And I am not saying that you did a bad job with it 
In fact, I think that if something like the Liesma GS had been on the market in 1993 IRL, the engine wouldn’t have been any better, so it is completely realistic.
Keep in mind that I am trying to (somewhat) keep this in the spirit of what an automobile magazine would have said in 1993, so try to see it from that angle, and not as a judgement of how good or bad you are at Automation.
As I said earlier, the interesting thing with this competition is to see what kind of compromises that actually will work the best. This is also why I find regular cars on a strict budget much more interesting than supercars in Automation.
4 Likes
No worries. Just felt that I should clear up my decisions I made. 
1 Like
“The 1993 Akira Sparrow… It’s alright”
Middle of the road streak continues for the Akira.
1 Like
For $14K we made SOOOOO many sacrifices 
1 Like
ROUND 7: QUALITY AND RELIABILITY
First, let us kill of the old myth that a cheap car is a car that will break down all the time. Fact is, that a car with simple technology often is more reliable, something that does not exist can’t break either. And much to our surprise, none of the cars seemed to be horribly badly built, but yes, differences do exist and we are now going to check them out.
Even if rust protection and reliability is probably not worse than average in the Régal, it gave the impression to have quite disappointing build quality. Some annoying rattle was present from underneath the car even on our pretty new example. We also know that there has been some cooling system troubles on the Régals that in some unlucky cases have resulted in blown headgaskets.
@karhgath
Neither is the Armor Cricket notoriously unreliable or some kind of rustbucket. But even here there was some annoying troubles present already on our fairly new car, mainly a rattle from underneath the car and a flickering brake failure light.
@GassTiresandOil
There was generally a good impression of the build quality of the Kinden Cub, and we see no reason why it should be considered unreliable. However, the rust protection is a very disappointing chapter on this one. It should be better than this on a modern car.
@bilobilo
Hirochi Exatima: We are not convinced.
Rust protection and reliability is probably not worse than average when it comes to the Hirochi, but once again a car that had some annoying problems already as new so the question is how it will cope with the years to come? Squeaks and rattles were present from what seemed to be a quite flimsy body structure and there was some problems with seatbelts that locked all the time no matter if they were supposed to or not.
@nicholasrams774
For the price the Dafeng costs one would probably not expect a quality automobile, but fact is that we don’t believe that it will either rust or breakdown any worse than the average car. But one has to admit that the build quality feels a bit sloppy and that there was some rattles and squeaks we could have done without.
@mart1n2005
The Sanfrecce on the other hand even feels a little better built than the average car with a very nicely finished interior. Also, predicted reliability is good. What’s not so good, however, is the protection against rust.
@piglet916
The Ibishu Pessima doesn’t feel like if it should have been slapped together and our experiences says that the protection against rust are decent. However, the reliability record is not really the best in its class.
@EngineEmu
There was nothing special to complain about when it comes to the build quality of the Akane Aurora. Rust protection could have been better but is far from a disaster, the predicted reliability is decent and everything seems to be put together reasonably well.
@OME
Hart Jupiter: Watch out for engine troubles.
We mentioned some engine troubles earlier. Other than that the Hart Jupiter doesn’t have any special problems that you won’t find in the average car, it feels reasonably well put together and the rust protection is adequate.
@Fletchyboy100
The Orion Sentinel is another rather average car. Adequate protection against rust, feels kind of well built, not impressive reliability records, but still not bad.
@Hshan
The Barusu deserves some credits for the relatively extensive rust protection, and it will probably not suffer from any serious mechanical breakdowns the first years. But the feeling of build quality is only average.
@ImKaeR
Hakumai has decent rust protection, seems to be reasonably well built, and the predicted reliability is among the better.
@interior
Proletariat Piersic is a better car than rumours say. They have no serious rust problems and actually, the build quality seems to be on par with most western cars. They don’t top any reliability stats however.
@HighOctaneLove
The Baltic is built for harsh conditions and that is obvious when looking at the rust protection since it is simply outstanding. The rest of the car is not as inspiring. Reliability is worse than average and there is better built cars out there.
@TheYugo45GV
We could not really complain when it came to the FM though. It feels reasonably well built, predicted reliability is better than average and rust protection is decent.
@Jaimz
IP Urbana: No headaches predicted.
The IP feels to be on about the same level as the FM. It is somewhat better protected against rust, but we do have the feeling that the FM will even it out with slightly better reliability records.
@Knugcab
Neither is the Akira Sparrow a car that gives any concerns when it comes to build quality. Rust protection is relatively good, it feels well built and the predicted reliability is slightly above average.
