Although not all alike, Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia Opel Corsa or come to get fit to try to establish new hierarchies and defeat the Seat Ibiza renewed.

It is the second segment by sales volume in our market, but the utility is one of those categories where seems not to matter much be the last: Ibiza -with updated on sale from July 2015, -the current model enters Polo action in the second half of 2014, the Corsa and Sandero models were sold last year. That may prove to be a category where the customer probably takes more reason that heart, because an Excel table and their corresponding yields in hand, there is such equality for who acquires such cars as mere tools transportation is easy to end up falling into the price variable to decide the purchase.

Then, yes, I recognize that beyond what is necessary to desplazase with minimal efficiency, effectiveness, safety, comfort and versatility –and I passed through the head Dacia– there are many, many differences between each and every one of the different models that make up the segment B. And here we have three clear examples. Newcomers, the Opel Corsa defends one of the places of honor rankig in sales while both Skoda Fabia as the Hyundai i20 will be deployed new strategies to prove their worth if, at least, They want to get into the ‘top-ten’, and arguments, in fact, no shortage.

i20, surprise factor

I hear the language that the i20 is one of those cars ‘flat’, without soul or character. But what a great virtue for those who overvalue the driving comfort and refinement. Like their other two rivals, also completely new car from top to bottom, with a perhaps not too cool interior presence in its design, but very elaborate and car makings higher. Little or nothing can envy Hyundai to the best competition With a Peugeot 208 as a good point of reference- in the presence and finishes, especially in a category in which the cockpits have been flooded design, color and electronic gadget, but not always of higher quality than in earlier times-the VW Polo is one of the best examples. Great evolution here for Korean, although the exponential leap is that you feel when casting rolling, because -Evolution the previous 1.4 engine and chassis CRDi- recover the terreo that had been won for the i20 can also appear to be a small i30.

I sidetracked sonority because all the feel such as a high Fabia that, mechanically, appears to have put only view efficiency because the mechanical strength and excellent insulation body apparent low tire noise, Korean board also enjoyed a very low vibration level, very smooth and impeccable comfort cushioning. Of course, neither is nor it intended to be a car agile reactions. Still somewhat artificial, the direction of the i20 component remains my least favorite, especially when you have the ability to toggle the three cars at once; basically is the difference between support and resistance center point and the first quarter turn what remains, no longer driving precision, but some feeling and good touch.

Fabia, racing

And, there are many nuances. Because if the i20 is all comfort, protruding appearance to drive the Skoda Fabia is the effectiveness of its chassis, more in the case of units like ours equipped with sports suspension. Clearly they feel firmer but did not detract too much comfort, demonstrating hide one of the best point guards in the category. With 208, Mini and his brothers Polo / Ibiza, we must recognize one component in driving much more stimulating than his other two rivals, for its exquisite precision and neutrality, that can make preferable for those who like to have the best feelings in hand -and feet, it also slows more and better. Although in reality, this difference in effectiveness of this type and profile car / client is not or at least as I see yo- as relevant as it can be better or worse mechanical performance and responsiveness … precisely the look less good the renewed Fabia.

Four are not many. Evidenced by the 1.5 dCi Clio, the best category consumption, but also the 1.6 e-HDi Peugeot 208 -in short changes- arrive with the best ratio efficiency / speed between 90 hp turbodiesel. Today, the VW group returns to replace a ‘classic’ four-cylinder on the other three already mounted from Audi A1 to the aforementioned Polo engine, but there are still traces, has nothing to do with those fed by injector pump still they appear in the top positions in our historical consumption. It is true that barrier lowering our average 5 liters of separating the less good savers segment, although again resorting to states of equilibrium, especially I prefer something less saving and more pleasure, something that finally can find in the updated Corsa 1.3 CDTI, whose propellant has undergone radical changes. And, too mechanical vibration, low responsiveness at low revs and not too stuck exceeded 3,000 rpm, the handicap of the Fabia is not just a minor mechanical refinement that his other two rivals, but less rapid response greater involvement and forever keep its optimum performance zone.

Corsa, good balance. I admit having taken a big surprise with a Corsa, generation to generation, he had never finished entirely convincing. Its small engine is now almost as unctuous and elastic as the 1.4 CRDi its largest engine helps you be-retaining good type also between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, and where in the Czech engine can not find anything. Well assisted by a 6-speed, it combines both pleasure and responsiveness as the Korean model, spending only a tenth more than the Fabia. But those good feelings are also transferred to its chassis and not just because in behavior or comfort, but tuning of suspension and, especially, management. It will not be a tiralíneas, as Fabia; or pure cotton, as i20; nor it has the refinement of 208, but balance makes the Corsa is very homogeneous, very comfortable and effective in virtually any scenario. Balance, door inward, also you are in a more spacious interior than average in the rear seats, under which, also by the i20, should add a central transmission tunnel less intrusive than the Fabia.

In a nutshell

Acceleration. There is hardly a second apart in the category among the fastest, the Sandero dCi 1.5 / 90, and the slowest, square in the hands of the new Polo 1.4 TDi / 90 with the same engine bearing the Fabia.

Braking. Super Fabia. With smaller equipment brakes (discs are optional its rear), it offers the best mordant pedal and better than average distances.

Sonority. Corsa, 180 degrees. How and how much has changed the 1.3 CDTI in every way. 1.4 TDi tricilíndrico recalls in his touch and noise of the old pump-injector.

Overtaking. Nimble i20. On board, your engine does not seem to have the most power but its elasticity than make up for this type of exercise. Commendable response also small 1.3 Opel.

consumptions. Far from the 1.5 dCi Renault. On a Clio, of 4.3 l / 100 km average reference they are in this category and type of fuel. The less good thing for a Fiesta 1.6 TDCi, just one liter of media.

Habitability and weight. How matters more than how: with a less intrusive rear center tunnel, Hyundai is more spacious. The Fabia is the lightest of comparative, but not Category: Party Sandero and weigh even less.