On The Top Ten Auto Show today, the team take a look at the top ten best city cars of 2002, basing their final ten on pure sales figures features.
What will be Number One?
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What will be Number One?
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss a video!
------------------
Enjoyed this video? Don't forget to LIKE and SHARE the video and get involved with our community by leaving a COMMENT below the video!
Check out what else our channel has to offer and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to Men & Motors for more classic car and motorbike content! Why not? It is free after all!
Our website: http://menandmotors.com/
---- Social Media ----
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/menandmotors/
Instagram: @menandmotorstv
Twitter: @menandmotorstv
If you have any questions, e-mail us at talk@menandmotors.com
© Men and Motors - One Media iP 2023
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MotorTranscript
00:00 [Music]
00:27 Hello, this is Dave Lee Travis welcoming you to the brand new 2002 Top Ten Auto Show.
00:33 Over the next 12 weeks, I'll be taking you through our top ten car categories
00:37 and we'll be finding out which cars are the class leaders for 2002,
00:41 as voted for by our Men & Motors panel of experts,
00:44 who include Steve Fowler, editor of AutoCar,
00:47 Mike Askew, associate editor of AutoExpress,
00:50 Rob Ahern, editor of WattCar,
00:52 and Ivor Carroll, the editor of Diesel Car Magazine.
00:56 Now, this panel of experts have awarded points to each of the vehicles for practicality,
01:00 image and style, performance, ride and handling,
01:04 and overall value for money,
01:05 with the scores adding up to one overall winner in the top ten category,
01:09 which, for this week, will be the top ten city car of 2002.
01:15 Now, it wasn't that long ago that the words "city car" implied something that was cheap and cheerful,
01:21 rather than reliable and well put together.
01:24 Well, the sort of car that you could squeeze into a tight space in town
01:28 and not bother if it got the odd knock and scrape.
01:30 But nowadays, even the cheapest of city vehicles are often very well put together.
01:35 They're very reliable and have many features and accessories
01:38 that you'd find on much more expensive family vehicles,
01:41 making this one of the most competitive car markets for the manufacturers.
01:51 In number ten is the cheeky Secciento from Fiat.
01:55 The Secciento's popularity as a city car brings what essentially should be an ideal town runabout
02:01 straight into our top ten.
02:03 Size-wise, the Secciento has all the attributes that any capable city car needs.
02:08 In other words, it's small enough to fit into the tightest of spaces,
02:11 and when it's parked up, there's a good chance the Secciento will attract a few admiring glances,
02:16 as Fiat have really tried to give this little car a bit of Italian flair,
02:20 even if it is made in Poland.
02:22 On the inside, the Secciento is reasonably well appointed,
02:28 with the top-spec models getting electric windows and central locking,
02:31 and all models getting power steering, something that's a huge plus in a city car.
02:36 And again, Fiat have made an effort to try and spice up the interior,
02:40 but generally the materials used have a low-quality feel to them,
02:43 and the rear passenger room is very limited, making this car no good for four adults.
02:50 So, for all you technical fanatics out there, here's the manufacturer statistics for the Secciento.
02:56 So now let's see how our panel of experts mark the car in our top ten auto show categories.
03:19 [Music]
03:27 So in tenth slot, with a total score of 49%, the Fiat Secciento.
03:32 At number nine is the little car with the big name, the Perodua Kelisa.
03:44 Perodua are one of a small number of Malaysian car companies
03:48 who've managed to get a foothold in the competitive UK market
03:51 by producing good, reliable, low-cost cars.
03:54 In fact, the Perodua Kelisa is, in its basic spec,
03:58 the cheapest production car currently available in the UK at just under five grand.
04:03 And it's the price that's the really attractive aspect of the Kelisa,
04:06 as it's unlikely that people will be snapping their necks to admire its lines.
04:10 Having said that, its looks certainly aren't offensive,
04:14 with curves reminiscent of the soon-to-be-replaced Nissan Micra.
04:17 The interior is, like the exterior, fairly uninspiring,
04:22 but you do get the feeling that the switches and trim will last longer than those used in the Fiat.
