Our Honda Jazz turned five this month; we usually keep a car for about four and a half to five years before looking for a new one. That might not be the most financially prudent approach, but we enjoy the experience of driving a brand-new car again.
The Jazz didn't put a foot wrong during those five years and served us excellently. So, normally, a new Jazz would be the prime candidate for a replacement.
Unfortunately, Honda isn't doing well here in Poland. The dealership in our hometown of Toruń has closed down. The nearest dealer is now 81 miles away (one way) in Poznań. That makes maintenance during the warranty period (now eight years) somewhat inconvenient.
So, we’re looking at other options—but we still want a (supermini) hybrid. Where does that leave us? Exactly: the Toyota Yaris or Yaris Cross. Or perhaps a Renault Clio? Or—for a bargain price—the new Dacia Sandero hybrid?
1. Toyota.
We’re familiar with the Yaris (our daughter drives one), and... no. It’s too cramped (I couldn't fit my mother-in-law in the back
), too noisy, and there are hassles with the 12-volt battery.
Still, we decided to take a look at the Yaris Cross and go for a test drive. My wife quite liked it, but I found the interior dismal and the back seat cramped. I also really dislike that "brick-like" SUV style. On top of that, the test drive was disappointing: it was quite noisy and felt bumpy—uncomfortable—on poor road surfaces.
And the prices...!!! A decently equipped version—the Executive—costs a fortune!
2. Renault.
The Clio Hybrid 160 Esprit Alpine. Not a bad-looking car (though... that front end... :? ) and quite a nice interior. Rather cramped in the back seat; the trunk is just adequate. A downside (for us retirees): getting in and out is annoyingly low. Unfortunately, the price isn't...
And the driving experience: Renault still has a lot to learn from Toyota and Honda when it comes to hybrid powertrains!
That gear shifting... it’s as if the Clio sometimes has no idea what to do... Apparently, that’s something you have to get used to.
The suspension is firm—not annoyingly harsh, and (at best) reasonably comfortable.
3. Dacia.
Unfortunately, the Sandero Hybrid wasn't available for a test drive yet. The Sandero Stepway doesn't look bad, and the interior is... well, Dacia. Plenty of space, certainly, but the powertrain comes from Renault. So... there are better options out there.
Then again... it does come with an attractive price tag!
4. BYD.
I had been looking into that Chinese supermini with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for a while: the BYD Dolphin G DM-i.
For us—with a garage under our apartment that has its own dedicated circuit and meter—it seemed like an attractive idea. Charging very cheaply using off-peak electricity (the equivalent of less than 13 pence per kWh) means very cheap driving.
So, we decided to check out at the BYD dealer here in town. And there it was, parked outside in bright orange, in the 'Comfort' trim level. We took a good look at it and concluded: it looks pretty sharp, especially with that large panoramic roof (which comes as standard!). We decided to go inside. We got all the information we wanted, were able to examine the car thoroughly inside and out, and were pleasantly surprised!
Not bad at all, that Chinese car.
It comes standard (and I mean standard—no pricey £££ option packages) with everything you could think of, right down to a head-up display and that panoramic roof. You can easily turn off all those annoying beeps, and you can talk to the car. It then obediently does what you say.
Plenty of space up front (with an electrically adjustable driver's seat featuring adjustable lumbar support); space in the back is decent, though not huge. But a huuuuge trunk!
The test drive: The salesperson sent us straight to a road undergoing maintenance—full of potholes, bumps, and manhole covers! "That way, you'll immediately see how the suspension handles a bad road..." The Dolphin G passed that test.
The car is quite quiet up to about 60 mph; above that, you do hear tire and wind noise, but it’s not intrusive. When the petrol engine kicks in, you simply don't hear it—except when you floor the accelerator. At 75 mph, you can still hold a perfectly normal conversation.
Upon our return, we looked at each other and nodded: we were completely won over. Also considering that this car is significantly cheaper than the Toyotas and Renaults in a (somewhat, almost, not quite) comparable trim!
The BYD Dolphin G DM-i is going to be our next car. Yes, in this bright pearl metallic orange! It’s arriving in late September or early October.
That leaves just one question: as a Honda driver turned defector to a Chinese brand, am I still welcome on this forum..?
