New cars for 2012 - Part 2 - Small family cars: Chevrolet - Hyundai

Chevrolet Volt
What is it? State-of-the-art range-extender
Price from £28,545 (with Government grant)
On sale March

The Volt is the sister car to the Vauxhall Ampera. It will offer the same range-extender hybrid technology and some astonishing (and probably optimistic) headline figures of a claimed 235mpg and just 27g/km of CO2 emissions for £450 less.

It’s still not cheap to buy, at more than £28k, but the Volt is impressive on the road, with smooth acceleration, excellent refinement and decent practicality. Some frustrations remain, such as poor rear visibility, but it’s a terrific, believable way into some cutting-edge technology.

Honda Civic
What is it? Ninth-generation Civic evolves subtly
Price from £16,495
On sale January

Honda has chosen evolution rather than revolution for the ninth-generation Civic.It shares its basic platform with the outgoing model, but there’s a new body, an updated chassis and a range of new engines.

The styling follows the theme of the outgoing car, but there’s a bolder front end and an emphasis on cutting aerodynamic drag to boost efficiency. Initially, there’ll be a choice of 1.4- or 1.8-litre petrol engines, or a 2.2-litre diesel; all are more powerful and cleaner than the old models.

The new Civic is a stable motorway cruiser. It grips strongly and resists body roll well, too. Unfortunately, the steering is overly light and devoid of feel, and an unsettled ride means comfort isn’t great. All Civics suffer from a lot of road noise at speed, too.

The 2.2 diesel engine is very strong, but noisy; the 1.8 petrol is quieter and usefully flexible. We've driven the 1.6 diesel version, which will be the pick of the range when it goes on sale in late 2012.

The Civic’s dashboard is more conventional and easier to use than the outgoing car’, and interior quality has improved. Rear visibility is better, but still not great. As before, the cabin provides lots of legroom, a clever rear-seat folding mechanism and a huge boot. Front headroom is tight.

Even entry-level SE trim includes alloy wheels, climate control and a USB socket. Prices (£16,495 to £26,595) are similar to the outgoing Civic’s. There are no immediate plans for three-door or Type R models.

Hyundai i30
What is it? Bigger, sleeker, second-generation i30
Price from £14,000 (est)
On sale March

Five years after the Hyundai i30 was launched, there’s a second-generation model.

In that time, the i30 has established itself as Hyundai’ best-selling car. The new version looks very different to the outgoing car, with a bolder, sleeker look that owes much to the recently launched i40.

The model change also brings an increase in size: the new i30 is longer and wider, and provides 10% more boot space. The interior has been upgraded, too, with soft-feel plastics, plenty of interior storage space and the option of a seven-inch infotainment screen.

Value for money was key to the original car’ success, and the new one will continue that. The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel will offer CO2 emissions below 100g/km, and there’ll be a choice of three other engines with a total of six power options on offer. Prices are expected to rise, but standard equipment levels are likely to be very generous.