Ultraminis
Some parts of the world do take the
whole size thing very seriously indeed
when it comes to urban travel.
Japan’s ultra-mini Kei car/K-car/Kei
jidosha class was created to popularise
motoring in postwar times. In rural areas,
they are exempt from needing parking as
is required in cities. Their design is regu-
lated in terms of physical size and engine
displacement (and, lately, output).
In France, voitures sans permis (VSP)
minicars can be driven even by teenagers
and require a special minimal-effort licence,- or no licence at all if you’re born before a
certain date. Top speed is limited to 45 km/h
and they are consequently not allowed on
freeways. Reportedly, they provide an
option for drivers who may have had their
licences revoked – say, for drunk driving.
They aren’t cheap, with one manufacturer’s
cars starting at around R140 000 for a 500
cm^3 diesel twin with single-speed gearbox.
Airbags not standard.
RUNNER-UP: Citroën C3WINNER: BMW i3
mobility through its first all‐electric vehicle
made primarily of carbon fibre. “The
design brief for the BMW i3 was to create
a mega city vehicle for the cities of the
future. Today, the new 2017 BMW i3 (94
Ah) provides more range paired with a
high‐level of dynamic performance, mak-
ing it the perfect urban vehicle for people
around the world.”
World Car vice‐chairman, Mike
Rutherford, commented, “It’s an award
whose time has come. Everyday cars in
many – perhaps most – parts of the world
will have to become smaller if road and
parking space is to be found for them in
increasingly packed towns and cities
whose populations are swelling annually.
This year’s winner in our inaugural World
Urban Car category proves that these
small vehicles don’t have to be cheap,
undesirable and unpleasant to drive. Quite
the opposite. It is among the best value‐
for‐money products on the market.”
How does the Ignis rate?
Well, it’s small (3,7 metres long and
1,69 metres wide), nippy (850 kg weight),
agile (180 mm ground clearance, short
overhangs) and a sprightly performer.
There’s a comprehensive list of conveni-
ence and safety items (dual front airbags
and ABS with EBD and EBA) at prices that
start at around R180 000.
Best of all, though the one we drove has
a 5-speed manual shift, it also has an
automatic option. I know at least one per-
son who’ll be interested in that.
FINALIST: Suzuki BalenoFINALIST: Ford Figo/Ka+DRIVING76 http://www.popularmechanics.co.za _ AUGUST 2017