Citroen AX: 1986-1996
Citroen's first credible entry into the supermini class was inspired.
Previous efforts included the LNA and Visa, and neither hit it off with
buyers - but the AX put everything right, and charmed buyers with its
spirited performance and low purchase and running costs. The key to the
AX's success was its light weight, and that resulted in an efficient package
that went toe-to-toe with the Metro in the late-Eighties.
Datsun Cherry Mk 3: 1978-1983
The original Cherry 100A was a front drive pioneer, and formed part of
the backbone of Nissan's original expansion into the UK market under the
Datsun banner in 1973. It was a steady seller, but rapidly disapeared
off the roads due to rust. The third generation Cherry the Metro found
itself up against in 1980 really wasn't a supermini front runner, due
to sloppy dynamics, poor performance and inadequate steering.
Fiat 127: 1971-1987
Along with the Renault 5, the Fiat 127 helped define the supermini package
for a decade to come - even though the earliest models made do without
a hatchback. Responsive engines and fun handling marked the 127 out as
the small car for keen drivers, but its cramped interior and less-than
sparkling reliability record were major faults. The gearbox was also pretty
apalling, too - fun if you can find one.
Fiat Uno: 1983-1993
Fiat introduced one of the first superminis, with the 127, but its second
attempt was a quantum leap over everything that came before. The Uno was
larger inside and more efficient than all its opposition, and literally
raised the supermini bar overnight. As the Eighties progressed, the opposition
did its best to create similar packages to the Uno, leaving BL's diminutive
Metro behind in the process. Few remain on the roads today.
Ford Fiesta Mk I: 1976-1983
This was the car to beat in terms of sales and design, as far as BL was
concerned. The original Fiesta may well have been Uncle Henry's first
attempt at front wheel drive supermini, but it scored a perfect ten in
just about all area - it was nippy, roomy and cheap to run. The Metro
beat it in most areas - except for UK sales sadly...
Ford Fiesta Mk 2: 1983-1989
A major reskin and new dashboard wasn't enough to keep the Fiesta ahead of second-generation superminis such as the Fiat Uno and Peugeot 205. However, it continued to fare well in the sales charts and staved off the Metro, which like the Fiesta was left behind by the opposition in the late-Eighties. In typical Ford style, the Fiesta was available in a myriad of versions and the hot XR2 model sold well.
Honda Civic Mk 2: 1979-1984
The Honda Civic was a remarkable car because it sold in huge quantities
to the big-car loving Americans. The first Civics appeared in 1973, and
proved that the Japanese were good at innovation. The facelifted model
of 1979 retained the original car's charm and precision feel, but added
a bit more interior room and further engine options. The saloon version
was rebadged and rejigged to become the Acclaim.
Nissan Micra: 1983-1993
As the Cherry had grown up, Nissan introduced a new entry-level model.
The Micra (or March in Japan) was a fairly convincing effort, and looked
good thanks to neat styling (rumoured to be Giugiaro). Smooth mechanically,
it was no great shakes on the road, but soon earned a legendary reputation
for being an easy-driving reliable steer. Millions of learner drivers
were introduced to the roads in a Micra.
Peugeot 205: 1984-1998
Along with the Fiat Uno, the Peugeot 205 helped lift the supermini class
significantly. The 205 was great to drive, looked good and offered a huge
range of engines, offering something for everyone. Diesels and GTI versions
are the most loved today, but the rest of the range sparkled with rare
genius. In comparison, the Metro struggled significantly, although basic
205s looked spartan in comparison.
Renault 5 Mk 1: 1972-1984
Chic and trendy the Renault 5 was from day one, it offered a loping ride
and capacious boot. There were plenty of options to choose from, too.
Packaging was a disadvantage thanks to its longitudinally mounted engine,
which robbed space from the passenger compartment. It was France's best-selling
car until the arrival of the Peugeot 205 - and it also briefly held the
title of Europe's most economical car.
Renault 5 Mk 2: 1984-1995
Although the 1984 Renault 5 looked remarkably similar to its legendary
forebear, the 'Super Cinq' was entirely new. A masterful Bertone dtyling
effort packaged new new transverse engine/gearbox packages. A big seller
in Europe, but not a strong force in the UK, although the cultish GT Turbo
proved a runaway success. Was eventually replaced by the Clio, but production
overlapped for five years - Five was hard to kill.
Vauxhall Nova: 1982-1993
GM's first entry in the supermini class came remarkably late - and it
couldn't have come at a worse time. Its designers seemed to take the Fiesta
and Polo as their benchmarks, and produced a competent car as a result.
The class mainly moved on - although in fairness, the Nova was always
a more modern feeling car to drive than the Metro and Fiesta. Eventually
supplanted tbe Metro as BSM's car of choice...
Volkswagen Polo Mk 1: 1975-1981
Volkswagen's first supermini was a real class act - it should have been,
too, as it was originally launched as the Audi 50. Styled by Bertone and
featuring all-new overhead camshaft engines, the Polo was a class leading
car from day one, despite its small boot and cramped rear seat. Handling
and ride were typically Germanic. When the Metro was launched in 1980,
the Polo and Fiesta were the cars to beat in the class.
Volkswagen Polo Mk 2: 1981-1995
Volkswagen's second bite of the supermini cherry was a considerably more
grown up effort. Its breadvan styling took space efficiency to a new level,
and economical Formel E versions established the Polo as the sensible
choice in the class. Like the original, it was a light and efficient car,
and always delivered lively performance even in the most basic versions.
A rational choice in a sector littered with plenty of talent.
