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Life

13th May 2010

Small, affordable and cool

Can't afford your dream car yet? Well all hope is not lost as JOE brings you three of the coolest affordable compacts.

JOE

Most of us have that dream car, the ultimate driving machine that will give us instant kudos and bring the ladies running. Unfortunately the cost of insurance for men in this country (especially for the under 25s) can swiftly turn that automotive dream into a nightmare of slow and boring compacts. Luckily car manufacturers have seen this desperate need for a bit of style and substance, and over the last few years the whole compact scene has gone rather cool.

We’ve got our three favourites, and they come from Fiat, Peugeot and Opel.

Fiat 500

Fiat have often been accused of being boring to look at but their new ultra compact has personality to spare with a slightly retro design that brings to mind the original Mini Cooper, as well, of course, as the original quirky little Fiat upon which this is based. Everything else about this car is modern to the core with standard features including 16” alloys, Bluetooth hands-free system, air conditioning and tinted windows. Best of all, the 1.2 litre engine model comes in at just under €13,000.

Peugeot 207

The 207, the successor to the bland 206, certainly has its older sibling beaten in the design stakes and is looking quite aggressive especially from the front. Characteristically from a Peugeot, it drives well too – it’s nippy and it handles well – with a comfortable interior that is quite roomy for a car this size. The basic 1.3 litre engine size is slightly more than that of the Fiat 500 and this might send those insurance quotes higher, but if you can afford the €15,000 asking price, that might not be a problem.

Opel Corsa

Another car that used to have boring written all over it, despite the fact that it drove quite well. The reason for this was probably the fact that for a long time the Corsa looked awful, its design stopping just short of Nissan crappiness. But what a difference a few years makes with the 2010 model bringing a robust chunky look to create a car that you can drive around in without fear of being laughed at. Prices start at a very low €10,995.

 

Younger drivers will get the most benefit from these cars especially if they have kept their licence clean. Insurance quotes for a 23-year-old with four years’ experience, no penalty points and two years’ no claims will come in around €700-800, but, as ever, shop around to get the best deal.

Leo Stiles

Topics:

best of,Motors