04:27 As you'd expect from a car costing under five grand, the Kelisa isn't brimming with extras,
04:32 but twin airbags and power steering are standard across the range,
04:36 with the top-spec car getting electric windows and mirrors.
04:39 However, unless you want to listen to a little engine buzzing away all the time,
04:43 you'll have to shell out extra for the stereo cassette on all models.
04:47 [Music]
05:09 So, as a low-cost, good-performing city car, the Perodua has a worthy place in our top ten,
05:14 but let's see how our panel scored it in the Men & Motors categories.
05:18 [Music]
05:28 So, in ninth slot, with a score of 50%, the Perodua Kelisa.
05:33 [Music]
05:40 In at number eight is Japan's very own pokemobile, the Suzuki Wagon R.
05:45 Whilst many people's initial reaction has been to poke fun at the looks of the Wagon R,
05:50 this is definitely a serious contender in the top ten city cars of 2002.
05:55 Now, whilst the Wagon R does look like a packing crate on wheels,
05:58 that tall, boxy shape means that there's a pretty impressive amount of space inside.
06:03 In fact, this is the first car of our top ten where you can genuinely seat five adults.
06:08 And, though there's only one level of trim available on the Suzuki,
06:12 you do get electric mirrors and windows, central locking, power steering,
06:16 a decent stereo and driver and passenger airbags.
06:20 But Dave, I hear you cry. With all these great features, surely there's a trade-off.
06:26 Well, you'd be right. Although the car is great around town,
06:30 the high-sided design makes it very wallowy on the faster open roads,
06:34 and if the wind picks up on the motorway, you will know about it.
06:38 Never mind hang on to your hats, it's a case of hang on to your lunch.
06:42 [Music]
07:08 Well, now let's see how our expert panel have marked the Suzuki Wagon R.
07:13 [Music]
07:22 In eighth slot then, with 53%, the Suzuki Wagon R.
07:27 [Music]
07:32 On to seventh place with the smallest of the bunch, the smart car.
07:37 If you're one of those people to whom parking is a task of unimaginable difficulty and stress,
07:42 the smart car could well be the answer to your prayers. Why?
07:46 Because it's unbelievably small. You really have to sit in the driver's seat
07:50 to appreciate just how close you are to the four corners of the vehicle.
07:54 Now, that doesn't mean that the interior of the smart is cramped. Far from it.
07:59 Although it only seats two people, there is a surprising amount of head and leg room,
08:03 making it a useful car even for those over six foot.
08:07 Useful, that is, unless you want to take a load larger than a sports bag on a journey that involves motorways.
08:13 We say that because the stowage space on this little car leaves a lot to be desired
08:17 and obviously there's no room for your mates here.
08:21 And that motorway thing... hmmm...
08:23 Let's just say that sitting in a smart at 70 in the middle lane of a motorway with wagons overtaking you
08:29 is an experience that you would charge people money for at the fairground, only scarier.
08:36 Stop it!
09:03 So, let's see how the expert panel have rated the smart in the five top ten categories.
09:10 At seventh place then, with 58%, the smart car.
09:30 On to sixth place with the Vauxhall Aguila.
09:34 I know what you're thinking here. I've seen this car somewhere before and fairly recently.
09:39 Well, that's because the Aguila is pretty much identical to the Suzuki Wagon R that we've already seen.
09:45 Now, although the Vauxhall and Suzuki look the same, there are quite a few differences.
09:50 Firstly, the engines. The Aguila has a choice of two. A one litre and a 1.2,
09:56 both of which are taken from the Corsa range. Whilst the one litre is a little flat,
10:01 the 1.2 is actually quite peppy and it has ample performance for running around town.
10:06 It also produces more oomph than the Suzuki's 1.3 unit.
10:10 On the inside, there's obviously the same amount of space as on the Suzuki,
10:14 but the Vauxhall does have a slightly higher quality feel to it, even if it isn't as well specced as the Wagon R.
10:22 Where the Vauxhall does win out over the Suzuki cousin, however, is with its overall image and build quality,
10:28 as, given the choice, I'm sure that many people would prefer to drive around in the cheaper Vauxhall.
10:33 [Music]
10:55 So, let's see how our expert panel have marked the Vauxhall Aguila.
