Poverty Spec (US Vs. UK)

The grass is always greener on the other side, or is it? We take a look at bare-bones cars you can purchase in the UK and spec them up to how we would normally spec a vehicle to see exactly what you get for your money in the UK vs. the U.S. Let’s dive in! 2026 BMW 120 Sport ($44,360) 1.5 turbocharged three-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid, 170hp and 206lb-ft torque. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive layout. Options: Blue cloth seats ($237.84). Harmon Kardon Sound System ($747.49). Technology Package ($2,106.57). Panoramic Sunroof ($1,427.03). Cross-bars ($406.36) Total: $49,327.63 We were very conservative on the options here. A 1-series with a three-cylinder turbo producing 170hp would run us almost $50k with front-wheel drive.

2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe ($42,000) 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 241hp. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive layout. Frozen Pure Grey Metallic ($2,350). Premium Package ($1,350). Comfort suspension ($0). Total: $45,050 Our pick: 120i Sport. You can’t go wrong with the trusty hatchback. It’s much more stylish and practical for everyday use compared to the 228 Gran Coupe.

Audi A1 (Sport 25 TFSI 95 PS 5-speed) ($33,031.48) 1-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, 95hp. 5-speed manual gearbox. Front-wheel-drive. Options: Cross bars ($473.14). Technology Package (1,760.68). Fun fact: 120i doesn’t offer power-folding mirrors or DAB radio standard, despite being more expensive. Total: ($36,047.07)

2026 Audi A3 (Premium 40 TFSI quattro S tronic) ($40,100) 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 201hp. 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel-drive. Options: Convenience Package ($1,500). Total: ($42,995) Our pick: The A1 only comes with 95hp! But it makes the most of that with a 5-speed manual gearbox. There’s no sunroof option with the A1, which is a bummer! However, the A3 offers much more for the money.

2026 Mercedes A 180 Sport Edition ($43,330.45) 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Mild-hybrid, 136hp. Front-wheel-drive. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. No options added. Total: ($43,330.45) Fun fact: The bare-bones basic Mercedes doesn’t look like it on the inside. However, just like the A1, there is no option for a sunroof or glass roof. 2026 Mercedes CLA 220 Hybrid Sedan ($43,900) 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, mild-hybrid. Total output: 208 hp. Front-wheel drive. No options added. Total: ($45,330.45) Our pick: It’s a bit strange that the A180 doesn’t offer an optional sunroof and the CLA has it standard. We prefer the looks of the A-class and the powertrain of the CLA. With that being said, we’d still choose the A-class simply for the looks and hatchback body style.

2026 Volkswagen Polo Life 1.0MPI ($28,626.38) 1-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder, 79hp. Front-wheel-drive. 5-speed manual gearbox. Options: 16-inch alloy wheels ($706.99). Panoramic Sunroof ($1,332.41). Keyless access ($557.44). Cross bars ($410.60) Total: ($31,633.81) Fun fact: The Polo base trim can be optioned with a panoramic sunroof while the A1 base trim doesn’t offer one at all.

Volkswagen Jetta S ($23,995) 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 158hp. Front-wheel-drive. 8-speed automatic transmission. Options: Cross bars ($414). Total: ($24,410) Our pick: The Jetta S can’t be optioned with any luxury features like the Polo. In fact, the Polo doesn’t even have a turbo engine. If you overlook the power difference. The Polo is the better deal with a nicer interior and simpler engine technology.

Toyota Aygo X Icon ($29,428) 1.5-liter naturally aspirated hybrid petrol. Front-wheel-drive. CVT transmission. Options: Convenience package ($500) Total: ($30,264.70)

2026 Toyota Corolla LE ($23,325) 2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 169hp. CVT transmission. Front-wheel-drive. Options: LE Premium Package ($1,135) Total: ($24,620) Our pick: Despite the Aygo X having less horsepower. The Aygo X can be optioned with luxury features that the Corolla doesn’t offer. Both are base trim levels, and that’s insane!

Old dog, new tricks?

Just because you can teach an old dog new tricks doesn't mean that those tricks are worth learning. The Toyota Corolla certainly holds on tightly to it's laurels, but with talented rivals that have caught on to the the formula. The Corolla doesn't really seem like the sensible option it once was.

The standard 1.8 four-cylinder engine feels plenty for most buyers, while others will be much more satisfied with either a Chevy Cruze or Mazda 3. You won't have to really push the engine too hard on faster paced roads, however around town the Corolla shines as it's light steering and comfortable suspension makes it easy to live with as a daily commuter car. What we like the most about the Corolla is despite it having secure handling, it certainly knows it's limit. You won't feel inspired to driving it hard through corners or bends because the steering feedback is so numb that you'll lose confidence fast. It's as if the steering wheel and the front wheels ended all communication between each other. The suspension like we said before is comfortable but when you do decide to drive spiritedly, there's way too much body roll. It's almost as if the Corolla has a higher center of gravity than a compact crossover.

