• 7 months ago
Today on The Top Ten Auto Show the team take a look into the world of the top ten best small family cars of 2002, basing their final descision on pure sales figures and features.

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Transcript
00:00 [Music]
00:27 Hello, this is Dave Lee Travis welcoming you to another edition of the Top Ten Auto Show.
00:32 This is the definitive chart where we look at a different category of cars each week
00:37 and compile the top ten chart voted by our expert panel of automotive experts and car magazine editors.
00:43 This week we're looking at one of the most competitive car classes of them all, small family cars.
00:49 So let's start that countdown.
00:51 [Music]
00:58 In at number ten this year is Sweden's Volvo S40.
01:02 The biggest cost in running a car is the depreciation.
01:05 Anyone looking at buying a brand new Volvo S40 would be shocked to see the second hand prices of this car.
01:11 The S40 doesn't really keep its value well which is a mystery really
01:15 because it's a good looking well equipped car which provides a sensible alternative
01:19 to the mainstream small family cars which are available.
01:23 When a car is the choice of parents, safety has to come up high on their list of priorities
01:28 and with Volvo's reputation as the automotive king of safety, a Volvo would seem to be a sensible choice.
01:34 The styling may be a little bland, there could be a little more room in the rear cabin
01:38 but these are small complaints compared to the long list of standard equipment
01:42 and the huge amount of practicality that the Volvo S40 offers.
01:47 As long as you can live with that depreciation and the fact that the servicing and the parts bill
01:51 will be a little bit bigger over your ownership of the car,
01:54 this could be a good choice for you and your family.
01:57 Let's take a look at the specifications.
01:59 [Music]
02:28 So, we've had a look at the Volvo S40.
02:31 What did our judges rate of each of the different characteristics of this car?
02:36 [Music]
02:41 So the Volvo S40, the Swedish entry at number 10 in our chart with an average percentage of 53.
02:48 [Music]
02:54 At number 9, we come south from Sweden into La Belle France to greet one of Citroën's family, the Zara.
03:01 Here's another car which hasn't got fantastic residual values
03:05 but the bonus is Citroën seem to be having incredible offers on their new cars
03:09 and if you have the gift of the gab as well, you may be able to negotiate an even better deal.
03:15 Citroën still haven't been able to crack the quality problem
03:18 and annoying niggles like loose trims and the odd rattle can be really annoying after a while.
03:23 The actual reliability of the car itself you'd have no problem with
03:26 and what you get for your money is a pretty spacious car with decent legroom all round.
03:31 One thing we would say is to get the biggest engine you can afford
03:35 because the bottom of the range 1.4 engine really does struggle with a full load.
03:39 So, let's take a look at those specifications.
03:42 [Music]
03:58 [Music]
04:12 The Citroën Zara, the car of our judging panel scored highly for value
04:16 but how does it come out overall? Let's take a look at those figures now.
04:20 [Music]
04:28 The Citroën Zara at number 9 in our top 10 chart of small family cars with an average percentage of 60.
04:35 [Music]
04:41 At number 8 it's the golf with a boot, the VW Bora.
04:45 The booted variant of the legendary Golf has never been that popular with buyers
04:49 no matter how many different names they seem to give this car.
04:52 Jetta, Vento, Bora, this type has never been as popular as the hatchback original.
04:57 The engine range isn't as broad as the Golf but that's not bad
05:00 because it takes just the best engines that are available in the hatchback.
05:04 The 1.6 litre petrol engine is very perky
05:07 and will give you more than enough performance to enjoy this car.
05:11 The Bora has decent luggage space but because it's based on the Golf
05:15 the rear passenger space is a little bit limited.
05:18 Being a Volkswagen the quality of the fit and finish is absolutely superb
05:22 with an attractive easy to use set of controls and an attractive dashboard
05:26 which glows that famous incandescent blue at night of course.
05:30 So, let's take a look at the specifications.
