PEUGEOT 306 5D HATCHBACK (1994-2001)
VERY comparable to the Golf in terms of its European ride and handling characteristics. Performance from the 1761cc, single cam, fuel-injected engine is a little below par. Front wheels are driven by a four-speed auto or five-speed manual transmission. Fog lights, power mirrors/steering/windows and a four-speaker radio/cassette are standard. Central locking standard from 1995.

HONDA CIVIC VTI 3D HATCHBACK (1993-1995)
POWERED by the exceptional high-revving 1590cc, 16-valve, V-Tec variable valve timing engine developed from Formula One racing. Front-wheel drive via a four-speed auto or five-speed manual. Sharp handling, sporty performance. Standard features include a driver's airbag (from 1994), central locking, metallic paint, power mirrors/steering/windows/sunroof and a radio/cassette.

MAZDA 323 5D HATCHBACK (1994-1998)
THE upmarket model of the 323 range with a 1995cc, twin cam, 24- valve V6 engine coupled to a four-speed automatic or five- speed manual gearbox. Striking styling, good build quality, some harshness in ride and poor visibility due to front pillar and small rear window. Standard features include twin airbags, alloy wheels, CD player, central locking, fog lights, power mirrors, steering and windows, five-speaker sound system, rear spoiler. Anti-lock brakes standard from 1995.

RENAULT 19 5D HATCHBACK (1993-1996)
RENAULT invented the hatchback with the R16. The 19 is well equipped but the finish is not up to Japanese standard. The 1721cc engine drives the front wheels through a four-speed auto or five-speed manual. Good ride and handling, vague gearshift, ordinary styling. The equipment list includes air-conditioning, central locking, fog lights, power steering, power front windows and radio/cassette.