10:59 [Music]
11:08 In sixth place, then, with a total score of 59%, the Vauxhall Aguila.
11:13 [Music]
11:18 In at number five is the curvaceous Korean, the Daewoo Matiz.
11:22 Whilst you may be surprised that a Daewoo can beat a Vauxhall in a top ten of cars,
11:27 well, when you look closely at what the Matiz offers, it has genuinely earned a slot in the top five city cars of 2002.
11:34 You can't dispute the fact that the Matiz is actually quite a nice car to look at.
11:38 It's curvaceous and cute, something that you could never say about the Aguila,
11:42 yet the shape isn't too clever, but the car will date quickly.
11:46 When it comes to space, the Daewoo fares pretty well,
11:49 and the straight-back roof means that there's pretty good headroom for the driver and front and rear passengers.
11:55 It's also fairly well-equipped, but again, as this is a bargain-priced car,
11:59 you can't expect as much kit as on some of its more expensive rivals.
12:03 [Music]
12:24 So, that's the stats from the manufacturer, but let's see how our panel of experts have marked the Matiz.
12:30 [Music]
12:39 In fifth place, then, with a total percentage of 60, the Daewoo Matiz.
12:44 So, that's it for part one of our top ten city cars of 2002.
12:49 Do join us after the break when we reveal our top four.
12:52 [Music]
12:59 Welcome back to the all-new Top Ten Auto Show,
13:02 where this week we're looking at the top ten city cars of 2002.
13:06 [Music]
13:11 In at number four, then, is the first of our Gallic cars, the Peugeot 106.
13:16 As we get towards the number one spot in our top ten,
13:19 you can expect that the competition starts to get very fierce.
13:22 And when you look at the specification of all but the basic Peugeot 106,
13:26 you can see that their gloves are definitely off.
13:29 You get power steering, remote central locking, a CD player, electric windows, immobiliser,
13:35 driver and passenger airbags and metallic paint, and all for seven and a half grand.
13:41 Out on the road, the 106 is also pretty impressive,
13:44 with even the basic Zest One model being quite good fun to drive.
13:47 It has good responsive steering and a reasonably composed ride on all but the harshest of road surfaces.
13:53 But the 106 GTI will give you the most thrills,
13:57 as it has the 1.6 16-valve engine which packs a fierce 120 brake horsepower.
14:03 On the outside, though, the 106 is far from ugly, and it's started to show its age.
14:07 Remember, the original 106 was launched over ten years ago.
14:12 And, as many a movie star will prove, there's only so much that a facelift can do for your image.
14:41 From the manufacturer's figures, then, to those of our panel of experts.
14:45 In fourth place, with an overall percentage of 61, the Peugeot 106.
14:57 In third place, in our top ten, we have the Lupo from Volkswagen.
15:08 Now, you might think that Volkswagen's legendary build quality and style would be lost on a little city car.
15:14 Well, you'd be very wrong, as the Lupo is every bit a VW.
15:18 From the outside, the panel fit is as precise as the Passat, with lines that are both smooth and stylish.
15:24 And from the front, you'll be in no doubt as to the make of the car you're looking at,
15:28 as the Lupo now has the family face of its bigger brothers, the Polo and the Golf.
15:35 That same VW quality is carried throughout the interior, which feels extremely solid and well put together,
15:41 and is, without doubt, the classiest cabin in the Supermini class.
15:45 There's also a great sense of occasion behind the wheel of the Lupo,
15:48 and you really feel you're driving something special.
15:51 But then, with prices starting at 7,400 quid, you could argue that you should be getting something special.
15:58 The interior space of the Lupo is a little disappointing.
16:01 It's fine up front with good head and leg room, and there's plenty of adjustments for that ideal seating position,
16:06 but the rear space is very, very limiting. In fact, it's really only suitable for children.
16:11 The boot is also very small, with only enough room for a couple of shopping bags.
16:15 On a positive note, the Lupo is a pretty good ride, despite the small wheelbase,
16:20 though the stiffer GTI is the cream of the range.
16:24 [Music]
16:45 As ever, let's see how our expert panel have scored the Lupo in our top ten auto show categories.
16:51 [Music]
16:59 At number three, then, with a score of 62%, the VW Lupo.
