Does size matter?

There used to be one dominant car market in Australia and, to a certain extent, across the world.

Back in the good old days, the large family sedan was one option; maybe a tractor or a two-stroke scooter the other.

As time passed by however, the humble sedan evolved - it got bigger, smaller, taller, faster, better looking and more sophisticated.

Thanks to a deep-seeded passion for locally built family sedans, the Falcon and Commodore are still two of Australia's best sellers, and are likely to be for another twenty years, or at least until fuel-cell cars hit the roads.

In spite of Australia's love affair with big family cars, two market segments have boomed over the last five years, both here and even moreso overseas: small cars and 4WDs (or SUVs as many like to call them).

Herein we'll be focussing on the former, many of which promise to change some people's thinking about small cars - does size really matter?

One of the things that's come a long way in small cars, or sub-compacts, is build quality and interior packaging. The new wave of compacts arriving Down Under (detailed below) all seem to offer amazingly well appointed, ergonomically pleasing and intelligent interiors.

2004 Mitsubishi Colt

First up, news that Mitsubishi will be scrapping, or rather 'upgrading', its ageing Mirage to the recently revealed 2003 Colt, will likely see the carmaker's small car sales possibly double in the local market.

At present, Mitsubishi offers the tired Lancer Coupe and Mirage, which are very much relics of last decade. The new Colt, like many emerging compacts, look set to offer seriously good value for money in every respect.

Also in line with many other small cars, the Colt adheres to Mitsu's new design DNA - at least in the front end styling - which is already evident in the new Outlander and will be seen on the next Magna, due late in '03.

The look is very much the mini-mini-van style, first popularised by Toyota's Echo - short, sharply raked bonnet, whose lines seamlessly blend into the windscreen. The Honda Jazz, Daewoo Kalos, Hyundai Getz and now the Colt share this 'Euro' look.

Gifted with either a new 1.3 or 1.5-litre MIVEC mill, mated to continuously variable transmissions, Mitsubishi Australia hasn't yet finalised the name - so there's a chance it could still be the Mirage - or price, though we do know it will arrive early 2004.

Meanwhile, the Colt launches in Japan on November 16, hoping to follow the lead of the Honda Jazz, and sell 7000 of the tiddlers every month. There is even talk of a hotted-up Ralliart version - now that would be nice!

"The new face of Mitsubishi has arrived. The Colt represents a new direction for Mitsubishi Motors in terms of design and quality," said Mitsu Motors Corp (MMC) big chief, Rolf Eckrodt.

The Colt's platform, jointly developed with DaimlerChrysler, meets global safety standards, stated Eckrodt. "Our alliance with DaimlerChrysler made it possible to achieve the highest safety and quality levels," he concluded.

2004 Holden Barina/Opel Corsa

If the Mitsu Colt doesn't raise you're blood pressure, then how about the new Barina, or Corsa as its known in its Europe?

Not only is it getting an all-new look, but we even have the first Australian shots of the Barina convertible - and boy, is it hot!

And forget soft-tops, which increase wind-noise, insurance repayments and hassle - this little German-built four-wheeler gets a retractable hard top roof - just think Peugeot 206cc.

Largely in response to Ford's StreetKa, which isn't coming to Australia because of its high price, the new Barina range will ship in late 2003 (in Europe).

Powered by 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines, there are rumours that the next-generation Barina will even get GM's Ecotec 2.0-litre turbocharged mill. Now that would be something.

Word is that the new Corsa/Barina will go for a minimalistic interior - but don't expect that to mean cheap...

Entry-level prices aren't expected to jump, though the convertible will be offered at a premium.

2003 Honda Jazz

Next up comes the Honda Jazz - already on sale here and already the subject of much debate. There are those who believe the new compact is as cute as a button, while others reckon it looks like a removalist van.

Indeed, the upright and much taller chassis that many compacts are going for (aka monobox shape) may agitate some onlookers, but in terms of practicality, it's a very efficient way to create more interior space.

As such, the Jazz has huge amounts of interior space, while measuring slightly less than 1.7-metres wide. That said, the four-door hatch is 3830mm front head to tail lights.

Typically Honda, the Jazz is neither trend-setting nor mundane, offering clean, smooth lines without getting too 'radical'. There's even a little of the Peaugeot 307 in the front end, too.

