YOUR MUST-HAVE
RENAULT’S Megane might have had plenty of different faces over the years but this latest one, with a more mature and sleek look compared to before, could be its most popular yet.
Like the Ford Focus, Renault has dropped the three-door and instead is concentrating on a five-door hatchback and Sport Tourer estate.
It looks particularly good in the new GT-Line sport trim.
A good level of equipment is allied to a vastly improved interior in terms of its fit and finish and it also has a portrait-style central touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard which works well.
The sport GT (not to be confused with the GT Line trim level) also gets a new system called 4Control which uses rear-wheel steering for better handling. IT is no mistake the Ford Focus regularly features in the top ten UK sales charts for new cars.
Despite its age, the family hatchback remains one of the best driver’s cars in its class and is still competitive despite plenty of younger rivals having arrived on the scene since it landed in showrooms.
The entry-level 1.0-litre Ecoboost in its 100 and 125bhp forms is undoubtedly a highlight but much attention goes to the sportier ST and RS models at the top of the range.
The ST is now available in both petrol and turbo-diesel forms as well as a hatchback and estate, while the RS can embarrass plenty of full-on sports cars with its superb handling and grip. GOOD LOOKS: The Astra is now much more refined AWAY from the limelight saved for the likes of the Focus, Astra and Golf, arguably one of the most under-rated cars in this class is Peugeot’s 308. It may not be the newest car in the sector but it offers plenty of style and class for the money as well as a number of highlights in the range – including a huge estate in the form of the 308SW. In terms of engines, the three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol, available in 110 and 130bhp forms, is a definite highlight.
Meanwhile, the GT offers warm hatch thrills without the bills and the flagship 270bhp GTI is a great all-round performance car that is far easier to live with on a daily basis than many of its hardcore rivals. THERE is no question Vauxhall’s reputation has suffered in past years for producing very worthy cars but perhaps not ones you might really long for or those that would tug at your heartstrings. Of late though, the most recent Insignia has just got better and better (we love the look of the new one) and this latest Astra is much the same. With some sharp styling and good build quality, it is vastly improved from those that have gone before and the refinement is much better too. With a varied selection of engines and along with a respectable workhorse estate in the form of the Sports Tourer, plus some novel items like the Adaptive Foward Lighting headlights and Vauxhall’s brilliant OnStar system, it stands out from the crowd. BLINK and you might miss the changes to the new Volkswagen Golf. However, while there might not be much to spot on the outside, beneath the skin there are plenty of differences.
There is a new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol entry-level engine capable of 58.9mpg average fuel economy and a new 1.5-litre turbo, too, while both the sporty GTI and R models get slight power boosts. A new twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox has helped reduce emissions, while all models now get stop-start engine technology and regenerative braking. INCREDIBLY this is Honda’s tenth generation of Civic and while this latest version adopts some conventional design cues compared to before, that will not be unwelcome in many quarters.
Fans of previous versions shouldn’t worry though as it has not gone entirely sensible, especially at the back with central twin exhausts. The new Civic features two new down-sized turbo-petrol engines, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 129bhp and a 182bhp 1.5-litre.
There is a larger cabin than before and Honda is promising the driving experience will be as good as ever. Expect estate and hot Type R models to join the range in the future. IN the crowded market of family hatchbacks, with giants like the Ford Focus and VW Golf, it is hardly surprising that cars such as the Mazda 3 has not enjoyed more time in the limelight.
Then again, with more than five million sales worldwide since 2003, it is a car that has built itself a solid reputation as a desirable, enjoyable and dependable car in the class.
The latest changes are not that visible on the outside but Mazda’s Skyactiv technology continues with larger engines now able to get closer to their claimed average fuel economies than most. The lesser 1.5-litre, 105bhp turbo-diesel manages an impressive 74.3mpg and 99g/km emissions. A great driving experience lifts it above many rivals proving the 3 deserves more plaudits than it currently receives.