Drive the Corolla the way it's intended and you'll be greeted by a quiet cabin. It's so quiet that you'd think that Lexus or Mercedes designed it, just don't look around the cabin because that's where the Lexus and Mercedes reference ends. The dashboard seems logically laid out and is very easy to use. The infotainment system is easy to navigate through but it can get very distracting while on the go. The Bluetooth connectivity is just a tad too fussy for our liking. The front seats are okay in terms of comfort and adjustability isn't really all that limited. The second row seats are so-so in comfort. The seat bottom feels flat and lacking in comfort. The boot offers decent space but the old-fashioned trunk hinges eats into precious boot space. A Volkswagen Golf has a smaller boot but makes the most of the space that it does have.

There's a dizzying number of trim levels to choose from. We will focus on just a few because the rest are priced so closely together that they feel rather pointless. Standard L trim gets Bi-LED headlights, power windows and Blueooth connectivity. You'll have to step up to the LE to get a 6.1-inch touch screen infotainment screen, remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. XLE adds multi-LED headlights, smart key system with push button start and power sunroof. Top of the range XLE adds power adjustable front seats, premium audio system and premium trimmed seats. Our tester car was the LE trim which does offer make the most sense financially thanks to extra bits such as remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. However, you'll have to step all the way up to the XLE to get alloy wheels.

The Toyota Corolla offers a compelling package for those who really do prefer to rest on their laurels when it comes to a compact sedan. It may not be as fun to drive as the Mazda 3 but it certainly does have the build quality and low running costs. We just wish that it wasn't so dull to drive.

Likes: Low running costs with excellent quality and refinement.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trim levels, and it's just so dull to drive. Rivals have caught on to Toyota quality and are more engaging to drive.

Our pick: The XLE maybe a tad too expensive for some but you get plenty of standard kit. We would stick with the LE for those who don't want to spend the cash just for alloy wheels and fancier headlights. You get auto climate control and full touch screen infotainment system, that's enough for some people. It certainly was enough for us, but why aren't alloy wheels fitted as standard?

Devon test drives a radical new Ford Focus (Used)

The next generation Ford Focus is a radical departure from the previous generation. The new generation is stylish inside out and is aimed at the heavy hitters the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Trying to take the rental car image away and offer a car that people actually want, has Ford finally hit a homerun with the Focus? Or is it all style no substance? Let’s find out.

Performance: There are two engines available with the Focus. A 2-liter four-cylinder producing 160hp and a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 252hp in the ST. The standard Focus offers enough oomph for most buyers, while the ST offers wicked fast acceleration and a smooth manual gearbox to match. Only downside with the ST is the large amount of torque at low revs which causes the ST to torque steer more than we’d like in the first two gears.

On the road: The Focus was known for having sweet handling when it first arrived here in 1998. The new Focus continues that trend with strong grip and solid body control which makes it feel agile through corners and bends. The steering weighs up nicely and the ride is pretty good too. It isn’t as smooth as a Volkswagen Golf but it’s pretty close to it. The standard Focus engine is smooth and doesn’t make much of a racket when you put your foot down. The manual gearbox is the way to go. It’s smooth and crisp shifts make it much more of a joy than the rather jerky Power-shift automatic. Wind, road noise is well isolated in the cabin making the Focus a comfortable long distance cruiser.

Behind the wheel: The Focus driving position is really good. There’s plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and driver’s seat. Visibility out is okay, with a few blind spots over the shoulder and out the rear windscreen. The dashboard has too many fiddly and confusing buttons. The Focus offers enough room for four and the boot space is pretty generous it isn’t as large as the VW Golf but its decent compared to the rest.

Equipment:  The S trim comes with CD-player, air-con and stability control. You’ll have to step up to the SE to get alloy wheels and SYNC voice activated entertainment system. Titanium trim adds climate control, premium sound system, rear view parking camera and four-wheel disc brakes. The ST trim adds unique exterior body-kit, turbo engine and few extra sporty bits to make it feel sportier than the rest of the Focus range.

Buying & owning: The standard Focus offers plenty of choices. Although we highly suggest sticking with the SE trim in sedan and hatch form. It seems to make the most sense compared to the S and Titanium trim. ST trim offers hot hatch performance with a relatively low price but don’t expect discounts as the demand for them are high. Running costs should be reasonable and resale value should hold up well as the Focus has been selling quite well.

