Gone but not forgotten: you can buy these compact hatchbacks for €4,500

Fiat Punto Evo 1.4-16V Multiair Dynamic – 2010 – 110,624 kilometers – €4,450

We kick off with the Fiat Punto – a model name that has been around since 1993 and of which the first generation became Car of the Year. The somewhat grown third generation that was in the showrooms from 2005 was successively called Grande Punto and Punto Evo, but ultimately just Punto again. The ZH-865-T (imported in 2019 and has had one owner since then) is a Punto Evo and is more noticeable on the inside than on the outside. Because just look at that beautiful black and red interior! Leave design to the Italians. It is nice that the Punto has developed into an excellent all-rounder that has few weaknesses and can compete with the big boys in the B-segment (including Fiesta, Corsa, Polo, 208, Clio and Yaris). So more than just a nice face. Good. Under the hood of this used car is a 1.4-16V, good for 105 hp, which is linked to a six-speed gearbox. It makes this car a smooth ride, but beware: the chassis does not lend itself to overly exciting aspirations. Certainly, as a true Italian, the Punto is sportier than both Japanese, sister model Alfa Romeo MiTo is certainly a bit sharper.

The Punto may have been around for years, but the test of time has had a hard time getting to grips with it. It offers quite a lot of living space. Only the legroom in the back is quite tight, while the luggage compartment with 275 liters is the most spacious of this trio. If you fold the rear seat flat, there is 1,030 liters available and this compact can also tow a trailer of 1,000 kilos with brakes. It is nicely equipped with things like air conditioning, cruise control and alloy wheels. In terms of running costs, we estimate that the Punto Evo will be somewhat more expensive than the Micra below, but in various areas you also get a more mature vehicle in return. Warranty at extra cost.

Signaling

Brand Fiat
Type Punto Evo 1.4-16V Multiair Dynamic
Construction year March 2010
Mileage 110,624
Asking price €4,450
Where to buy? De Wijk Dealer Occasions, Heemskerk

Technical data

Engine 4 cyl. in-line, 1,368 cc
Max. assets 77 kW/105 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. couple 130 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Luggage compartment 275 l/1,030 l
Max. trailer braked 1,000 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 in 17.5
0-100 km/h 10.8 sec
Top speed 185 km/h

Nissan Micra 1.2 Visia – 2011 – 108,491 kilometers – €4,795

You may still find a new Micra here and there at the Nissan dealer, but after decades it is over for this model name. Each Micra was a revolution compared to its predecessor: from angular in the 1980s through cuddly in the 1990s to the rather sharply drawn latest generation. The previous model did not really gain traction and was mainly used by the grayer part of the nation. This Nissan Micra should also appeal to young people with its bright blue paint and white striping. The H-943-LJ is an import Belgian (Car Pass available) that has had two Dutch owners since 2020. More than €100,000, the asking price is slightly above our budget, but as a preliminary, the images show a neat impression.

Gray tones predominate inside. The playful aspect lies in the dashboard, which is designed here and there with round elements. The model portrayed is the entry-level: the three-cylinder 1.2 in Visia version. There are windows in the back, air conditioning is conspicuous by its absence and the steering wheel is only adjustable in height. It is remarkable that, for example, traction control is included, while with the available 80 horses you certainly cannot pull the cobbles out of the street. Despite its heroic appearance, this Micra is certainly not a sporty one. The chassis is mainly adjusted for comfort. He dives quickly into a bend with reluctance, but he – and therefore the occupants – suffer from leaning over. The occupants have no shortage of storage and storage space (the RDW even qualifies it as an MPV), the luggage space can be increased from 265 to 1,132 liters. Great, because a towbar is not possible. The empty weight is (only) 885 kilos. That, the modest consumption and the proverbial Japanese reliability suggest a used car that still has a long and expensive life ahead of it. Together with its paint color, we think this is its greatest asset.

Signaling

Brand Nissan
Type Micra 1.2 Visia
Construction year March 2011
Mileage 108,491
Asking price €4,795
Where to buy? Car company Rob Dees BV, Axel

Technical data

Engine 3 cyl. in-line, 1,198 cc
Max. assets 59 kW/80 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. couple 110 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Luggage compartment 265 l/1,132 l
Max. trailer braked n/a
Avg. consumption 1 in 20.0
0-100 km/h 13.7 sec
Top speed 170 km/h

Mitsubishi Colt CZ5 1.3 Intro Edition – 2009 – 116,203 kilometers – €4,299

As early as 1962, four-wheelers with the type name Colt were born in Japan, and the Netherlands was introduced to the compact Mitsubishi in January 1979, with the brand slogan ‘The steeled perfection’ referring more to the perfection of technology than that of steel, because the rust devil knew what to do with it. Several generations followed and now, after almost ten years, there is another Colt in the Mitsubishi showrooms, but even Stevie Wonder can see that this is a Clio clone. No, then this generation of Mitsubishi Colt as Born was built: with its cool Jet Fighter grille, it fit in neatly with its relatives. The nice thing is that it came off the production line at Nedcar in Born. The present 37-JXZ-7 (unfortunately this copy has now been sold, but if you click on the link you will see references to similar copies) did so in the autumn of 2009 and has served two owners so far. This used car is therefore just the oldest and the most experienced in terms of kilometers, but also the cheapest.

You can’t tell from his equipment: leather-wrapped steering wheel, tire pressure monitoring system, rain sensor, electrically folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass… He is most generous with his stuff. The interior space is also relatively generous, although this comes at the expense of the trunk. On the road, the Colt behaves civilly. It is a comfortable driving car. The suspension is smoothly adjusted and items such as steering, pedals and gearbox are light and easy to operate. But it is not really sporty, the seating position is also too high for that. Everything looks neat inside, there is little to complain about ergonomics, but the materials used do feel quite hard. The Punto above clearly offers much more atmosphere on board – for those who are sensitive to that. Anyone who is not, will buy a nice model with this ‘Dutch’ used car, the operating costs of which are somewhere between the cheaper Micra and the more expensive Punto Evo, we suspect. Here too, warranty on request.

Signaling

Brand Mitsubishi
Type Colt CZ5 1.3 Intro Edition
Construction year September 2009
Mileage 116,203
Asking price €4,299
Where to buy? Adequate Auto’s VOF, Ter Aar

Technical data
Engine 4 cyl. in-line, 1,332 cc
Max. assets 70 kW/95 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. couple 125 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Luggage compartment 220 l/1,032 l
Max. trailer braked 1,000 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 in 17.2
0-100 km/h 11.1 sec
Top speed 178 km/h

Which model name do you want to keep?

Micra and Punto are no longer in the price lists (yet), but the Colt has recently been again. Those who want to stay in the past have to rely on the used car market. We showed all three, for prices around 4.5 grand. The Punto is the most mature, but also requires a little more money every month. If you often take rear passengers with you, they will appreciate the ‘Dutch’ Colt. The Micra is for those who want to drive cheaply from A to B for a longer period of time. What would your choice be?