I have two aquaintences who have one of these each (both manual transmission though)

All I know is that the one who has the DS3 is bitterly disappointed with it (it's a company car but she will change when it's up for renewal) and the other who buys brand new and privately is on his third FR.

make of that what you will.

Hi, we have roadtested both the Ibiza FR and the DS3. Both are great little cars but obviously you need to consider the engine/gearbox combination.

I also see you are looking at the Astra GTC. This is a different class of car compared to the first two.

The DS3 is funky to look at and depending on the engine not bad to drive. The Ibiza FR is nippy and we had fun testing this, but yes consider the DSG issue, if they flutter or misbehave in any way run for the hills.

The Astra GTC will naturally have a bigger engine as its a higher class of car and will feel bigger too. Performance wise with the Auto box it will be reasonable.

Of the 3, which would we chose? Probably the Ibiza FR due to the fun element, but beware of the DSG. Looks wise, the DS3 has that certain 'je ne sais qois' and is unique, but the GTC is not ugly.

Its all personal at the end of the day, drive all 3 and pick your favourite, but to throw a spanner in the works, have you considered the Polo GTi?

Are you only qualified to drive an automatic? If possible, have some fun and go for a manual - probably the Ibiza of the ones you've listed. If it has to be an automatic, then probably the DS3.

Some Vauxhall Corasa were fitted with the most appalling semi-automatic gearbox, misnamed 'Easytronic'. I'm not sure what auto box Astras have, but enquire carefully.

You haven't told us what your budget is (apart from saying 'used'), so it's a bit difficult to know whether our advice is sound or not.

Edited by Avant on 22/06/2016 at 23:50