The B-hatchback segment is bustling with competent rivals, making life difficult for the likes of the Opel Corsa, which has the likes of its mechanical twin the Peugeot 208 and the Renault Clio among others to compete with, but which model offers the best value? For today's comparison, we will be comparing the Corsa in base model 1.2 guise with the Peugeot 208 Active and the Clio in Zen specification to determine which offers the best value for money.
Practicality
In terms of dimensions, the Opel and Peugeot are nearly identical while the Renault is marginally bigger, resulting in the largest boot and granting it victory in this particular category.
Performance
In terms of performance, the turbocharged Renault offers the best performance and fuel consumption while the mechanically identical Peugeot and Opel provide similar performance and fuel consumption.
| Opel Corsa 1.2 | Peugeot 208 1.2 Active | Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Zen | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol | 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Power | 55 kW | 55 kW | 74 kW |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 118 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Kerb weight | 1 055kg | 1 021kg | 983kg |
| Boot space | 309-litres | 311-litres | 391-litres |
| 0-100 km/h | 13.2 seconds | 14.9 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
| CO2 emissions | 130 g/km | 130 g/km | 132 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 5.8 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Price | R309 900 | R324 900 | R324 999 |
*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.
Specification
All three models feature ABS, traction and stability control, six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheels, artificial leather seats, airconditioning, multifunction steering wheels, cloth-covered seats, touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Renault gets LED headlights and rear PDC while the Peugeot gets keyless start.
Safety
The Clio range was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and received 5-Stars, with 96% for adult occupant safety, 89% for child occupant safety, 72% for vulnerable road users and 75% for its safety assistance systems. The Corsa was also tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and received 4-Stars, with 84% for adult occupant safety, 86% for child occupant safety, 66% for vulnerable road users and 69% for its safety assistance systems. The 208 shares a lot with the Corsa in terms of its underpinnings, so its 2019 Euro NCAP is no surprise, with a 4-Star rating, with 91% for adult occupant safety, 86% for child occupant safety, 56% for vulnerable road users and 71% for its safety assistance systems.
Warranty and maintenance
In the warranty and service department, the Opel gets a 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 3-year/45 000km service plan while the Peugeot gets a 5-year/100 000 warranty and a 3-year/100 000km service plan and the Clio a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 2-year/30 000km service plan.
Verdict
There is a clear winner in terms of value for money, and that is the Renault Clio, which scores well in all categories and has the best powertrain of the trio by some margin.
