The Top 9 Small Cars to Buy in 2022
Who says you can't have a good time in a car with a modest displacement capacity? Here's a list of the top ten fun-to-drive automobiles in Australia under 1.6 liters.
There's no substitute for relocation. An automobile with a 5.0-liter V8 engine will sound and perform better than one with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. But, in my perspective, being fast does not always imply being enjoyable.
1. A1 Sportback Audi A1 Sport
When the first-generation Audi A1 debuted in Australia in 2011, it was a huge hit. However, because of the enhanced convenience of two extra doors, the Audi A1 Sportback garnered more consumers in this market.
The A1 Sportback supermini, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.4-liter four-pot turbocharged engine that produced a whopping 185bhp and 250Nm of torque, allowing it to complete the century sprint in just 6.9 seconds. Given its size and power output, it's no surprise that the A1 Sportback is a quick and tight car to drive, especially when pushed through a series of curves.
2. Daihatsu Copen is a car manufactured by Daihatsu
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| The 9 best under-1.6L cars that are fun to drive in Australia |
Although the Copen with a four-speed automatic gearbox appears to be a popular (and more convenient) choice among many Australians, the five-speed manual version is the more exciting option.
Its 660cc engine may only provide 63bhp and 110Nm of torque to the front wheels, but don't be fooled by the numbers. The Copen gets up to speed swiftly and in style, thanks to its weight of a little over 800 kg. Not to mention its tiny proportions, which contribute significantly to the car's cornering ability.
The best aspect is that you may enjoy driving in the Copen without having to bleed for its upkeep. The car's annual road tax, for example, will cost you only $326. If it's a COE automobile (the vehicle's COE has been renewed), the annual road tax is merely $424.
3. Honda CR-Z Hybrid
The CR-Z Hybrid is the successor of the Honda CR-X and had a 1.5-liter engine paired to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The CR-combined Z's power output is 124bhp and 167Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds at a leisurely speed rather than rapidly.
The Honda CR-Z retains its fun-to-drive temperament on our roads, even if it doesn't burn the highways on fire or whiplash your neck to the headrest every time you stomp the right pedal. This optimistic attitude transfers to how composed the car is when it's tossed around corners with abandon.
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4. Mazda RX-8
Buyers searching for a good time won't be surprised by this vehicle. With its stylish sheet metal and lightweight rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 stood out among its competitors. Even though this car was no RX-7, it was nonetheless capable of amusing drivers.
The 1.3-liter engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that transfers power to the rear wheels. The car has 215bhp and 211Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds.
Yes, it isn't a quick automobile, but it is a stylish sports car that can bring hours of entertainment to the driver.
5. Version-R of the Mitsubishi Colt
Automatic and manual transmissions are offered for this Mitsubishi pocket rocket. While both variations are capable of providing hours of entertainment, we favor the manual version (no surprises there, of course). The front wheels of the Colt Version-R are powered by a 1.5-liter in-line for turbocharged lump that delivers 154bhp and 210Nm of twisting torque.
The Mitsubishi moves like the wind when you drive it hard on the road, even though the numbers aren't outstanding on paper. The fact that the automobile weighs just a little more than 1.1 tonnes is to thank for this, since it transfers to its capacity to accelerate quickly.
6. Ibiza Seat
The Seat Ibiza comes in a few different configurations, but we fell in love with the 1.0-liter three-cylinder. This Spanish hatchback is everything but dull, being light on its feet, quick to react to steering inputs, and punchy to drive.
The engine produces 114 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque, and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. The Seat Ibiza seems a lot quicker in real-world driving than it appears on paper. This might also be owing to the car's 1.1-tonne weight, which allows it to provide a respectable turn of speed when the situation calls for it.
7. Škoda Fabia RS
This Škoda hot hatch is based on the Volkswagen Polo and debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show before making its way to our shores a year later. The Škoda Fabia RS is powered by a 1.4-liter engine that produces 179 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. A quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox sends all the power to the front wheels. As a result, the century sprint takes only 7.3 seconds to complete.
The Škoda isn't sluggish at all, even if it's only half a second slower than the Volkswagen Polo GTI. Even the most demanding drivers will be thrilled by this rocket queen's ability to accelerate with passion. It's a lot of fun, with the kind of agility that only a blazing hot hatch can equal. The best aspect is that it achieves a fantastic blend of driveability and functionality, making the Fabia RS an all-rounder on our roads.
8. Suzuki Ignis Sport is a sporty version of the Ignis
With its plasticky interior and lack of sparkle in its appearance, this three-door pocket rocket may have come across as a touch tacky. But once you get behind the wheel and start driving, you'll see how much fun the Ignis Sport can be. The tiny rocket, which is powered by a 1.5-liter engine that produces 107 horsepower, may only be able to finish the century dash in 8.9 seconds, but it is far from dull due to its fascinating behavior.
This automobile is meant to be driven around curves. The Ignis Sport is one hatchback that will carve turns after bends with vigor, accuracy, and confidence thanks to its tiny size. It's a pity that you can't find one in good working order in Australia nowadays.
9. Suzuki Swift Sport
Yes, it's our favorite warm hatch of all time. A vehicle that never fails to bring a grin to our faces. The Suzuki Swift Sport has always been a modest entertainer, from the ZC31 to the current version ZC33.
Because the current version ZC33 has a 1.4-liter mild-hybrid turbocharged engine, it qualifies as being under 1.6 liters. It produces 127 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, allowing the automobile to remain in COE Category A. Even though it only takes 9.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, few people complain about this popular and friendly Japanese hatchback.
Remember how I stated that going quickly isn't the same as having fun? That's exactly what the Suzuki Swift Sport is. It isn't quick, but it is enjoyable to drive because of its six-speed manual transmission, precise and well-weighted steering, and tight chassis.