It is one of the segments where the choice is more difficult. All contest candidates have their trump cards, which promises to complicate life for the judges. And once again, Razão Automóvel is part of the range of publications that are part of the permanent jury of the most prestigious award in the automotive sector in Portugal.
After the road tests are finished, here are our thoughts on each model in the competition, in alphabetical order, in the City of the Year 2018 category of the Essilor Car of the Year award in the Crystal Steering Wheel.
Kia Picanto 1.2 CCVT GT Line (84 CV) – 14,270 euros
The friendly Kia Picanto appears in the competition in its fiercest version. For the first time in the history of this model, it is possible to purchase the Kia Picanto associated with the GT-Line pack. A line of equipment that translates into a sportier look (16-inch wheels, special grille, LED daytime and rear lights, chromed tailpipe, sporty bumpers and side skirts, along with specific interior decoration).
Those most distracted by the evolution of the A-segment models will be surprised by the equipment and interior space offered by this model (cruise-control, infotainment system, USB charger, on-board computer, etc.). The navigation pack option (600 euros) includes a parking aid rear camera — two unconventional devices in this segment.
As for the atmospheric 1.2 MPI engine with 84 hp and 122 Nm of torque, it proves to be adequate for the city's pretensions of this model (12 seconds from 0-100 km/h), where I just missed a little more power at low revs — on the road requires a little more patience. In terms of consumption, we registered averages around 5.5 l/100 km, with the brand announcing CO2 emissions of 106 g/km.
In terms of behavior, I highlight the agility of the set, which is guided by light touch commands. Picanto prices start at 11 820 euros for the 1.0 LX version and go up to 14 270 euros for the 1.2 GT-Line version in competition.
Nissan Micra 0.9 IG-T N-Connecta – 16 700 euros
Starting from the base of the old Nissan Micra, the Japanese brand operated an authentic revolution in this model. Voted Car of the Year in 1985, the Nissan Micra competes for the same award 33 years later.
Contrary to what we had been used to over the last two generations, this new Micra bets on a more consensual design, but no less daring for that. Vivid colors mark not only the exterior, but also the interior, where the profusion of plastics and finishes that bring some of that color to the exterior stands out.
The equipment list is very complete: smart key system, start-stop button, infotainment system with 7” screen + GPS, electrically adjustable rear-view mirrors, leather steering wheel, automatic air conditioning (competition version), among others . The luggage compartment has a capacity of 300 liters.
At the wheel, the Micra has a healthy and predictable behavior, with a focus on comfort. Compared to other models in the same segment, it doesn't have such refined dynamics nor is it as comfortable, but on the other hand it is significantly cheaper. Inside, despite the list of equipment, there are details that denote the simplicity and age of the platform on which it sits. However, nothing that invalidates the merit of the model.
In terms of engine, the version in competition is associated with the well-known 0.9 IG-T engine (of Renault origin), a three-cylinder block, 900 cm3 and 90 hp of power. An engine that is suitable for city traffic but limited on longer routes, where the 140 Nm of maximum torque is not very ambitious.
With four levels of equipment — Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna — Micra prices range between €15,400 and €18,200 for petrol units, and €19,600 and €22,400 for Diesel models.
Suzuki Swift 1.0 T GLX SHVS (111 CV) – 19 298 euros
The Suzuki Swift sold 5.4 million units worldwide from 2005 to 2016. A remarkable sales success, substantiated by the strong presence of the brand in Asian countries and emerging markets. And since last year, Suzuki has also been growing in Europe, thanks to the technological reinforcement of its models.
Of the models competing in this category, the Swift has the most extensive list of standard equipment: on-board computer, heated front seats, rear view camera, infotainment system with touch screen, LED headlights, navigation system, adaptive speed control with limiter, automatic climate control and keyless start, among others.
In terms of engine, the Swift is very well served by a modern 1.0 Turbo engine with 111 hp associated with semi-hybrid technology SHVS — where a small electric motor assists the combustion engine, both in acceleration, and in providing power to several electrical and electronic systems. This power combined with the low weight of the set translates into frankly low consumption, below 5.0 liters on the open road and just above 5.0 liters in cities, as well as a remarkable availability.
