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By Tim Saunders

A comfortable driving position is vital and it’s almost spot-on in the Toyota Corolla HEV hatchback. The heated black upholstered driver’s seat feels as if it’s sculpted around my body; it is both comfortable and supportive. This of course is especially important and much appreciated when you have a temperamental back like me.
This self-charging hybrid uses both electric and petrol to drive and is Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid system. Simple to drive, it is fitted with an automatic gearbox, and if selecting the B function instead of D, it will automatically click into ev mode whenever the opportunity arises – upto speeds of 54mph (on the motorway) during our test, which is pretty impressive. When ev mode kicks in it is satisfying, especially when crawling through town as you realise that the air pedestrians are breathing is just that little bit cleaner thanks to the Toyota. Reaching faster roads and pushing the accelerator to the floor sees the 1.8-litre Corolla effortlessly propel to the national speed limit. And this is in eco mode, it’s possible to select standard mode, which is sure to be quicker but less efficient. There’s a cruise control, too for the motorway. Over 60mpg is achieved over the course of the test and it covers more than 400 miles on its 43 litre tank. The Corolla easily accommodates five occupants and there is a good size boot. “But it is a bit squashed in the back,” says Heidi (12).
Externally, the ever so slightly frog-like Corolla with its bulging wheel arches is stylish and certainly eye-catching with its two tone paint job; metallic green body and black roof. Rear privacy glass enhances its side profile, which is nothing short of pleasing to the eye. “I think it resembles an owl at the front because of the shape of the headlights,” muses eldest daughter Harriett (14), who has a growing penchant for design.
The multimedia centre is home to an easy to use sat nav complete with English speaking voice, which is welcome when so many are American. There’s a useful reversing camera, too. The system can be operated by voice command that son Henry (9) tries but it doesn’t seem to understand him, which he finds amusing. Its DAB function allows us to listen to our favourite ‘80s radio station.
The black interior is well put together incorporating electric windows, heated front seats and power folding wing mirrors, all of which add a little touch of luxury.
I put it through its paces on jaunts to Highcliffe in Dorset and Farnborough in Hampshire both of which require some motorway driving as well as time on smaller more enjoyable roads. On one occasion we find ourselves stuck behind a very slow and timid learner driver. Of course, it’s important to leave as much room as possible behind such a motorist in case of sudden braking, which I do and am then able to safely overtake up a hill; the Corolla not breaking a sweat.

By Tim Saunders

Stylish luxury. That’s what the Audi A3 offers. It’s a good looking, sophisticated five door hatchback that’s large enough to take five away on a long trip. Finished in dark metallic green there is rear privacy glass with the Audi logo and bonnet grille finished in black.

I last drove an Audi about eight years ago so I am delighted to find myself behind the wheel of one again. I put it through its paces on a journey to the East Midlands that takes in three counties: Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. Covering over 600 miles allows me to see how it performs in varying circumstances; we crawl in jams on the M1, cruise when we're able to and travel faster along more accommodating rural roads.

While eldest daughter Harriett (13) admits that legroom is a little tight behind my seat, we all travel happily enough in our supportive black leather seats. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and I can’t grumble about the driving position; I fit snugly. I usually complain about cars these days only being equipped with boring automatic gearboxes… Well this is no different, there’s a seven speed auto and there are paddleshifts for manual-like driving. However, I currently have painful tendonitis in my left foot and have been hobbling about for two weeks; it's getting better but very slowly. So the fact that this is an automatic and there’s a foot rest for my left foot is actually helpful and over the course of the week long loan, I can feel an improvement in my big toe where the problem is, so thank you Audi.

This model has a little over 1,000 miles on the clock, which means the brakes have barely been bedded in, so braking has to be done carefully otherwise we all kiss the windscreen. It hugs the road and has ample acceleration to keep up with the best of them. The black interior is hardwearing and I like the fabric that has been incorporated on the ergonomically pleasing dashboard. There’s also an electric tilt/slide glass sunroof so that lets more light into the cabin. The sat nav certainly helps to make a journey less stressful but this one can be frustrating in terms of instructions not being as clear as they could be and the information not always being displayed on the head up display projected onto the windscreen in front of the driver.

The boot allows for a couple of suitcases and it’s necessary to remove the parcel shelf for son Henry’s scooter and our coats. Over the course of the journey it returns around 47mpg and will travel about 490 miles on a tank. Cruise control gives reasonable peace of mind when speed cameras are involved, however, it does gather speed when travelling downhill, which can be bothersome.

Overall, it's an impressive hatchback.

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