Quality & Safety: The Focus has a funky and attractive design inside with plenty of high quality materials used in the cabin. This is all good but we wish the dash overall design was a little more user friendly. The Focus has suffered few mechanical issues with the automatic gearbox and the SYNC infotainment system. Stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard. Sadly you’ll have to pay extra for rear disc brakes on most trims which should be standard considering the hatchback starts near $20,000. Side curtain airbags are standard as well as an array of anti-theft features to keep theft at bay. 

The Ford Focus is a radical departure from the previous generation. It’s stylish inside out and offers way better driving experience that the previous generation lacked. However, just like all good things there are its downsides. The Focus interior controls are fiddly and confusing to operate. The Power-Shift auto gearbox is rather jerky between gears and take some getting used it. Also the fact that you’ll have to either step up to the Titanium trim or pay extra for rear disc brakes is just baffling to us. Other than these few complaints the Focus is a solid choice among the heavy hitters and well worth the extra look.

Likes: A radical departure from the previous generation, plenty of grip with excellent body control. Wicked turbo engine performance with low starting price.

Dislikes: Interior controls are too fiddly and confusing to use. Rear disc brakes aren’t standard on SE trim. Power-shift auto gearbox can be jerky between shifts.

Devon’s Pick: SE trim pretty much has all you’ll ever really need in a Focus without paying more than you’ll really need to with the Titanium trim. Our only complaint is the fact that this trim is close to $20,000 and only comes with rear drum brakes. At this price point this is unacceptable. Other than that this is the best Focus of the range not counting the thumping ST.

(Used) Devon test drives a Toyota Corolla

Toyota has never been known for building fun to drive vehicles. The Corolla is no exception to this. Although you can get a sporty looking S-trim. There really isn't much fun behind the wheel. With stiff competition from Honda and Kia, will Toyota be able to keep up? Or is this another case of old dog - old tricks?

Likes: Excellent fit and finish, fuel economy, smooth ride comfort.

Dislikes: Dull driving experience, base trim feels rather stingy on features.

Performance: There's only one engine available for the Corolla, and that's a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 138hp. It offers a good amount of pace around town and on the motorway. Fuel economy is also good too. Power hungry may want to look elsewhere, as there's no powerful engine options to match the sporty looks of the S trim.

Ride & Handling: The Corolla feels solid and comfortable when driven gently. Handling isn't sporty, and doesn't encourage you to drive aggressively. The suspension is set more towards comfort rather than agility. So there's bodyroll in turns, but its far from annoying.

Refinement: The Corolla has excellent refinement on the motorway. There's very little wind and road noise. You'll enjoy how smooth and quiet the ride comfort is. The engine operates smoothly, and is quiet at most speeds.

Behind the wheel: The dashboard has a no nonsense layout. Everything feels logically placed and user friendly. The seats adjust for both reach and height. The controls are easy to use and the quality feels rock solid.

Space & Practicality: There's enough room for five adults in the Corolla. There's plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. There's plenty of boot space as well. The rear seats fold down 60/40 for additional space.

Equipment: The Corolla is priced well among its rivals, but the base trim level loses out on central locking and power windows. You'll have to step up to the higher trims to get features that should be standard across the range. There are rivals that offer them for less than the Corolla.

Buying & Owning: The Corolla holds its value well, so your investments are well secured. The base trim doesn't feel like much of a value, and the sporty looking S trim doesn't feel as sporty as its looks suggest. However, your fuel bill will be low and build quality will be excellent.

Quality & Reliability: All the plastics used feel long lasting. There's a sense of durability behind the interior quality. Reliability should be excellent, as the Corolla has been rated high by its owners in the JD Power survey.

Safety & Security: All Corollas come with an array of safety features standard. ESP, ABS and side curtian airbags come standard across the range. An engine immobiliser comes standard across the range, but you'll have to step up to the higher trims to get deadlocks.

The Corolla has rock solid reliability and feels very well built. It's dependable and offers excellent fuel economy. For those seeking something that's fun to drive may want to venture else where. But for the few that want a car that's aimed at quality and dependability, the Corolla is the car for you.

Devon test drives a Toyota Corolla

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why most play it safe and buy a Toyota Corolla; but is it the best choice in a sea of compact sedans that are just as reliable and more entertaining to drive?

Performance ****

The Corolla’s sole engine is a 1.8 four-cylinder which is pretty flexible around town and on the highway. It’s not the most explosive of engines but it gets the job done, and that’s all you need in a Corolla. There are three transmission choices; four-speed automatic, 6-speed manual gearbox and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The base trim is the only trim that gets the four-speed automatic and its best to avoid it. Both the CVT and the manual gearbox are much better choices.

