with the likes of the Ford Focus ST and RS, but neither is cheap.
Refinement is high on the Golf's agenda -- and from the driver's seat, it's as quiet as a luxury car. That raises it above rivals like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra for outright comfort. Built quality is first rate across the entire range, from the entry S models right up to the enjoyable GTI and R range-toppers. Smaller TSI petrol engines deliver above expectations, TDI diesels offer punchy performance and excellent economy, while the clever DSG automatic gearbox option is smooth and easy to operate.
Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2011