@Serperior98
Wells i5: Tried, true and trustworthy.
In the same league we also find the Wells. Simple technology and good build quality means an ownership that we can predict to be relatively trouble-free and it is relatively well protected against rust.
@DuceTheTruth100
The same thing can be said about the Sunnet, good but not amazing build quality. It feels kind of well put together, will probably be trouble-free to own and rust protection is more than adequate.
@Just4
The Shidley Bruv feels like if it is built like a bank vault, a feeling you can’t get in many other cars in this class. And it also shows in the reliability records that are above average. Unfortunately, the Shidley Bruv also can rust like if there was no tomorrow.
@missionsystem
Legion Wimbrel is a well built car. The reliability records are known to be very much above average, and the protection against rust is better than average.
@donutsnail
The LCE is very well protected against rust, among the better in its class in fact. It also has decent reliability records, and it feels like it is bolted together good.
@abg7
Another car with very good rust protection is the GSI Egesta. Reliability records are also relatively good, and we felt that it was bolted together reasonably well. A safe and trouble free buy.
@oppositelock
If you have ever been to India, you know that the streets are flooded with beat up old Gujarats that is just like cockroaches, refusing to die. A reliable and well built car, no question about it. Rust protection is not among the best in the class but still above average.
@BannedByAndroid
The Hyensu Harmony feels - and is - bombproof. Build quality and reliability are on outstanding levels, rust protection not among the best in the class, but still very good.
@Maverick74
The Impulso BT feels very well built and predicted reliability is also very good. Another thing that is positive is that it is very well protected against rust.
@chichicoofisial
Jokes aside, but the Mara Zvezda is really built like a tank. The feeling of build quality is simply amazing for the class and it has proven to be a rugged and reliable car. Though rust protection is not really top class, but still good.
@AndiD
Something as well built as the Decarlis is something we didn’t expect to find in this class at all, it really feels like it will need nuclear weapons to break it apart. It also has a very good predicted reliability - but rust protection is not as excellent. Still good though.
@Arn38fr
The Tiffosi is extremely well built. Also, the predicted reliability is on an outstanding level. Rust will probably not be a problem at all in many years. Without a doubt one of the class leaders.
@fasmukji
The Python Mini is by no means small on quality. It will probably be dead reliable, it will withstand rust very well, and it feels very solid and well built.
@Aruna / @Ryan93
So, this round goes to Tiffosi and Python. But none of the cars are so badly built that we would advise against buying it just because of lacking quality. We have to say that it was a positive surprise once again, how much the bar have raised in this price class even considering quality.
16 Likes
Wow, I thought things would improve a bit, but this is bad for Régal- of course, it is based on a Renault/Panda but I expected to be a bit closer to average than it is right now (this round was brutal). I really forgot I was trying to make the best car under 14K, not the most realistic one 
TBH I think that I weighted the quality sliders a bit too much in this round and that there is room for improvement. That would maybe have put the Régal in a better position here. However, I have to admit that the Régal has at least one advantage over most of the other cars. Which? Well, we’re coming to that one later.
2 Likes
ROUND 8: ECONOMY
Indeed one of the most important rounds of this test. After all, you are looking for a car on a budget because you don’t want to (or are able too) spend too much money on it. That also means that ownership needs to be economical. And, disappointingly enough, this round is full of negative surprises, meaning that buying cheap sometimes can be an expensive affair.
The Akane Aurora is the most expensive car to service at $699.9. Fuel economy is bad, it needs 12.4 litres per 100 km, it sells for $100 under the maximum budget and since it is not among the more popular cars on the second hand market it means that it will lose relatively much value.
@OME
The old fashioned, big V6 in the Orion likes gasoline. It needs 12.3 litres per 100 kilometers and while it could be considered OK for a large V6 sedan, it is still a lot of fuel for a budget conscious owner. At $658.6 the service costs are perhaps relatively sane for a car like this, but still among the most expensive in the group. It barely fits in the budget at $14K, and while it is kind of attractive on the used car market, it still means that there will be more of a loss when it comes to second hand value than for many other cars.
@Hshan
At $560.5, the service costs of the Baltic are not bloody, but the fuel thirst is, 12.6 litres per 100 km makes it one of the worst performers there. It barely fits into the budget and the second hand value is not really anything to brag about.
@TheYugo45GV
The Hart is among the more expensive cars to service at $634.8 and a fuel thirst of 10.1 litres per 100 km is simply too much. The price is $13900 AMU and second hand value is quite mediocre, meaning that it will lose a (relatively) large amount of money in value.
