BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 7th May 2003
ANY comparison between small to medium cars must include the Corolla. The smartly styled Seca has a long heritage of reliability and value. It has a 1587cc, twin cam, 16-valve engine, four-speed auto or five-speed manual, central locking, power steering and a radio/cassette player.
MITSUBISHI LANCER 5D HATCHBACK (1992-1996)
LOWER tech than the others in the group with slightly outdated styling, a carburettor-equipped, 1468cc, 12-valve engine and a choice of only three-speed auto or five-speed manual. The Lancer has always been an honest performer and this model offers low price, reliability and low frills economy. Power steering became standard in 1995.
RENAULT 19 5D HATCHBACK (1993-1995)
RENAULT'S last pre-Nissan backed contender, the bland 19 is well-equipped, has reasonable performance and OK handling. The 1721cc engine drives the front wheels through a four-speed auto or five- speed manual box. Air-conditioning, central locking, fog lights, power steering, and power windows are standard.
NISSAN N15 PULSAR 5D HATCHBACK (1995-2000)
Euro-centric styling still looks good today, as does the general high quality finish, proven mechanicals (a willing 1597cc unit) and agreeable front-wheel drive dynamics. A five-speed manual or four-speed auto are available. Later Pulsar "Plus" models are well equipped and popular with punters.