Smart price rises lessens appeal

South Korean manufacturers have new models to challenge European performance cars. The 'ultimate' Subaru Impreza, the WRX STi (here in January) is expected to cost around £30,000 and will produce more than 260bhp, for a 0-60mph of 5.2 seconds and a 148mph top speed. Seventeen-inch wheels house larger Brembo-supplied brakes, while suspension is also uprated, with limited-slip differentials and a faster steering rack. Such improvements should offer stiff competition to Mitsubishi's Evo VII, reaching the UK at around the same time at a similar cost.

The svelte new Hyundai coupe will offer 'Ferrari style for family saloon' prices from February. It is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model, and now offers a V6 engine option. The 2.7-litre unit produces 171bhp, and complements the existing 1.6-litre and 2-litre units. Prices will start at £14,000, with the top-spec V6 at no more than £19,000. Standard equipment on all models will include air conditioning, ABS, CD player and alloy wheels.

Porsche's new Carrera 4S combines the turbo's wide body with Carrera 4 running gear, creating the 'ultimate' non-turbo 911. Four-wheel-drive, Porsche Stability Management and a unique red lamp strip across the rear are all standard, along with the 320hp 3.6-litre engine of latest Carreras. Prices are yet to be finalised, but expect a retail price below £65,000 when it arrives in early 2002. Jaguar's XKR convertible is £63,350.

A total of 1,265 improvements to Saab's 9-5 are said to boost economy, standard equipment and refinement. The new range, on sale from October 1, opens with the £21,395 2.0t Linear model, which features new 16-inch alloys and a leather steering wheel for no price increase. The sporty Vector models cost £300 less (from £23,595) despite the addition of new 17-inch alloys, improved sports seats and metal facia trim. In comparison, Audi's A6 range includes the £21,750 1.8T, and £22,500 1.8T Sport. The range-topping Aero now retails from £28,895 which represents a £1,000 increase, though Saab says added-value is £1,750 – there's an extra 20bhp, new leather sports seats and ESP stability control. Estates cost an extra £1,200 over the saloons, £100 less than Audi's Avant premium.

Peugeot has also mildly revised the 406 range, and added an efficient new 2-litre direct-injection petrol engine. With carbon emissions of 177g/km and a 37.6mpg average, it is sure to become a company car park favourite –prices start at £17,395 for the HPi GLX.

Ford's class-leading 2-litre Mondeo, in comparison, starts at £16,095, averages 35.8mpg, and produced 190g/km of CO2. Other improvements include the option of automatic transmission for the 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine. The added convenience barely affects fuel economy – it still averages 43.5mpg – and costs an extra £1,100.

Right-hand-drive versions of the Smart City arrive in November. Prices are steeper – £6,295 for Smart & Pure, £7,295 for Smart & Pulse, and £7,995 for Smart & Passion. These represent increases of £595, £695 and £795 respectively over left-hand-drive variants, and make larger cars such as Citroen's £5,940 Saxo First and Fiat's £5,940 Seicento 1.1 S appear fine value. The City Passion cabariolet now costs £9,995 – an increase of £635, with heated seats moved to the option list. A Ford Ka Sun Collection, with extra-large sunroof, costs £8,560.