..and in a different league...

For The Satria Neo offers reasonable handling and it's well kitted out

Against It's short on cabin space and safety features, and the price is too high. The ride is firm and running costs are high
Proton Satria Neo Hatchback
Experts says
1 out of 5 stars

It handles well and looks the part, but it's too flawed in too many areas – and too expensive – to compete with the best


The Proton Satria Neo Hatchback full review Read in full

* Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Reasonable, but not as quick as some rivals
* Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Decent handling, but firm ride
* Refinement
1 out of 5 stars
Lots of noise from all sources
* Buying & Owning
1 out of 5 stars
Not cheap enough to buy or run
* Quality & Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Interior looks and feels cheap
* Safety & Security
2 out of 5 stars
Short on safety kit
* Behind The Wheel
1 out of 5 stars
Switchgear awkwardly placed
* Space & Practicality
1 out of 5 stars
Too short on headroom
* Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
All cars come well stocked

or The Gen-2 is smartly styled inside and out and, thanks to Lotus’s input, it rides and handles well. Prices undercut those of mainstream rivals by a hefty margin

Against The Gen-2’s cabin is marred by abysmal quality, an awkward driving position and a shortage of rear headroom. Engine refinement is poor and residual values are weak
What Car? says
1 out of 5 stars

Cheap to buy, fairly well equipped and with fine handling, but the Gen-2 is too lacking in quality and refinement to recommend



The Proton GEN-2 Saloon full review Read in full

* Performance
2 out of 5 stars
The 1.6 engine gives adequate pace
* Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Tidy handling and a decent ride
* Refinement
1 out of 5 stars
Not a quiet place to be
* Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
Cheap, but residuals are poor
* Quality & Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Feels cheap and badly put together
* Safety & Security
1 out of 5 stars
Only top models have side airbags
* Behind The Wheel
1 out of 5 stars
Awkward driving position
* Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Decent boot; short on headroom
* Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Respectable kit for the money


Proton GEN-2 Saloon 1.6 Persona 4dr

* Summary
* Data & Specs
* Photos
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* Reader reviews
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What does it cost?

Price
£10,995
Target Price
£10,429
Fuel per 100 miles
£12
CO2
157g/km



For The 1.6 engine is quick enough for most people's needs, and the saloon comes with a similar amount of equipment to the GSX trim on the hatchback.

Against You don't get side airbags, which are standard on the GSX hatchback. And, of course, being a saloon, this is less versatile than the hatchback.
Experts say
1 out of 5 stars

The saloon is less versatile than the hatchback and there's less kit on this model than on the equivalent hatch, so we'd recommend going for the five-door instead.

Key facts

0–60mph
12 secs
Top speed
118 mph
Average mpg
42.8
Tank range
471 miles





Hyundai

For The i30 doesn't cost much, but it has lots of luxury and safety kit, generous passenger space and a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Against It's bland inside and out, and not as classy as the best cars in this class.
Hyundai i30 Hatchback
Experts say
4 out of 5 stars

A competent small family car with an outstanding warranty package. Solid, if a little uninspiring. Don't bother with anything more than the most basic model.



The Hyundai i30 Hatchback full review Read in full

* Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Small but adequate engine range
* Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
Firm but civilised
* Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Some engine and road noise intrudes
* Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Affordable, but no big discounts
* Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Solid, but not the classiest
* Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Excellent safety kit throughout
* Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Limited steering wheel adjustment
* Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Roomy for passengers and bags
* Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
All models are well equipped




Volks Polo

It combines a comfortable ride with secure handling and is one of the classiest superminis around. The cabin is spacious and most versions are well priced.

Against The base models get underpowered and noisy 1.2-litre petrol engines. A Ford Fiesta is much more fun to drive.
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback
Experts say
5 out of 5 stars

The Polo isn't as much fun as some supermini rivals, but few are as desirable. It's also roomy, affordable to buy and run and should hold its value well, making it our 2010 Supermini of the Year.



The Volkswagen Polo Hatchback full review Read in full

* Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Varies wildly, so choose carefully
* Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
More safe and secure than fun
* Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Some engines let it down
* Buying & Owning
5 out of 5 stars
Affordable and strong residuals
* Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
All versions look classy
* Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
ESP is standard across the range
* Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Looks and feels great
* Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Spacious and airy
* Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Cheaper trims are pretty basic

Prices start at pound sterling 9790..