More hatchbacks, more choices

Chad Bryan, Sunday Gleaner Writer

This week, Automotives continues to look at the new car buyers' 2012 hatchback options.

These vehicles continue to gain traction in the automotive industry, offering drivers the best of both worlds - economy and sporty looks - in a neatly packaged three or five-door luxury automobile. With hatchbacks, a driver benefits from the typical passenger space common to normal sedans and is well equipped with larger cargo space.

• Nissan Tiida (Fidelity Motors)

The Nissan Tiida offers lively styling both inside and out, radiant materials for a beautiful appearance and premium comfort in a tiny but nevertheless robust package.

Base price: $2.235 million

Concession price: $1.735 million

Top of the line price: $2.636 million

Top of the line concession price: $1.910 million

Specifications: 1598 cc, electronic concentrated control systems (ECCS), electronic fuel injection control, five-person seating capacity and 15x5 1/2JJ steel.

Colours: red, sapphire black, pacific blue, white, brilliant silver and amethyst gray.

• Focus and Fiesta (Trend) models (Kingston Industrial Garage (KIG))

The 2012 Focus is considered a big improvement over its predecessor, boasting a new engine and new automatic transmission as well as a new body design. The reworked and revamped design makes it one of the top smaller cars that will be sure to mount a challenge to other cars of the same line on the market.

Full duty price: $2,809,000

Duty concession price: $2,248,000

Specifications: 17-inch alloy rims, 12.4-gallon fuel tank, electronic brake distribution, immobiliser, ABS, brake assist system, traction control (via ABS and engine management) and electronic power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering.

Colours: red candy, kona blue, blue candy, yellow blaze and white platinum tri-coat.

The Ford Fiesta oozes a fun-to-drive personality, nicely trimmed cabin interior, tight build quality and some unexpected features. It has sporty driving dynamics, high fuel economy and a welcoming cabin.

Full duty price: $2,337,000

Concession: $1,875,000

Specifications: 1.4L Duratec Euro V DOHC, engine immobiliser, remote and key in one, keyless entry, SRS airbags, electronic power-assisted steering and automatic transmission.

Colours: lime squeeze, yellow blaze, ingot silver and race red.

• 2007 Limited Peugeot 308 (Progressive Motors)

Most automobile companies have revamped and redesigned their version of 2012 vehicles and France's major car company Peugeot is no different.

Full duty price: $3,882,000

Concession: $3,303,500

Specifications: pack leather seats, power steering, remote keyless entry, 1600cc turbo, automatic headlights and ABS braking system.

• Audi A3 sports back (ATL Autohaus)

For 2012, auto manufacturers seem to be churning out cars with a high-fuel economy to keep pace with the rapidly changing economic environment. While the 2012 Audi A3 sports back, as it is so designated by ATL Autohaus, remains largely unchanged, the vehicle comes complete with high fuel economy, extensive cabin appointments and all the other refinements that accompany the Audi brand.

Base price: $4.5 million

Duty concession price: $3.9 million

Fully loaded: $5.6 million

Fully loaded concession: $4.4 million

Specifications (basic): ESP stabilisation, rear LED lights, iPod ready, bluetooth and fog lights, hill start assist, speed DSG transmission, 1.8 turbo

Specifications loaded: 2.0 turbo, s-line exterior, sunroof and upgraded interior.