05:33 [Music]
06:03 So, let's take a look exactly at what all the judges voted for in this car
06:09 in each of the different categories.
06:12 [Music]
06:21 With an average percentage of 61, the VW Bora takes 8th place.
06:26 [Music]
06:31 In at number 7, Honda's Accord.
06:34 Moving up the chart you'd expect the quality to get better
06:37 and at the Honda factory their obsession in life has been the Q word - quality.
06:42 As a driving machine, the Accord delivers in spades.
06:45 The engines have quite a decent amount of torque and power
06:48 but you do have to rev them quite a bit to get the most out of them.
06:52 You're not however going to get a very quiet refined experience here
06:55 because Honda are trying to appeal to the driver who enjoys hearing the rasp
06:59 of an engine doing its bit.
07:01 At speed, the wind noise is also quite loud but let's now get on to the good stuff.
07:06 The ride and handling is extremely composed at all speeds
07:10 and the car enjoys the challenge of country bends
07:12 as well as keeping on track on the long motorway journey.
07:15 The cabin is very well laid out and the controls are ergonomic
07:18 making it an easy car to drive and you'll find the cab is pretty spacious.
07:23 Look on the standard equipment list and you'll find virtually all your needs are satisfied
07:28 although we'd say go for the SE models which have climate control, electric windows and the sunroof.
07:34 If you fancy a bit of luxury, the executive versions offer leather and alloys as well.
07:39 So let's take a look at what you get for your money.
07:42 [Music]
08:08 So what has made the Honda number seven?
08:10 Let's take a look at what the judges gave in each category.
08:13 [Music]
08:21 In seventh place then with an average percentage of 63, the Honda Accord.
08:26 [Music]
08:33 At number six this year is the Toyota Corolla.
08:36 This car seems to have been around forever
08:38 but this latest version is the very first to have been designed and engineered in Europe.
08:43 The taste and needs of Europeans are far different than those in Japan
08:47 and so that's why our version will look much different from those that you'll see on the streets of Tokyo.
08:52 Unfortunately, it looks like the bosses at the Japanese head office have blocked any attempts for us Europeans
08:57 to put any flair in the styling of this car.
09:00 So it looks a little bit bland but if you don't mind the anonymous looks
09:04 the Toyota Corolla is an extremely strong package.
09:07 Toyota's have always been reliable
09:09 and it looks like the new Corolla won't disappoint in this area either.
09:13 But because Toyota have used a better class of materials inside and out
09:17 this gives the extra psychological feeling that this car is just going to go on and on and on.
09:23 With more space inside than ever before
09:25 there's a very strong argument for choosing the Toyota Corolla as your choice.
09:29 So let's take a look at the specifications of this very impressive car.
09:33 [Music]
09:55 The Toyota Corolla. Let's take a look now at our judges' choice in each category.
09:59 [Music]
10:05 Scoring well in practicality and value and with healthy marks on the other categories
10:09 put the new Toyota Corolla straight into our chart at number 6 with an average percentage of 65.
10:15 [Music]
10:22 Just making the top 5 small family cars this year is another Honda.
10:26 This time the Civic.
10:28 Now if you have a small family and you're loathe to get rid of your beloved Peugeot 205 or hot Saxo
10:34 simply because you really enjoy thrashing the life out of your small sporty machine
10:39 well don't think that you have to say goodbye to driving pleasure
10:42 simply because you need a larger vehicle.
10:44 Those nice people at Honda understand the way you feel
10:47 and that's why the Civic offers great fun on the road
10:50 as well as the practicality you need to take your family around with all their clutter.
10:55 It really is a very cleverly designed car
10:58 and when we get to the scoreboard you'll see how high the judges have marked the Civic for its practicality.
11:04 The bar has been set higher in the standards for internal space.
11:08 There's enormous head and leg room in the front and in the back of the car
11:11 and what's more it's easy to get in and out.
11:14 Maybe that's important if you have tall or elderly passengers.
