Chic or stirred

You've put the cat amongst the pigeons now. I test drove the FIAT 500 Lounge 1.2 and the Mazda 2 1.3TS2 back-to-back over the same course this week. (Same dealer.) The Mazda has a quieter engine, less road and wind noise, noticeably better suspension and handling. It felt better the moment I drove it away. More space and poke too. Sounds like a no brainer, doesn't it? But I'm a 30-year-old unattached woman and like a bit of retro-chic. Consumption is about the same and price at the level I would go for in each car is also close. (Mazda would be the Tamura, in Radiant Ebony.) So, is it style over substance? FIAT or Mazda? Am I missing a trick regarding potential residuals 3-5 years down the line that might be significant enough to sway me? BTW, dealer did not seem to know about FIAT's upgraded suspension and the stability control. So did not know if it would be included in an Oct delivery car. He knew nothing about a price increase either. I'm not asking you to make this decision for me, I would just appreciate some informed guidance based on the above.

Asked on 17 October 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

The curved ball is whether a FIAT 500 that comes through in the next few months will be on the improved 2010 MY suspension, of the 500C, Abarth and Ford Ka, because that makes it drive a well as it looks. Almost as well as a Mazda 2 1.3TS2, which is also faster, but dearer to tax. 500 residuals will be affected by the decision to sell 14,000 via BSM over the next 3 years, and give new drivers a £500 discount. But I have heard of 500s being bought on scrappage for £6,500, then resold to the FIAT dealer for £7,500 after 3 months.

Tags: buying new cars small cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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