@Fletchyboy100
The Sanfrecce sells for $13800 and has a mediocre second hand value. At $586.4 the service costs are about average but 9.1 litres per 100 km is a bit too much for such a small car.
@piglet916
The Ibishu Pessima is one of the more expensive cars to buy since it barely fits inside the budget, the second hand value is low and 10.4 litres per 100 km is not really considered economical today. But at $485.7 servicing is absolutely cheap.
@EngineEmu
The Armor Cricket also costs $14000 but is relatively sought after on the used car market. 7.4 litres per 100 km is not too bad, but it is expensive to service at $653.9.
@GassTiresandOil
The Shidley is another car that sells for $14000, with an average second hand value, also quite average fuel economy at 8.2 litres per 100 km, even the service costs are more or less middle of the road at $567.3.
@missionsystem
The Wells i5 will lose much in value and is among the more expensive cars in the group to buy at $14000. At 11.3 litres per 100 km the fuel economy is not very good, although better than for the nearest competitors, Orion and Baltic. Service costs are very low though at $395.9.
@DuceTheTruth100
The Hirochi sells for $200 under budget and second hand value is about average. At 7.7 litres per 100 km fuel economy is quite good, service costs are about middle of the road at $586.2.
@nicholasrams774
FM Street is relatively cheap to buy at $13500, also meaning that even if second hand value is nothing to brag about, it will not lose horrible amounts of money in the end. Fuel economy is good at 6.7 litres per 100 km, but service costs the second highest in the group at $684.5.
@Jaimz
At $14000 the Barusu is another one of the cars that barely fits inside the budget, second hand value is average. Fuel economy is good at 6.6 litres per 100 km but servicing quite expensive at $632.3.
@ImKaeR
The Decarlis also sells for $14000 and second hand values are on about the same level as the Barusu. 7.3 litres per 100 km is not a too shabby figure and service costs about average at $568.4.
@Arn38fr
One thing you have to say about the Hakumai Spot is that it is cheap to buy at $12100. That also means that the huge percentage it will lose in value doesn’t matter all too much in the end. It is also very cheap to service at $412.2. But at 12.8 litres per 100 km it is the thirstiest in the group, and we really don’t understand how the compact Hakumai can get worse ratings there than even the big V6 Orion!
@interior
Hyensu Harmony: Generally good.
Hyensu Harmony sells for $200 under the budget at $13800 and is sought after on the used car market, meaning that it will hold its value very well. 6.8 litres per 100 km is good fuel economy figures and the only somewhat disturbing thing is the service costs at $612.9.
@Maverick74
Mara Zvezda is cheap to buy at $13300 and has a second hand value that is around average. At 6.9 litres per 100 km it is sparse on fuel but service costs are a rather high $625.3.
@AndiD
The GSI Egesta costs $14000 but the second hand value is high. Fuel economy is very good at 6.2 litres per 100 km and the only thing one could maybe complain a little about is the $612.6 service costs.
@oppositelock
The Legion Wimbrel costs $13900 but since used Wimbrels sells like hot cakes, second hand value will be good. 7.6 litres per 100 km is without a doubt an acceptable figure and service costs are low at $503.1.
@donutsnail
The Akira Sparrow sells for $13800 and has a quite good second hand value. It is also sparse on fuel at 6.6 litres per 100 km, and $581.2 for servicing is absolutely acceptable.
@Serperior98
At $13600 the Gujarat Master is cheap to buy, and a high second hand value means that you will not lose much money in the end. $509.4 for servicing is cheap and 7.7 litres per 100 km absolutely a good fuel economy figure.
@BannedByAndroid
$12900 for a Proletariat means that it is among the cheapest cars on the market, and the low second hand value does not matter all too much in that case. Servicing is very cheap at $492.3. But for such a small car, we would have expected better fuel economy ratings, 8.6 litres per 100 km is a bit high in this case.
@HighOctaneLove
Kinden Cub: Overall economy is good.
Kinden Cub is cheap to buy at $13400 and the second hand value is not too shabby. 7.1 litres per 100 km is good fuel economy figures and $517.4 for servicing far from bloody.
@bilobilo
The Régal is another car that barely fits inside the budget at $14000, and its second hand value is not very good. 7.4 litres per 100 km is acceptable but one thing that really speaks for the Régal is the low service costs at $364.4 - only beaten by the Python Mini.
@karhgath
$13600 for the IP is a relatively low price and the second hand values are on an average level. 5.9 litres per 100 km, however, means that it is a real fuel sipper. $566 for service is an acceptable figure.