The Jazz sold like proverbial hot-cakes in Japan - how does 100,000 units sold in six months sound? Some believe one of the reasons for its popularity is the inclusion of 'Magic Seats', while others say that it simply fills a viod that the ugly new Civic has created.

Whatever the case, the Honda Jazz range begins at $16,990 (plus ORC) for the GLi, which ships with a revvy 1.3-litre inline four cylinder, worth 61kW. Another VTi equipped 1.5-litre four is also available.

Inside the Jazz, drivers are faced with a rather sporty dash, with simple yet elegant tacho, speedo and temp gauges. The so-called 'Magic Seats' also improve the interiors appeal, essentially transforming the compact into four different modes: normal, tall, utility and long. Honda claims that the Jazz can carry a 26-inch mountain bike inside, without the need to remove the wheels.

Will the Jazz take off in Australia? Honda's local director, Lindsay Smalley, said: "The Jazz sets a new benchmark in performance, versatility, safety, equipment levels and economy in the light and small classes. And we also believe the Jazz will create a new market segment like our light-4WD the CR-V, did when it was launched." With dual airbags and ABS standard across the range, it's got a lot going for it - but then so do its rivals...

2003 Mazda2

One such rival comes from Mazda in the form of the Mazda2, which we had a good look at during the Sydney Motor Show. Not only does it have Mazda's fresh new look to it, seen in the new Mazda6 and upcoming RX-8, but also that (shudder) Zoom-Zoom thing going on.

One of the first aspects of the car that Mazda reps will point out is the new-generation 1.5-litre engine, which churns out a class-leading 82kW of power.

Adopting sophisticated sequential valve timing, the all-alloy engine is part of a complete redesign of Mazda's light car offering, which also employs all-new body architecture, has new suspension, steering, brakes and larger tyres.

The Mazda2's engine delivers 24 per cent more power than a Holden Barina, and also returns significantly improved fuel economy over the ageing 121.

The five-door hatch will be sold in three trim levels – Neo, Verve and a sport model that is called Genki in Japan – and introduces exciting color options such as Spicy Orange and Honey Yellow.

Metallic paint will also be a no-cost option when the car arrives locally in early 2003 and Mazda has also included folding and sliding rear seats, like the Jazz. Sadly, though, they're not magic...

All three rear passengers get a lap-sash seatbelt, while ISOFIX child seat and top-tether anchor points are also provided. Equipment levels will be high, with central locking, a CD player, power steering, driver's seat height adjustment and an engine immobiliser standard on all grades.

The range-topping sport model goes on sale in February 2003 and features a body kit, fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. While pricing still isn't finalised, expect the Mazda2 range to be offered at a similar price to Honda's Jazz, perhaps $17,990 for the entry level model (with air-con standard).

2003 Hyundai Getz

And then there was Hyundai... While the Getz has plenty going for it, including a revised entry-level price of just $13,990 for the three door, it appears that the car isn't selling as well as was expected.

Hyundai Australia boss, C.K.Liew, puts it down to a lack of stock: "Hyundai Motor Company (Korea) listened to our case and has agreed to increase supply as soon as possible.

"I am optimistic the situation will improve soon so we can better satisfy the high level of buyer interest our dealers are experiencing since Getz' recent launch," Mr Liew said.

Despite the shortage, it offers impressive performance in the small car segment with its 74kW, 133Nm 1.5-litre DOHC powerplant.

The styling is pleasing too, and, like almost all the others here, the Getz also has a monobox body, resulting in a surprisingly spacious interior and while it doesn't get reshufflable rear seats, they do fold forward to provide a large, flat cargo area.

Other compacts that deserve a mention are the new Daewoo Kalos (not due for more than a year) the VeeDub Polo and its upcoming drop-top roadster cousin, the Benz-built 'smart' range, plus the new-look Ford Festiva, which may or may not arrive here, particularly if the Focus importation schedule is anything to go by.

At the end of the day, it's plain to see that the coming wave of small cars are no longer just bright toys for teenagers, offering more room, more safety and more features than ever before. With many now offering three lap-sash belts in rear, families may be more inclined to check them out as well.

With rising fuel, maintenance and running costs, the small car, whose engines typically range from 1.3 to 1.8-litres in capacity, could become the new boom market in future.

While not likely to run cars like the Magna and Commodore into the ground just yet, there are some exciting things happening in the world of small cars. And no, size doesn't matter. Much...