F&I Management & Training

Consumer demand in the used market for city cars and superminis has been described as "almost endless" by HPI, with the Honda Jazz leading the way.

HPI says the desirability for both sectors has been enhanced by people downsizing and the scrappage scheme.

“There is an almost endless demand for clean, low mileage models in the used market,” said Martin Keighley, HPI’s valuations expert.

“The traditional volume players such as Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and the VW Polo have strong competition from the low volume players offering styles to suit everyone, from sporty to basic frugal models.

"Add this to their generally lower than average production of carbon emissions, and these cars offer guilt-free, greener motoring and good value.”

“The new Ford Fiesta has a seemingly endless queue of buyers, but don’t be fooled by its popularity, as its high list price doesn't make it, in terms of depreciation, the best buy,” said Keighley.

“The Honda Jazz is sensibly priced with a great reputation and good residuals, which is why it’s top of our league table."

Other worthwhile contenders include the Hyundai i20, "a bargain, but hard to get hold of".

One of the cheaper cars in this style is the Chevrolet Aveo, and coupled with its "reasonable" residual values, tops HPI's depreciation ranks.

The average three year/60,000 miles forecast for all cars is 31.2% and the supermini sector average is 31.7%, so all of the top ten are above average on both counts.

HPI'S top 10 superminisb by residual value %

1. Honda Jazz

2. Hyundai i20

3. SEAT Ibiza

4. Mazda2

5. Mitsubishi Colt

6. Suzuki Swift

7. Volkswagen Polo

8. Toyota Yaris

9. Chevrolet Aveo

10. = Renault Clio

10. = Ford Fiesta

10. = Kia Rio

DATED: 24.09.09

FEED: AM