The Swift's "Achilles heel" turns out to be the body size compared to the competition, offering just 265 liters of luggage capacity. In dynamic terms it is also a few holes below the references of this segment, both in terms of stability and in terms of comfort.
The price of the Essilor Car of the Year 2018 trial version is €19,298. This value, with the campaigns in place, could reach 16,265 euros.
SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI FR (115 CV) – 19 783 euros
Compared to the previous generation, it's wider, but shorter and shorter. The new SEAT Ibiza has measurements worthy of almost the segment above: 4,059 m long, 1,780 m wide and 1,444 m high (1,429 in the FR version).
The trunk grew 63 liters, reaching a total volume of 355 liters. Measures that are not surprising since the new SEAT Ibiza uses the same MQB platform (Modulare Querbaukasten), albeit in a new MQB-A0 variant, which we find in models such as the SEAT Leon, Volkswagen Golf, Passat, Audi A3 or Skoda Superb.
The equipment of the competition version (FR) is quite complete, highlighting the 17-inch alloy wheels, the SEAT Driving Profile (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual), infotainment system with 5-inch screen, steering wheel all-in-one, air conditioning, rain and light sensors, on-board computer, electric and retractable rear-view mirrors, sports seats and a befitting exterior look. There is, however, an option that should be standard: Seat Full Link (which offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link, for 150 euros).
The presentation of the interior is careful, ergonomic and although the materials are mostly hard to the touch, the assembly doesn't deserve repairs.
As for the engine, the SEAT Ibiza was the Volkswagen Group model where the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder 1.0 TSI engine married more happily. In addition to being progressive, it can print interesting rhythms: 195 km/h top speed and 9.3 seconds from 0-100 km/h. SEAT announces an average consumption of 4.7 l/100 km and emissions of 108 g/km of CO2, but we recorded a figure around 6.1 l/100 km in mixed conditions.
On the road, of the models in competition, the Ibiza is the one with the most intimate relationship with the road. Curve with remarkable stability without compromising comfort, without jeopardizing your little family member's tastes. In terms of price, the competition version costs 19,783 euros.
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 95 CV Comfortline – 18 177 euros
The Volkswagen Polo won the 2010 Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy and was also named Utility of the Year at the time. The sixth generation plans to continue a commercial career that has sold more than 14 million units since 1975 , of which 195 000 in Portugal. The Polo is now longer and shorter than the previous generation, and it's also bigger on the inside.
The new Polo's less powerful TSI block develops a power of 95hp. The data provided by the brand declare an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 187 km/h. The combined consumption shown is 4.5 l/100 km (CO2 of 101 g/km), but in our dynamic test we recorded 5.9 l/100 km in mixed conditions.
Although the Comfortline version is not the most equipped — the 100% digital Active Info Display instrument panel is one of the options — the Polo compensates for this factor with a quality of materials and assembly that is a segment above.
Even so, we can count on speed limiter, infotainment system with touch screen, Front Assist system with emergency braking function and pedestrian detection system, multifunction leather steering wheel with three spokes and “Sassari” 5.5 alloy wheels JX 15, among others. The competition version is available from €18,177.
Final considerations
There are five very competitive proposals, but different from each other. Kia Picanto is one of the best A-segment proposals on the market. Once guided by models that left a lot to be desired, the A segment today offers very capable models. Picanto is proof of that.
The Nissan Micra is also a product with a good price/quality ratio, but a few holes below the models that lead the sales tables in Portugal. The Suzuki Swift is a very significant evolution from the previous model. Well equipped, with an excellent engine, the platform has its least achieved point.
The SEAT Ibiza is living proof of the Spanish brand's good form. Solid, well equipped, spacious and with a competent engine. Finally, the Volkswagen Polo. Just like himself: more austere in terms of equipment than the competition, less daring in terms of design and well built as we've always been used to. On the road you can feel this quality.
The results of the 2018 Car of the Year award/Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy will be released on the day March 1st.