Everyone remembers their first time

For a generation that has been profoundly shaped by technology, do Bluetooth and a multifunction steering wheel trump safety, fuel economy and handling? Is it possible that our guinea pigs and our esteemed motoring judges find themselves in agreement?

Satisfying iGeneration buyers may be more straight-forward than you think – at least when it comes to cars.

Clarke Rossiter (18) is studying IT at RMIT and currently holds a Learner’s permit – still racking up the hours. Tash Nagle (20) is studying Music at Box Hill Institute of TAFE and has a Probationary (P2) license.

In their world, Clarke and Tash rate the internet and music on par with food and water as far as day-to-day survival is concerned. iPhones are akin to a spare body part.

So when it comes to must-have car features, it’s no surprise that connectivity is king – and Bluetooth reigns supreme. Access to your phone, and even more importantly music, is everything. Swedish House Mafia, Koven, Saskwatch and Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes shall be heard, 24/7.

Voice-control was not rated as particularly important, particularly for telephony – “I’d just pull over and have a conversation” said Clarkee.

For Tash, it’s also got to be a small car, because that’s what she’s used to driving and it’s more convenient for city-based driving. Clarke wants a manual with a seamless delivery of power.

On the scorecard, safety was of considerable importance for both drivers. Fuel consumption was also a key consideration; nobody wants a large weekly fuel bill, particularly students.

The vehicles’ CO2 emissions were of little importance to Tash or Clarkee. Versatility of load space was not so important for Tash, but critical for Clarkee, who packs a car full of sports equipment on a regular basis.

Both Tash and Clarkee hope to buy a manual transmission – not because they’re cheaper, but for the control and connectedness that a manual offers. There’s also an element of cachet among peers if you can handle a manual transmission – not to mention access to a far broader range of loan vehicles!

Interior style was a key consideration, too. Both Tash and Clarkee had clear views about what creates a good console and instrumentation cluster. Simple is best. Dials and screens that protrude from the dash (like the Barina Spark and the up!) are, for the most part, distracting and messy, they say. Fewer buttons is better – and make them big (as in the Mirage), so they can see what they’re for.

Interior finish was cited as a notable difference across the five vehicles. Large slabs of plastic were considered cheap, while piano black and textured plastics as featured in the Barina Spark and the up! give interiors a more luxurious feel – and perceived value increased.

Considering the overall package of all five cars, the Volkswagen up! scored the highest points – despite being a four-seater with no multi-function steering wheel and with mixed views on the positioning of the instrumentation.

What got the Volkswagen up! over the line was a combination of things done well – the interior style and luxurious finishes (piano black plastics), combined with a car that gives the driver a great sense of confidence and control on the road. Both drivers cite the Volkswagen up! as easy to drive and with a beautifully smooth gearbox.

“It makes driving easy” said Tash.

The Suzuki Alto failed to impress Tash or Clarkee. Its style and packaging were considered inferior to all other vehicles on test.

The Micra was well received by both drivers. It offered a conservative design and a confident drive experience.

Individual verdicts vary slightly from the consolidated points on the scorecard. Clarkee would choose the Volkswagen up! over the rivals on test – the drive experience, particularly the effortless clutch and gearshift won Clarkee’s decision.

Tash chose the Mitsubishi Mirage over the Volkswagen. Four doors and a more convenient load space presented as better value for money.

So it seems that a bunch of aging motoring enthusiasts and two iGen prospective buyers can find common ground when it comes to cars. Who’d have guessed?

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