SUBARU IMPREZA 5D HATCHBACK (1995-1998)
FIRST hatch/wagon hybrid, the non-4WD Impreza has style, space, good dynamics and reliability. But engine power, plain dash of the 1996 LX and no features disappoint. Sky-high Subaru street cred a bonus.

NISSAN N15 PULSAR 5D HATCHBACK (1995-2000)
PRACTICAL and roomy, well built, dynamically quite adept, powerful yet very economical 1.6-litre engine and first-class reliability are worthy Pulsar hatch attributes, hiding behind neat but dull styling.

PROTON PERSONA 5D AEROBACK (1996-2001)
AN OLD model Lancer from Malaysia with chintzy details, the value for money Proton includes a CD player and air-conditioning from mid-1997. Bonuses include roomy boot, reliability, build quality and zippy 1.6-litre engine.

MITSUBISHI CC LANCER 4D WAGON (1996-2003)
OLD-generation Lancer wagon lived on with a powerful 1.8-litre engine, cloth trim and power steering, but not much else. Dynamically behind all rivals here including close cousin Proton. Pleasant but plasticky while load area is surprisingly spacious.