QUESTION – GLENN (April 14, 2017)

I’m looking for a car, prioritising fuel economy and safety. I drive daily around 20km and 140km a week, mostly around the city, so I’m looking for a small car. The best I could fine was a Volkswagen Polo 81TSI but I want to be sure.

BUDGET: $25,000

ANSWER – NATHAN PONCHARD:

There’s a wealth of choice in the small-car market for less than $25K and you’re correct in identifying the Volkswagen Polo 81TSI Comfortline DSG ($21,190 RRP, not including on-road costs) as one of the safest and most economical.It’s also roomy, gutsy, and confidence-inspiring to drive. However, you should be aware that the current shape has been on sale since 2010 and an all-new Polo generation will launch here in 2018.Others we’d suggest looking at include the Polo’s close cousin – the younger and funkier Skoda Fabia 81TSI – in two trim levels. The standard car is $19,490 RRP (with a range of cool, design-focused options available) while the more upmarket Monte Carlo is $23,490 RRP. You may be able to find a Fabia Monte Carlo for around $25K driveaway. There’s also a Fabia wagon available (unique in this class).As it stands, while there are fewer Skoda dealers around, they offer reasonably competitive fixed-price servicing, and given that the Fabia shares its entire mechanical and safety package with the Polo, you may like the fact that it’s a little less common, a bit more cool, and can be individualised.

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