Ride & handling: ***

Don’t expect the Corolla to be as fun to drive as a Mazda3 or a Volkswagen Jetta. Steering feedback is numb at best and the suspension is tuned more towards comfort rather than agility. There will be more body roll than some of its keen rivals, but the ride comfort is actually quite good even on the roughest of surfaces.

Refinement: ****

Road noise and wind noise won’t be much of an issue here in the Corolla. However, the engine can sound a bit buzzy with the CVT transmission.

Behind the wheel: ****
The Corolla’s infotainment system is pretty simple to navigate through, while some of the menus can be a bit distracting. The touch screen layout is simple and logical but the graphics and some of the technology feel old school compared to its rivals and the backup camera could use improvements. Visibility all round is pretty good too.

Space & practicality: ***
Our biggest gripe with the Corolla is the old-fashioned hinges in the boot that eats into cargo space, but the boot space is decent and average in class. Front and rear passengers won’t really have much to complain about in terms of leg and headroom. The seats are comfy and offer plenty of support and adjustments.

Equipment: ****

HID headlights with auto-off come standard on all forms, as well as Bluetooth for your mobile device. Air-con, CD-player and keyless entry are also standard across the range. Some forms you’ll have to pay extra for alloy wheels.

Buying & owning: ***

There are nine different trim levels for the Corolla! LE Plus trim seems to be the most logical choice if you want a decently priced Corolla that comes with alloy wheels and few extra goodies that you won’t find on the entry-level L trim. We actually suggest skipping the base trim altogether unless you option for the six-speed manual gearbox. The four-speed automatic that only comes in that trim is dreadful.

Safety & security: ***

Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes both come standard. Active safety features include side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints and engine immobilizer all come standard to give you a piece of mind in terms of safety and security. Reliability won’t be much of an issue either thanks to Toyota’s spotless reliability record.

The Corolla is one of those cars you’d buy because of the badge. It is bulletproof in reliability and seems to be the most logical choice for those looking for quality and dependability. However, there are many rivals that are more fun to drive and offer the same tricks the Corolla has been famed for. It’s not a tough sell but it really isn’t the best choice neither not with rivals that are more stylish and multi-talented in the areas the Corolla fall short.

Likes: Overall build quality is rock solid and reliability is outstanding. Low running costs thanks to efficient four-cylinder engine. Interior is roomy for five and the standard kit list is pretty good.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trims to choose from and some contradict each other. Driving experience is dull. Old-fashioned boot hinges eat into cargo space. Four-speed automatic in base trim is best avoided.

Devon’s Choice: LE Plus trim adds alloy wheels which is something most buyers will want. The LE Eco is worth considering if you value running costs but don’t want to buy a more expensive hybrid.

Minute Reviews (Used reviews)

2010 Mazda6

Likes: Sporty design, punchy four-cylinder engine, roomy interior with great attention to details, trunk that looks larger than the class leaders.

Dislikes: Less 'zoom-zoom' more comfort, exterior mirrors don't fold in, alloy wheels should be standard.

Overall: Great sedan that's capable and fun to drive, but the larger more heavier feel ruins the sporty nature of the car.

2010 Toyota Corolla

Likes: Solid car for size, little wind noise at highway speed, very spacious and refined for this price segment.

Dislikes: No driving excitement behind the wheel, styling is rather bland than flashy, recall has damaged Toyota's Reputation.

Overall: It suceeds in refinement and comfort. But leaves the driver feeling disconnected from the driving experience.

2010 Jeep Cherokee

Likes: Floats over pot holes and bumpy surfaces, punchy six-cylinder engine, very roomy and well equipped.

Dislikes: Awkward rear door shape, two piece tailgate can get a little annoying at times, ignition switch requires you to turn the key awkwardly.

Overall: Great vehicle for those who love Jeep off-road hertiage. Other than that, you can buy lighter more fuel efficient alternates for the same price.

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Likes: Solid feel, refinement somewhat higher than competitors, punchy five-cylinder engine, tons of space for such a small car.

Dislikes: Five-cylinder droan when revved hard, feels heavier than it looks, fuel economy isn't its strongest point.

Overall: Although its been replaced by the slicker looking Golf. The Rabbit is still a great buy compared to the more boring Honda Civic.

2009 Saab 9-5 sedan

Likes: Punchy turbo engine, quirky interior design, hints of aircraft hertiage through out design, comfortable highway ride.

Dislikes: Front wheel drive limits performance, hints of torque steer, often overshadowed by German and Japanese rivals.

Overall: Wait for the next generation to arrive shortly. Saab is going back to its roots, which is a good thing.