The dilemma
Belinda wants to move on from her Subaru Impreza RS manual sedan. She's often carting stuff, so has settled on a hatch, wagon or SUV. She's not quite sure about the latter, though, as she's a keen kayaker and can see her and her friends - none of whom are particularly strapping - facing loading problems with a tall body. Her new car won't be used around town much, with long trips to family and friends making up the majority of her mileage.
The budget is up to $35,000, but preferably less.
The shortlist
We wouldn't get too stuck on an SUV in this scenario. Aside from any potential height issues, they leave less scope for wriggling under this budget than a small hatch or small wagon. They don't really offer any more in the way of sheer utility than the latter, either.
As for which small hatch or wagon to go for, well, few other segments of the market offer as much choice or have so many genuinely talented and appealing options to consider.
Given Belinda's emphasis on long-distance driving, though, she'd want it to be quiet, comfortable and - because the open road is where you can really tap into an oil-burner's driveability and economy benefits - probably diesel. These three go a long way to delivering.
Holden Cruze Sportwagon diesel, from $27,690
Polish isn't something this Holden excels in thanks to a slightly scrappy cabin ambience and noisy (if strong) 2.0-litre diesel engine and auto drivetrain.
One could justifiably ask for better economy, while a full-size spare tyre costs extra.
But unlike, say, VW's Golf, the Cruze can be had in diesel wagon form while still handily undercutting a $35,000 budget. Even the top-line CDX only just breaks the $30,000 barrier.
The Sportwagon's relaxed open-road gait, comfy ride, supportive front seats and hearty serve of boot space also make sense in this scenario. Assured if not sporty dynamics are another asset.
Read our full review:
Holden Cruze Sportwagon new car review
Honda Civic DTi-S, frm $26,990
Desired versions of Volkswagen's Golf test the budget, the Ford's Focus or Mazda 3 are not particularly quiet, and the Mazda also lacks a diesel option for now.
Which leaves this Honda to take the small-hatch gig here. It's priced right, easy on the ears and quite pampering in terms of its seating and ride, while its "magic" back seat - with its upward-flipping bases - makes it great for carrying stuff.
The Civic's quality, specification and road manners also stand up to scrutiny, and its mandatory manual gearbox might not be an issue when Belinda already uses one. But she shouldn't expect the roomiest back seat or the most strident performance, even if the 1.6-litre diesel scores big for flexibility, refinement and economy.
Read our full review:
Honda Civic DTi-S hatch new car review
Hyundai I30 Tourer CRDi, from $25,590
This small Hyundai wagon is a similar-value proposition to the Sportwagon. Base diesels are separated by just $100 with equivalent auto transmissions, and you can get a leather-clad luxury model without going too far over $30k.
The i30, though, has the edge for back-seat space, equipment (alloy wheels on the base Active; sat nav on the top-line Elite), and its 1.6-litre diesel engine is thriftier. It's better-presented, has a superior factory warranty (five years/unlimited km versus three years/100,000km), and you can have the base Active with a manual gearbox if you prefer.
The ledger, though, swings the other way when it comes to outright boot space and power. The Holden is also probably the better-steering, better-riding thing, though the margins aren't big enough to be a factor in splitting them.
Read our full review:
Hyundai i30 Tourer CRDi new car review
Drive recommends
If Belinda is just looking for sedan-beating practicality rather than a greater carrying capacity per se, the Civic wins. It costs a little more than a manual i30 Tourer Active diesel and has a smaller boot, but it's also nicer to drive, thriftier, better-equipped and possibly more versatile, too, with its multi-faceted seat-folding setup.
If, however, she really needs a proper step up in boot capacity, then the Holden and Hyundai take the upper ground. She shouldn't count out the former, especially if boot space is her absolute highest priority, but for us the latter's superior value, presentation and warranty put it a short but decisive nose in front.