@Knugcab
Not only is the Tiffosi very cheap at $13100, it will hold its value like crazy. 5.7 litres per 100 km is very good fuel economy figures, and $584.3 for servicing is not too bad either.
@fasmukji
The Sunnet is an economical car. It is cheap to buy at $13600 and even if second hand values aren’t the best, it will not lose very much money anyway. Fuel economy figures of 7.2 litres per 100 km is nothing to complain about and servicing is very cheap at $390.5.
@Just4
The Impulso BT barely manages to fit inside our budget but will hold its value reasonably well. It is very sparse on fuel at 5.6 litres per 100 km and also very cheap to service at $436.9.
@chichicoofisial
At $13800, the LCE is priced $200 under the budget, second hand values are about average. 4.6 litres per 100 km means that it is very economical on fuel and $527.7 for servicing is also a low figure.
@abg7
Dafeng: Insanely low purchase price
$11000 for a new car is crazy, and it is almost hard to believe that it is possible, but Dafeng has proven that it is. That means that mediocre second hand values does not matter much at all in the end either. 6.9 litres per 100 km is also a good fuel economy rating and $525.4 for servicing is far from bloody.
@mart1n2005
Python Mini: The overall economy champion.
$14000 for a little crackerbox maybe makes you sceptical but in the end, there is no question about that the Python Mini has an economical advantage over most of the cars. How about $339 for servicing? Or a fuel economy rating of 3.5 litres per 100 km? That also evens out the somewhat mediocre second hand value.
@Aruna / @Ryan93
So, while none of the cars is an economical disaster, not all of them could be recommended from an economical standpoint. It should be said, however, that most of them offer cheap car ownership. Especially the Python, despite being one of the most expensive cars to buy.
OOC INFO:
I am not very convinced about the used car price calculator I used (from the CSR round about half a year ago), since it seems to give somewhat strange values. However, I don’t have anything better at the moment (I will gladly appreciate some suggestions there), so now it is like it is. I doubt that another one would have changed the outcome very much though.
17 Likes
The Liesma, performing like a true Soviet Era car. Perfectly realistic for having an ancient engine design. But, we must wait and see what happens in the future.
3 Likes
ROUND 9: SAFETY
Another thing that have been a sad chapter for cheap cars have been the low safety ratings. Unfortunately, that is still kind of true, and the explanation is of course easy - modern safety equipment like airbags comes at a cost, as does extensive engineering and crash testing. But there is some exceptions, after all. Let’s find out which ones!
Being a small and flimsy convertible, the Barusu is not very great seen from a safety point of view. It does offer the safety equipment that could be expected in a low price car today, but unfortunately it is also small, light and with outdated engineering. Having the roof cut off doesn’t make things any more promising.
@ImKaeR
Even if the safety of course has been updated through the years, the Gujarat is showing its age. The only safety equipment offered is things we are taking for granted nowadays, and it is hard to implement modern engineering with good crumple zones etc. in an old design.
@BannedByAndroid
Weighing in at under 700 kg, the Python Mini is too small and light to offer any safety to talk about. The level of safety equipment is not terribly low and the bodyshell feels very rigid for its size and weight, but it will still probably lose in a battle against a large car.
@Aruna / @Ryan93
Neither is the Proletariat any giant when it comes to safety. Small, light and old fashioned. It should be said, though, that safety has been updated through the years so we aren’t exactly speaking 60s levels of safety after all.
@HighOctaneLove
Tiffosi: The size is a drawback.
The Tiffosi offers the amount of safety equipment that could be considered standard in a low budget car today, but nothing more, and once again, a car this small will probably not offer much protection in a crash.
@fasmukji
For being a modern design and even a fair bit larger than many of the competitors, the Hirochi Exatima is a disappointment. NHTSA crash testing have shown that there is flaws both in the restraint systems and also that the structure is very weak.
@nicholasrams774
Baltic: Outdated safety engineering.
The Baltic Motors Liesma GS is large and heavy and feels robust. Maybe a bit too robust, since the ancient body on frame design doesn’t allow for as properly engineered crumple zones as a more modern unibody layout does. Also, it was engineered in the 70s when safety did not have the same priority as it has today.
@TheYugo45GV
The FM Street is another car with questionable safety. It is small light and has nothing special in the way of safety equipment and engineering that could make up for that.
@Jaimz68
The same could be said about the Sanfrecce. Nothing with this car convinces us that it is more than a mediocre car from a safety standpoint, as best.
