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DRIVERMITSUBISHI MIRAGEThe reborn Mirage has a fair amountof cabin and loading space for itsclass. It’s fitted with a three cylinder1.2L petrol engine; the 58kW ofpower and the 102Nm of torque isadequate for the lightweight 890kgsub-compact hatch. The engine ismated to a CVT transmission andfuel consumption is claimed to be4.6L/100km for the LS and 4.9L/100kmfor the GLS model. The differenceis a result of the variance in wheelsize. The Mirage is one of only twovehicles in the sub $20k price rangethat has a five-star ANCAP crashtestrating. Pricing starts at $18,990for the LS; the GLS is $21,990.Good: A fuel-sipper with practicalluggage space.Not so good: Styling not as funky asthe Mirage of old.VOLKSWAGEN GOLFThe Golf VII has appealing visualqualities with evolutionary ratherthan revolutionary styling changes.New Zealand buyers are offered two1.4 litre TSI petrol engine options,with outputs of 90kW/200Nm and103kW/250Nm, as well as a pair ofdiesels; a 77kW/250Nm 1.6 litre TDIor a 110kW/320Nm 2.0 litre TDI. Allengines are lively and fuel economyis impressive; with a claimed5.2L/100km, the TSI manual is thethirstiest in the range. Pricing is alsogood, at $32,250 for the entry levelwith a six-speed manual, and $34,750for the seven-speed auto (DSG)model. The 1.6L and the 2.0L modelsare $37,250 and $43,750.Good: Class-leading fuel economyand a sharp entry price.Not so good: Safe, subtle styling.HYUNDAI SANTA FEThe new Santa Fe is a big step upfrom the model it replaces, with thelarge front grille giving it plenty ofroad presence. The suspension islocally tuned to suit New Zealandroads and extra sound dampeningkeeps road noise to a minimum.It’s offered with five or seven seatarrangements and three enginechoices – 2.4L four cylinder and 3.3LV6 petrol motors and a 2.2L diesel.All motors are mated to six-speedautomatic transmissions and all butthe 3.3L V6 are AWD. The 2.4L costs$57,990-$67,990, the 2WD 3.3L $67,990and the diesel models from $63,990to $79,990.Good: Modern design and provendiesel engine.Not so good: Priced higher than thecompetition; only one 2WD option.VW Golf5L / 100KMMitsubishi Miragewww.ancap.com.auBuying a new car?» Get advice from the experts. The AAMotoring Services Team regularly testdrive new models and makes of car. Theirdetailed, impartial reports are availableon www.aa.co.nz in the motoring section,along with ANCAP safety ratings.See our New Car Prices listing,online and on p.52-53 of this issue.4.6L / 100KMHyundai Santa Fe7.3L / 100KM» Fuel economy ratings apply tomodels illustrated. For ratings on all carsreviewed, plus many others, see www.energywise.govt.nz/tools/fuel-economywww.aadirections.co.nz 49