17:04 [Music]
17:11 At number two in our chart is the Citroën Saxo.
17:14 If the voting for this category of car was down to the Boy Racer Brigade,
17:18 the Citroën Saxo would have come top, as it's the absolute favourite with those looking for a sporty hatchback.
17:24 In all forms, the Saxo is a great handling car, with a superb suspension setup and lovely steering.
17:30 But the warm VTS and hot VTR models take this one step further, with a really involved and exciting drive.
17:37 When it comes to style, despite its years, the Saxo is still a bit of a looker.
17:42 But compared to the all-new Citroën C3, you have to say that the Saxo's styling isn't cutting edge,
17:48 and I'm sure it won't be too long before its look will be rather dated.
17:52 The interior, though, is still very smart and purposeful, with nice, clear instruments and controls,
17:57 and plenty of stowage space for all of your bits and pieces,
18:00 although the Saxo has the same limited rear space as the Peugeot 106, as both cars share the same platform.
18:07 Well, now let's take a look at those all-important manufacturer's facts and figures.
18:36 But for today, the most important figures are the scores of our panel of experts.
18:41 So, with an overall score of 63%, the Citroën Saxo.
18:53 Any guesses, then, as to what our top city car of 2002 is?
18:58 Well, before we reveal it to you, here's a quick reminder of the top nine.
19:03 In at number 10, the cheeky Italian Fiat 600.
19:07 At number 9 is the Perugua Calisa from Malaysia.
19:11 Taking 8th place is Japan's Suzuki Wagon R.
19:15 Number 7 this year is the smart car.
19:18 In at number 6 is the Wagon R-derived Vauxhall Aguila.
19:23 At number 5, Korea's curvy Daewoo Matiz.
19:27 In 4th place is the perky Peugeot 112.
19:31 And in 3rd place is the cheeky Peugeot 106.
19:35 On to the top three with the classy VW Lupo.
19:39 And in 2nd place this year is the tarmac-hugging Citroën Saxo.
19:44 The car gets off to a great start here, as its roots lie with the previous Fiesta model,
19:55 which was a superb handling car.
19:57 The car's quite happy to take in the motorway miles as well.
20:00 And if you thought that was enough, the little Ford will also give you a quite rewarding drive out on the B-roads
20:05 with a superbly balanced suspension and nicely weighted power steering, which is standard across the range.
20:11 There are four levels of trim available, with prices starting at a very competitive 6.5 grand.
20:16 Whilst all of the range share the same peppy 1.3-litre petrol engine,
20:20 and the top-of-the-range luxury car gets metallic paint, alloys and aircon,
20:25 LED player, electric windows and mirrors, and even leather seats.
20:29 The price soars towards 10 grand, so the entry-level models are by far the best value.
20:35 Where the car really beats the competition is with its space.
20:40 Because of the curved roof design, there's bags of room for the driver and passenger,
20:44 and a reasonable amount of rear passenger space too.
20:47 There's also a good amount of space in the boot.
20:49 Combine that with the car's all-round driving ability, and you have a really versatile car.
20:54 [Music]
21:17 We know it's the winner, but let's see how our expert panel marked it in the top 10 Auto Show categories.
21:23 [Music]
21:26 So, with the Ford car, you have great handling, good practicality, good specification,
21:31 and excellent value for money, making it the worthy winner of the top 10 city cars of 2002.
21:37 Hi, this is Gary Shewfield. I'm here at the Motor Show. I'm on the Ford stand.
21:43 I'm with Peter Fleet. Peter, it's lovely to be here.
21:46 But I'm going to be presenting you with an award for the Ford car.
21:48 It has been voted as the top city car by our panel of experts, who are the editors of the top motor magazines.
21:54 What do you have to say about that?
21:55 Marvelous. Absolutely delighted. Our K.A. is just tremendous for us.
22:00 It's for people who really want to make a statement about themselves, standing out from the pack.
22:06 It accounts for four out of ten vehicles like this sold in the UK,
22:10 and we're delighted that your readers and journalists love it just as much as we do.
22:15 I'm Dave Lee Travis. Thanks for watching, and do be sure to join me next week,
22:19 when we'll be checking out the top 10 super minis of 2002.
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