11:18 Plus this is a car built to last
11:20 so congratulations to all the Honda staff at the Swindon factory where this is created.
11:25 You've got a very solid new baby here.
11:28 Let's take a look at the specifications.
11:30 [Music]
11:55 And from the manufacturers facts and figures to those of our expert panel.
12:00 [Music]
12:08 The new Honda Civic straight in at number five.
12:12 We're taking a break now so stick around for the top five
12:17 and in part two we'll be revealing the number one car in our chart.
12:21 [Music]
12:27 Welcome back to the top 10 Auto Show with me Dave Lee Travis.
12:31 This week we're looking at the top 10 small family cars.
12:35 [Music]
12:41 At number four it's the latest Vauxhall Astra.
12:45 The choice of the Vauxhall may not be a sexy one
12:48 but it may be the most sensible one for your needs and your budget.
12:52 The new Astra is a very strong performer
12:54 and one of its trump cards is the choice of engines.
12:57 The diesels are all excellent
12:59 and the 1.8i SRI has got power and punch to please the most discerning driver.
13:04 The Vauxhall Astra is very easy to drive
13:07 and there are no annoying squeaks or rattles.
13:09 The whole affair is well screwed together.
13:11 The experience could be a little more refined
13:13 with wind and engine noise becoming slightly annoying on the motorway
13:17 but the package has an awful lot to offer overall.
13:20 The Astra gives you plenty of space for all the family
13:23 and there's decent room in the back for three full-sized adults.
13:26 The boots are pretty good size too with the popular 60/40 split option.
13:31 If you don't mind the fairly low image and style inside and out
13:35 the Vauxhall Astra could be the sensible choice for you.
13:38 Let's see exactly what you get for your money.
13:40 [Music]
14:06 The Vauxhall Astra.
14:07 So what did the judges think?
14:09 Let's look at their marks for each category.
14:11 [Music]
14:20 With an average percentage of 69 the Vauxhall Astra takes fourth place.
14:25 [Music]
14:31 In third place for our chart is the all-wheel drive Subaru Impreza.
14:35 Okay, you can get back on your chair now.
14:38 I'm sure I haven't shocked you that much by announcing the Subaru at number three
14:43 but it isn't exactly an obvious choice as a small family car.
14:47 But think about it a bit and suddenly you may find it's on your shortlist.
14:51 All Subarus have permanent four-wheel drive
14:54 which makes these cars an ideal choice for drivers in rural areas.
14:57 You'll pay a little more for servicing and in fuel economy
15:00 but the extra security while you're driving makes up for this.
15:04 The looks of the Subaru may not be to everybody's taste
15:07 but it could be a deliberate effort by the designers to give an understated image to the outside world
15:12 disguising the power and performance within.
15:16 As a driver you'll really enjoy the ride and handling of this machine with plenty of grip.
15:21 The car is well built with fairly durable interior trim.
15:24 It's a shame that the quality of plastics disappoint.
15:28 If in your family you have quite large people you may find a bit of a squeeze inside the Subaru
15:33 and on long journeys with a bit of luggage you'll really find it very tight.
15:37 But the performance and the kudos of owning a Subaru may outweigh these factors.
15:42 Let's take a look at what you get for your cash.
15:45 [Music]
16:04 So, what do the judges give each category?
16:07 [Music]
16:17 Performing strongly in all areas, the Subaru at number three.
16:21 [Music]
16:26 Just missing out on the top position this year is the all new Renault Megane at number two.
16:32 Renault's reputation for building unusual cars has been showing itself recently in the wacky styling of the Velsatis and Avanti
16:39 and chief designer Patrick LeCoumont has had a field day with the new Megane.
16:43 The old car was pretty average in all respects.
16:46 This in a way shouldn't even be called a Megane as it's really different.
16:50 First impressions are important so seeing the Megane for the first time in the metal is quite an experience.
16:56 If you haven't had an argument with your mates in the pub car park yet over the styling, you soon will
17:02 because the rear end is the most controversial.
