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2009 Poundstretchers

The small car class looks set to offer plenty of choice next year.

December 2008

Think you can't afford a new car in 2009? Then think again...

Car builders are embracing the credit crunch with a range of new wallet friendly motors destined to provide top value for money without compromising on practicality, performance or kerbside appeal.
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Kia Soul   Volkswagen Polo   Renault Clio   Chevrolet Matiz
1. Kia Soul

Next stop for the Korean firm is the supermini-MPV class. The Soul will appeal to younger buyers with its cool colours and funky options, and prices start from £11,000.

Buy it: March 2009



  
2. Volkswagen Polo

The next Polo will hit the scene with an all-new face inspired by the revived Scirocco coupé. Gone are the large grille and round headlamps of the current model in favour of a slimmer front end. And it should cost around £8,000.

Buy it: September 2009




  
3. Renault Clio

Launched three years ago, the Clio is due a facelift to steal back some limelight from the funky Ford Fiesta. The restyled front and rear take inspiration from the new Mégane.

Buy it: late 2009



  
4. Chevrolet Matiz

The next Matiz is likely to change its name to Spark, while the lines are based on the 2006 Beat concept. A hot version using the 150bhp unit from the Corsa SRi is a possibility.

Buy it: late 2009
 
Audi A1   Alfa Romeo MiTo   Vauxhall Meriva   SEAT Ibiza ECOmotive
5. Audi A1

It has been a long time coming, but we’ll finally get our first glimpse of the production-ready entry-level Audi late in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The stylish little Audi will be based on a chassis from the new Volkswagen Polo, expect prices for the A1 to start from around £13,000.

Buy it: September 2009



  
6. Alfa Romeo MiTo

Watch out MINI! The MiTo is without doubt 2009’s most desirable small car – and it’s also the best-looking affordable Alfa since the Alfasud. UK prices start from only £10,975.

Buy it: January 2009



  
7. Vauxhall Meriva

Could the Meriva turn the supermini-MPV world on its head? With sporty styling and unique barn-style doors, it’s light years away from the worthy-but-dull current version. UK sales should start from around £11,000.

Buy it: September 2009




  
8. SEAT Ibiza ECOmotive

Three and five-door versions of SEAT’s green machine will appear this year. The 1.4 TDI motor puts out 98g/km, so the Ibiza will be road tax exempt. Expect to pay around £11,000.

Buy it: February 2009
 
Nissan Pixo   Ford Ka        
9. Nissan Pixo

The Indian-built supermini promises to be one of the most efficient cars of the year. It has a 1.0-litre engine that will return 60mpg and a price tag of around £7,000.

Buy it: August 2009



  
10. Ford Ka

Small car fans have had an awfully long wait for the new Ka – now it’s here at last. Packing a sporty shape that takes its inspiration from the Fiesta, it certainly improves on its predecessor when it comes to showroom appeal and the entry-level model will cost £7,995.

Buy it: January 2009





  
 
  
 
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