@piglet916
The Hakumai may be a bit larger, but at the same time there is a lack of all the modern safety equipment that have found its way into cars lately. You only get the bare minimum amount required by law such as seatbelts. Not acceptable in a modern car.
@interior
The Impulso is not overly small or flimsy. However, it lacks a lot of the modern safety equipment that could be expected in a car today (rear headrests for example). There is many competitors offering a higher level of safety today.
@chichicoofisial
The Ibishu Pessima is a dated construction, and dated is also the level of safety equipment. More modern competitors have a higher level of safety nowadays.
@EngineEmu
The Dafeng does not show any impressive crash test results either. It has a fairly average level of safety equipment but it has shown to have some flaws. Also, it has its small size against it.
@mart1n2005
Neither is the crash test results of the Hart anything to brag about. The level of safety equipment is low and the restraint systems aren’t very effective. It has some advantage over the most tiny cars however.
@Fletchyboy100
Decarlis is on a pretty average level for a small and cheap car when it comes to safety. There is nothing special when it comes to either engineering or safety equipment, on the other hand no apparent flaws either.
@Arn38fr
The same could be said for the IP. For a low budget car released today, the safety level is on par with what could be expected - an improvement from the outgoing model that has been around since 1982 and that often got criticism for its low safety rating.
@Knugcab
Neither could anything special be said about the Akane Aurora. It is a bit heavier than the Decarlis and IP though.
@OME
The Kinden Cub is also on a pretty average level for its class. Small and with a relatively basic level of safety, however not seriously flawed in any way.
@bilobilo
The LCE is also on about the same level, with nothing special when it comes to engineering or safety equipment, and at the same time relatively small.
@abg7
We also say that the Akira Sparrow is on about the same level. Small, and with a pretty average level of safety equipment.
@Serperior98
The Wells has one positive point - the size. But the safety equipment is on a really low level and nothing about the car says that safety has been given any priority at the drawing board.
@DuceTheTruth100
The Sunnet ISI also provides a pretty average level of safety. Once again, a small car with nothing special when it comes to safety equipment.
@Just4
Neither does the GSI offer anything impressive in the way of safety. Another small car that is on what could be considered a pretty basic level nowadays.
@oppositelock
Armor Cricket: Acceptable safety.
Being a fair bit larger, we rank the Armor Cricket higher. It still doesn’t offer anything extra over what could be considered standard today, though.
@GassTiresandOil
The Orion Sentinel has a size advantage over most cars. Though the safety equipment is a bit thin for a modern car.
@Hshan
The Mara has the safety equipment you could expect from a modern day budget car, and has a size advantage over the very smallest cars. Still, it could not be considered one of the top performers on the market.
@AndiD
The Hyensu Harmony has shown promising results in US government crash testing. It is also fairly large compared to most of the other cars, and offers some extra safety equipment like a drivers side airbag and anti intrusion beams in the doors.
@Maverick74
Legion Wimbrel: One of the safest cars in the group.
Despite being a bit old fashioned and lacking some of the latest safety equipment, the Legion Wimbrel has shown good crash test results. A fairly large size and a well engineered bodyshell are some of the reasons behind it.
@donutsnail
The Shidley Bruv has an extensive level of safety equipment seldom seen in this class, like pretensioning seatbelts, dual airbags, side impact beams, headrests for all passengers as well as 3-point seatbelts.
@missionsystem
It is easy to believe that the Régal is a mediocre car safety wise, due to its age and small size, but crash test results proves otherwise. The bodyshell is very well engineered and it has most of the modern safety equipment available, like dual airbags, pretensioning seatbelts and side impact beams. Probably the best car in the group.
@karhgath
So, with the Régal as the winner of the safety round, it is now time to sum everything up. Flip the page for the (sometimes very surprising) results…
13 Likes
Who would have thought that I’d be at least as curious about the final results of a budget car comparison as about the final results of a stage race (e.g. GT79)… 
FINAL VERDICTS, PAGE 1/5
HAKUMAI SPOT
The low price probably seems tempting for many buyers, but our advice is to stay away from the Hakumai Spot. It is simply a terribly engineered and unbalanced car, and the surprisingly bad fuel economy will probably make you regret what you saved on the purchase price anyway. It is not even interesting as a real price fighter, since Dafeng have managed to sell a much cheaper car - that also is much better.
