Mazda3 SP25.

Mazda3 SP25.

The dilemma

P-plater Nick drives a Ford Fairmont Ghia but is disappointed with its fuel economy. He's looking to move to a smaller, more economical car and would also like it to be sporty and fun to drive within the restraints of P-plate legality. A manual gearbox is a must.

The budget


The shortlist

A fully licensed, fun-seeking buyer with this kind of money to spend could target some pretty invigorating turbocharged hotties from the used small-car line-up.

The pickings obviously aren't quite so rich for P-platers but there's also no reason for them to get down in the dumps. There are loads of great small cars that score big for driving fun without incurring the wrath of Australia's road/traffic authorities.

If Nick didn't care too much about space he'd find plenty to whet his appetite in the light-car segment, from mild (Mini Cooper) and wild (RenaultSport Clio) to in between (Suzuki Swift Sport).

If it were our money, though, we'd be setting our sights on the small-car class, where more space, practicality, refinement and luxury can be dialled up without sacrificing driving entertainment. Here are three to get him started.

2011-on Ford Focus Sport, from $19,140*

This Ford is currently our favourite small car, having streeted the Small Car field two times now in our annual Drive Car of the Year runoff.

If that suggests it's a great package for mainstream needs, well, it is, offering a competitively practical five-door body, five-star ANCAP safety and the ownership security of capped servicing.

What really makes the Focus great, though, is the way it drives, and it's no exaggeration to say it's as able and entertaining as any small car. Sport models – which are now starting to pop up in the $20k used-car realm – add a sprightly, economical 122kW 2.0-litre petrol engine, nicer presentation than slightly dowdy entry-level versions and toys like sat-nav and reversing camera.

Read Drive's Ford Focus reviews:

Ford Focus Trend road test
Small car road-test comparison

2012-on Hyundai Veloster, from $18,040*

This Hyundai is worth a serious look if a traditional hatch like a Focus just isn't, well, special enough.

In many ways it's really just a hatch missing a back door on one side but that description doesn't do justice to its looks, which are spectacular. A generous fitout (all models get a touchscreen stereo and reversing camera), five-year warranty, capped servicing and strong reliability prospects ensure its rational appeal matches its visual pull.

The Veloster's 103kW 1.6-litre petrol engine, however, lacks sting and – while it's fun to drive to an extent – it has no answer to the Ford's on-road finesse. That dramatic shape also affects rear head room, boot space and accessibility.

Read Drive's Hyundai Veloster reviews:

Hyundai Veloster road test

2009-on Mazda 3 SP25, from $18,260*

This Mazda is the oldest design here and in some respects, like its plentiful road noise and unremarkable back-seat space, it's starting to show its age.

There are other potential spoilers, like the fact it's the only contender here not potentially covered by a capped-servicing plan. Robust resale values mean Nick might also have to settle for an earlier build example than a Focus or Veloster.

So why bother then? Well, with its gutsy 122kW 2.5-litre petrol engine and agile handling, the SP25 is a ripping good drive. Well-rounded, too, thanks to snazzy presentation, plenty of kit (including sat-nav), strong safety, solid practicality and spotless quality/reliability prospects.

Read Drive's Mazda 3 reviews:  

Mazda SP25 road test
Small car road-test comparison

Drive recommends

If you really want something different you may well find the Veloster impossible to resist, and there's nothing in its value, safety, specification or ownership credentials to put a dampener on the love affair.

Is it good enough to grab this contest's gold? Well, for mainstream buyers (i.e those who'd like a nice car but wouldn't necessarily go out of their way to gain driving enjoyment) the answer is probably yes.

However, if, like us, you have an enthusiast's bent then a Focus Sport or SP25 is going to offer substantially greater on-road rewards.

In the end, you wouldn't be disappointed parking either of these highly enjoyable small cars in your driveway but for the very best demonstration of both driving and all-round excellence, one of them has a small but decisive edge – the Ford.
