Sub-Light Hatch mega-test: Comparison
We test five of the best budget busting babies. Find out which one wins in the affordability and dependability stakes.The Sub-Light Hatch is often a young driver’s first foray into the world of motoring. Perhaps it’s affordability that attracts newcomers to the segment -- the thrill of owning something new, hopefully reliable, and certain to provide all of the good times and fond memories we associate with our first car.
Getting that purchase right, therefore, is a decision not to be taken lightly. Sure, the price might be right, but you must be certain an entry-level vehicle can meet all of your needs and expectations while at the same time delivering on what it promises.
To that end, the crew at motoring.com.au is here to help, analysing and testing five budget bustin’ babies with the aim of finding which represents the pick of the litter.
We’ll also annex the opinion of two such potential buyers to get a better understanding of the priorities they place on that all-important first new car.
See how each of the five cars went in the Sub-Light Hatch mega-test:
motoring.com.au's Sub-Light Hatch mega-test comparison
The first mega-test for 2013 sees the motoring.com.au team umpire a mêlée of mighty midgets against not only one another, but a set of strict judging criteria too.
This year, our judges will focus specifically upon one criterion each, whittling out those subtle differences that will make or break a showroom decision. From here, we’ll weigh up which vehicle deserves a place at the top of the Motoring podium.
The criteria are:
On the road (Matt Brogan)
A sub-light car may do many things well, but if it’s skittish and unpredictable at speed there’s little point buying it. In this section we’ll test the cars’ refinement, safety, dynamism and performance.
Value for money (Tim Britten)
A vehicle must prove it’s worth the asking price, or at least offer something its rivals do not. In this section we’ll ascertain whether we feel the vehicle’s packaging is commensurate with its price tag.
Fit, finish and finesse (Tony O’Kane)
Here parts, panels and paraphernalia are put under the Motoring microscope. We look for flaws in design that could lead to issues down the track and check how well the car is screwed together.
Execution of intended purpose (Adam Davis)
Passenger accommodation and comfort, driver ergonomics, cargo capacity and flexibility, and overall amenity are all important qualities. But which car delivers the best overall mix of these vital virtues?
Suitable integration of technology (Nadine Armstrong)
It’s really annoying when technology doesn’t work the way we want it to. In this section we evaluate how successfully infotainment and driver assistance technologies are applied and integrated.
We will also canvass the opinion of two first-car buyers to find out just where their priorities lie. What’s important to Gen Z buyers? And how do we convince them they’re wrong?
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