PROS: Spacious, low purchase price, low service costs
CONS: Spartan equipment, terrible driveline, extremely uncomfortable
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: **
Performance: ***
Comfort: 0
Roominess and practicality: ****
Equipment: *
Engine and drivetrain: *
Quality: ***
Economy: ***
Safety: *
FINAL VERDICT: 18/45
IBISHU PESSIMA
The Ibishu Pessima costs $14000 and barely fits into the budget, yet it is one of the worst performers overall. While it might not be terrible at anything, it is a fairly mediocre car that is not really good at anything either. Ibishu has been selling a new Pessima for a while now, keeping the old Pessima in production as the Pessima Classic as long as it will sell, as a budget alternative. And we can understand that it might be tempting to go for the old Pessima for some buyers, considering the money you will save, but our advice is, if you can’t afford the new Pessima, go somewhere else than the Ibishu dealership. There is simply much better cars available for $14000 than this outdated car that wasn’t exactly fantastic by 70s standards either.
PROS: Decent performance, low service costs
CONS: Spartan equipment, unrefined engine, fuel thirst
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: **
Performance: ****
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: *
Engine and drivetrain: *
Quality: **
Economy: ***
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 19/45
BALTIC MOTORS LIESMA GS
The Baltic Motors Liesma GS is probably similar to what you think of when you hear “eastern block car”. Clumsy, unrefined, primitive, but robust. And it sure is lots of metal for your money but, if one should be completely honest, not much more than that. It is an old design that was outdated already as new, and time has been running away from it. For $14000, there is better alternatives to choose from out there.
PROS: Rust protection, luggage space
CONS: Outdated drivetrain, fuel thirst, slow
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: **
Performance: *
Comfort: ***
Roominess and practicality: ***
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: *
Quality: ***
Economy: **
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 20/45
WELLS I5
We can imagine the Wells i5 running as a taxicab in some third world region. In that case, it would be a quite suitable vehicle actually. Cheap, simple to repair, roomy, robust. But as a family car in western europe in 1993 it is a more doubtful alternative. It is simply too primitive, and subpar at almost everything by modern standards. Like the Baltic, you get a big car for not too much money, and in this case also big car roominess inside. But if that is what you are looking for, we suggest you to take a look at the Orion instead.
PROS: Roomy, low service costs, decent reliability
CONS: Spartan equipment, low comfort, terribly bad brakes
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: *
Performance: ****
Comfort: 0
Roominess and practicality: ****
Equipment: *
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: ***
Economy: ***
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 21/45
PROLETARIAT PIERSIC
The Proletariat Piersic is an oldtimer, it was released already back in 1963, but fact is that we think that there still is some life left in this design. Of course, looking at it rationally, more modern superminis have surpassed it in most areas - and that’s probably just logical. But on the other hand the Piersic is very cheap to buy and has tons of charm, while it doesn’t really feel old when you’re driving it.
So, if you are looking for a zippy little city runabout, and are tired of boring modern cars that all looks the same, then why not? But for the highway commute, we are a bit more skeptical.
PROS: Fun to drive, well equipped, low purchase price
CONS: Slow, cramped, subpar safety
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: *
Comfort: ***
Roominess and practicality: *
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: **
Quality: ***
Economy: ****
Safety: *
FINAL VERDICT: 21/45
RÉGAL JUNIOR
The Régal has good crash test results, a huge luggage space and is cheap to service. While being outstandingly good on those points, we think that it is lacking in many other areas. It has been on the market for almost 10 years, and we get the feeling that Régal is trying to give it some make up with things like alloy wheels (that almost looks like steelies anyway) while waiting for a replacement.
We feel that the Régal is a less than well thought out car, and that there is better alternatives available if you want a good overall performer in this class.
PROS: Luggage compartment, safety, low service costs
CONS: Strange choices of equipment, cramped for passengers, shoddy build quality
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: **
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: **
Engine and drivetrain: **
Quality: **
Economy: ****
Safety: ****
FINAL VERDICT: 23/45
@interior @EngineEmu @AndiD @DuceTheTruth100 @HighOctaneLove @karhgath
14 Likes
This video really captures the spirit of my car and I think anyone who watches this will be glad they did, hahaha!
Enjoy!
1 Like
I do want to point out the Liesma’s B pillar is in the wrong spot, it should be further forward right behind the door handle. Likely caused by importation, nothing to worry about. 
FINAL VERDICTS, PAGE 2/5
SHIDLEY BRUV
It is a myth that a tweed cap for the driver is included as the standard equipment in the Shidley Bruv. But we understand the origins. The Shidley is kind of the typical pensioners car. It is robust, traditional but completely lacks any qualities that makes it exciting in any way.
It certainly has some very good points, like safety and build quality, but at a fairly high price in a class where the competition is tough, we don’t find this to be one of the most interesting alternatives.