17:05 Even if you don't like the bold styling you have to admire the French manufacturer for daring to be different.
17:10 It almost makes the Focus look ordinary.
17:13 The new Megane is much bigger than the previous car but strangely the legroom isn't that improved in the back
17:19 and the boot is actually reduced as a compromise for the tucked in rear side.
17:23 Other things that make the new Megane stand out are the Formula One style fuel filler
17:28 that uses a valve system so you don't need a conventional cap at all.
17:32 Clever, eh?
17:33 And the Megane can offer a credit card ignition key like that in the Laguna.
17:37 There's also a futuristic handbrake.
17:39 So let's see the specs of the all new Renault Megane.
17:43 [Music]
18:09 It's certainly different but how did our expert panel score the Megane?
18:13 [Music]
18:22 So if the Megane is at number two, what's at number one?
18:26 We'll find out in a few moments.
18:28 First, let's run down the chart.
18:30 [Music]
18:34 In at number ten is Volvo's S40.
18:37 At number nine this year is the Citroën Zara.
18:40 This year's eighth place is taken by the VW Bora.
18:44 At number seven is the Honda Accord.
18:47 Sixth place this year goes to the Toyota Corolla.
18:51 Just making the top five is another Honda, this time it's the Civic.
18:55 In at number four is Vauxhall's Astra.
19:00 This year's number three is the Subaru Impreza.
19:03 And at number two is the futuristic Renault Megane.
19:07 [Music]
19:12 I can now reveal that the top small family car of 2002 is the Ford Focus.
19:18 Well now there's a surprise, eh?
19:20 But all our panel have given the top marks to this car so it's well deserved.
19:24 The Focus is an extremely practical car that's also fun to drive.
19:29 Of course the depreciation will be quite big because there are so many of these cars sold.
19:34 Many to fleet users.
19:35 But if you know you're going to keep your car for many years, it makes a fantastic choice.
19:41 The new edge styling doesn't shock anymore and simply continues to look fresh.
19:45 The dash, which on its launch seemed bizarre, now seems actually ergonomic.
19:50 And a way of improving on the old designs.
19:53 The Ford Focus may not be the most spacious car in its class,
19:56 but you'll find it extremely practical for most uses.
19:59 Some cars are designed with the external shape first,
20:02 but the Focus was designed around the occupants and that's why,
20:05 wherever you sit in this car, you should be comfortable.
20:08 Out on the open road, the crisp performance of the Ford's responsive engines will serve you well.
20:13 If you like your diesels, we suggest the 115 brake horsepower new Common Rail power plant,
20:19 which is more refined and efficient than ever.
20:22 Reliability is very high as well.
20:24 And the early problems over the electric seem to have now been cured on the latest models.
20:28 So, let's see what the specifications are for the Ford Focus.
20:49 To see exactly why the Ford Focus is the top small family car of 2002,
20:54 let's see the scores that the Men & Motors panel gave the car in each category.
20:59 Hi, this is Gary Shufield, Director of Programming for Granada Men & Motors.
21:17 I'm with Peter Fleet here at the Ford stand at the Motor Show.
21:21 And Peter, I'm going to present you this award for the Ford Focus,
21:24 which has been voted the top small family car by our panel of editors from the top motor magazines.
21:29 This is all yours.
21:31 Thank you very much indeed. Absolutely delighted.
21:34 Focus is Britain's best-selling car.
21:36 It's the centre of gravity for what Ford represents in the UK now.
21:41 We love it and we're delighted that Men & Motors love it too.
21:44 So, thanks very much.
21:46 We absolutely do. Thank you too.
21:48 So, congratulations to the Ford Focus for yet another year at the top in the small family car category.
21:54 This is Dave Lee Travis wishing you a good week
21:57 and we'll see you next time for another chart here on Men & Motors.
22:01 [Music]
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22:12 [Music]
22:16 [Music]
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22:29 [Music]
22:32 (explosion)

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