PROS: High passive safety, high build quality, roomy for passengers
CONS: Subpar rust protection, sluggish performance, small luggage compartment
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: *
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: **
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: ***
Economy: ***
Safety: ****
FINAL VERDICT: 23/45
AKANE AURORA
In an era where most cars both looks and feels more and more like each other, the Aurora at least has some own personality. We never judge the looks of a car - after all that’s something we believe that you can do better yourself - but let’s just say that when you see an Aurora, you don’t have to doubt what it is.
And even the driving experience shows that the car has some charm, it’s quick, nimble and well equipped, but in a highly competitive market, that is not always enough. There is some unfortunate flaws that makes the Aurora one, in our opinion, doubtful investment.
PROS: Frisky performance, high level of standard equipment, decent handling
CONS: Uninspiring engine, high service costs, thirsty on fuel
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: ****
Comfort: ***
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: **
Quality: ***
Economy: *
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 23/45
SANFRECCE GIARDINO
The Sanfrecce is kind of anonymous and forgotten on the market, partly because there is not much talking for it. We don’t say that the Sanfrecce is a bad car, because that would be to stretch things a bit too far. But to be competitive, you have to have something to point at and say “this is the reason to buy our car”.
The Sanfrecce dealer does not have it, the Giardino is a fairly mediocre allrounder that doesn’t exactly shine at anything at all. Just another small car, among hundreds.
PROS: Decent standard equipment, smooth engine, reasonable seating comfort
CONS: Subpar rust protection, mediocre fuel economy, cramped
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: **
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: ***
Economy: ***
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 23/45
KINDEN CUB
The Kinden Cub is something of an oddity regarding the drive type, rear wheel drive is getting rare in this class nowadays. It is also one of the lower priced cars, and as such, it works reasonably well. It has got some gizmos that you would not expect in this price class, and is something of a sprinter when it comes to getting up to speed.
But overall we’d say that it is a pretty forgettable experience that we haven’t been fighting over the keys to. A reasonable everyday small car for it’s price, but not much more than that.
PROS: Well equipped, relatively low purchase price, decent performance
CONS: Subpar rust protection, cramped for passengers, mediocre comfort
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: ***
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: **
Quality: **
Economy: ****
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 23/45
DAFENG NI7141
The purchase price for the Dafeng is almost insanely low, yet it manages to do many things at least as good as its more expensive competitors. That is in itself an achievement. Sure, you will not get an exciting car, and it is mediocre in most aspects, but considering what you will have to pay for it, we are sort of impressed with what it can do.
We dare to say that for its price, the Dafeng is a good purchase. It simply lacks any good competitors on the market at the moment, and it is by all means a real car, that can do everything that a car will have to do.
PROS: Very low purchase price, good overall economy, decent comfort
CONS: Sloppy build quality, uninspiring engine, small luggage compartment
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: **
Performance: **
Comfort: ****
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: **
Engine and drivetrain: **
Quality: **
Economy: *****
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 23/45
BARUSU OCHINCHIN
Bringing a knife to a sword fight? Maybe, but we were eager to take a look at the Barusu just to see how good or bad a convertible in this price class could be.
And overall, we are pleasantly surprised. The Barusu is in many aspects a much nicer car than anyone would have expected. But it should be seen as a fun summer car and not much more. As a daily driver, it has too many flaws to be acceptable, like the low levels of practicality, not to mention the extremely low levels of safety.
PROS: Cheap open top motoring, good balance between comfort and handling, well equipped
CONS: Unpractical, unsafe, high service costs
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ****
Performance: ***
Comfort: ****
Roominess and practicality: 0
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ****
Quality: ***
Economy: ***
Safety: 0
FINAL VERDICT: 24/45
@missionsystem, @OME, @piglet916, @bilobilo, @mart1n2005, @ImKaeR
OOC: IF looks had been judged, I would have rated the Akane Aurora #1 here. Really nice looking car, @OME .
13 Likes
FINAL VERDICTS, PAGE 3/5
HART JUPITER
The Jupiter is a quite typical representant for a modern compact sedan. It doesn’t stand out from the crowd, but it will do most of the things that it is supposed to do very well. An allrounder that does not shine on any specific point, on the other hand it is not shockingly bad at anything either.
But, since there is many competitors that will do the same things at least as good as the Hart, and having in mind the high costs of ownership and the record of somewhat lacking engine reliability, we feel that there is better cars around in this class than the Hart Jupiter.
PROS: Decent performance, decent handling, relatively roomy
CONS: High service costs, mediocre fuel economy, small luggage compartment
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: ****
Comfort: ***
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: ***
Economy: **
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 25/45
SUNNET ISI
We start with the absolutely worst part - the Sunnet has an engine noise that is almost deafening. Noisy enough to scare away a big part of the customers is our guess.
With that said, except for the noise levels, it is a decent car, that is economical to own, but also a bit forgetable. It does what it is supposed to do without too much struggle - nothing more, nothing less.
There is better cars available, that at the same time can be driven without hearing protectors on the highway.
PROS: Good brakes, decent handling, low service costs
CONS: Noisy engine, cramped, lacks some equipment
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ****
Performance: ***
Comfort: *
Roominess and practicality: **
Equipment: **
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: ***
Economy: *****
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 25/45
FM STREET
The FM street is a chic and fun little car that has tons of charm. It is fun to drive and overall it offers more than you would expect from a car in this class. All of that, for a price that is very competitive.
But in the end, it is hard to ignore the fact that this car IS to small for many people, coming with the typical drawbacks like questionable safety and lack of interior space.
But if you are looking for a small second car, this is an interesting alternative that will bring you more than just pure transportation.
PROS: Low purchase price, good fuel economy, excellent driving dynamics
CONS: High service costs, low safety rating, cramped
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: *****
Performance: ***
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: *
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: ***
Economy: ***
Safety: **
FINAL VERDICT: 25/45
PYTHON MINI
$14000 AMU for a tiny 660 cc vehicle with a really sparse level of standard equipment, is it really worth it?
Well, that is a question you will have to ask yourself, but the Python Mini actually features engineering at such a high level that we understand why it’s not overly cheap. Also, being one of the absolutely most economical cars on the market, it compensates for the high purchase price somewhat.
But in the end, this is a tiny car with a tiny (albeit very amazing) engine. That may or may not be enough for your needs, which is a decision you must make by yourself.
PROS: Excellent total economy, very high build quality, state of the art engine
CONS: Low on safety, low on standard equipment, cramped
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ****
Performance: **
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: *
Equipment: *
Engine and drivetrain: *****
Quality: *****
Economy: *****
Safety: *
FINAL VERDICT: 26/45
ARMOR CRICKET
The Armor Cricket is a practical, relatively roomy station wagon for a competitive price and it does its job well. It is by no means the most exciting purchase you can make, but it will probably be a competent daily driver for years to come. Also, it is kind of pleasant to drive (but some competitors can offer more comfort indeed).
Fact is, our major objection against the Cricket has nothing to do with the car itself. But its nearest competitor, the Mara Zvezda, feels a little bit better, to a lower price, so that is a though nut to crack for the Armor.
But don’t rule it out as an alternative because of that, since the Armor is absolutely worth taking a look at.
PROS: Practical, good handling, good brakes
CONS: High service costs, harsh ride quality, somewhat noisy engine
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: ***
Performance: ***
Comfort: **
Roominess and practicality: ****
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: ***
Quality: **
Economy: ***
Safety: ***
FINAL VERDICT: 26/45
ORION SENTINEL
Of course, a full size car in this price class means that a lot of compromises has to be done. But the Orion Sentinel does it much better than its nearest competitors, the Baltic Liesma and the Wells i5. Fact is, that from a pure driver’s standpoint, we think that the Orion Sentinel can stand up somewhat well against the competition.
But when it comes to filling up the tank, you will still have to pay for its size, and the thirsty, outdated V6 paired with an ancient 3 speed auto doesn’t make things better.
Still, if you need the size, and is on a budget, Orion is the choice. Watch out for the low maximum legal payload though.
PROS: Good performance, roomy, comfortable
CONS: Fuel thirst, outdated drivetrain, low maximum payload
OUR RATING:
Driving characteristics: **
Performance: ****
Comfort: ****
Roominess and practicality: ***
Equipment: ***
Engine and drivetrain: **
Quality: ***
Economy: **
Safety: ***
FINAL VERDICT: 26/45
@Fletchyboy100 @Just4 @Jaimz68 @Aruna @Ryan93 @GassTiresandOil @Hshan
11 Likes
Yay, I’m in the middle! That went better than expected 
Small correction though - by American standards and Orion’s lineup this is “just” a midsize.
Yes, but on the Swedish market (which this test represents even though there is a great dash of automationverse in it, obviously) it would be considered full size.
Might be, though for me those American terms are somewhat confusing when applied to any European market. In terms I’m most used to it would be an upper middle class car, or just E segment.