Top 8 Compacts Cars

Top 8 Compacts Cars

 

 

1 . Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 proves that economical, fuel-efficient cars need not be dull to look at or to drive—and these are just a couple of the many reasons we named it to our 10Best list for 2015. Available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback, a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard; a 184-hp 2.5-liter is optional. A six-speed manual is standard while a six-speed automatic is optional. As with most Mazdas, driving dynamics are peppy and engaging, although road noise can intrude.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED: $28,385 (base price: $25,140)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 152 cu in, 2488 cc
Power: 184 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 175.6 in
Width: 70.7 in Height:57.3 in
Curb weight: 3003 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 19.0 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 8.0 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 12.4 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 12.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.6 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed (governor limited, est): 132 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 26/35 mpg
C/D observed: 29 mpg

2 . Volkswagen Golf

The all-new Golf arrives—and it is so good, we named it to our 10Best list for 2015. It’s slightly longer, an inch lower, a bit lighter, and roomier inside. Choose from two engines: a 1.8-liter turbo four or a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel. The three-door hatch returns; the range of models includes two limited editions—Launch Edition and Golf Sport—a cheaper TDI, and varied trim levels for both gas- and diesel models. With a supple chassis and responsive steering, the new Golf is a pleasure to drive.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED: $21,815 (base price: $21,815)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 110 cu in, 1798 cc
Power: 170 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 103.8 in
Length: 167.5 in
Width: 70.8 in Height: 57.2 in
Curb weight: 2984 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.6 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 32.1 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.7 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 17.0 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 11.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.4 sec @ 92 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 123 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 25/37 mpg
C/D observed: 27 mpg

3 . Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen’s sporty Jetta offers an agile suspension and a host of engine choices at a price point that won’t break the bank. Thoroughly refreshed for 2015, the interior now features upgraded materials and a modern design. Engines range from an outdated 2.0-liter (which you should avoid); there is a 170-hp, turbo 1.8-liter and the real treat: a new turbodiesel that makes 150 hp and gets up to 46 mpg. Six-speed manual and six-speed automatics are available. A hybrid model debuts in early 2015.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

BASE PRICE: base, $17,035; S, $18,145; 1.8T SE, $19,815; 1.8T Sport, $21,715; 1.8T SEL, $26,200; S TDI, $22,460; SE TDI, $24,895; SEL TDI, $27,230

ENGINE TYPES: SOHC 8-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 115 hp, 125 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.8-liter inline-4, 170 hp, 184 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel 2.0-liter inline-4, 150 hp, 236 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode; 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.4 in
Length: 183.3 in
Width: 70.0 in Height: 57.2 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 2900-3300 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/DEST):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.2-11.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 19.0-33.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.5-18.1 sec
Top speed: 120-125 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 23-31/34-46 mpg

4 . Ford Focus

With its European-developed chassis, the Focus is a practical, playful companion offering a rare blend of agility and accuracy. A 160-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard but a 123-hp 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder with auto start-stop is optional for extra efficiency. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic is available but we prefer the five-speed manual. A handsome exterior and functional interior with a load of standard and available features win the Focus extra style points.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED: $26,710 (base price: $24,495)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 122 cu in, 1999 cc
Power: 160 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 171.6 in
Width: 71.8 in Height: 57.7 in
Passenger volume: 93 cu ft
Cargo volume: 24 cu ft
Curb weight: 3045 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 22.5 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 29.3 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 8.4 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 13.0 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 12.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.3 sec @ 88 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 121 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 180 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.89 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 26/36 mpg
C/D observed: 25 mpg
*Stability-control-inhibited

5 . Kia Forte

Affordability and a 10-year powertrain warranty are selling points for any Kia, but buyers of the Forte sedan and five-door hatchback also will enjoy surprising space, handsome styling, and a quality interior. A 148-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual serves as the base setup; a six-speed automatic is optional. Uplevel trims get a perky 173-hp 2.0-liter paired to a six-speed automatic. The steering is a bit numb, but even with the 2.0-liter, fuel economy is quite good.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $25,400 (base price: $20,200)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 122 cu in, 1999 cc
Power: 173 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 154 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 179.5 in
Width: 70.1 in Height:56.5 in
Curb weight: 2968 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 20.6 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 26.4 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 8.0 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.7 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 5.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 166 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 24/36 mpg
C/D observed: 25 mpg

6 . Honda Civic

Today’s Honda Civic remains conservative at its core, with dressy styling and a spacious if somewhat space-age interior. It comes in sedan and coupe body styles with an array of four-cylinder engines, including a 140-hp base engine, a 201-hp engine in Si models, a hybrid, and even a natural-gas-powered version. Factoring in its stellar safety record, the Civic is a sensible bet in every respect.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $24,555 (base price: $23,765)

ENGINE TYPE: SOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection 

DISPLACEMENT: 110 cu in, 1799 cc
Power: 140 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 179.4 in
Width: 69.0 in Height:56.5 in
Curb weight: 2876 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 9.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 25.5 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 37.6 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 9.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 17.0 sec @ 83 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 124 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 167 ft

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 28/39 mpg
C/D observed: 27 mpg

7 . Toyota Corolla

If car shopping were computer software, the Corolla could be the default setting: It has the space, power, and features to meet most people’s needs, but is bland and uninspired. That’s the downside. On the positive side of the equation, it has the Toyota reputation for reliability. As a result, it brings a premium, despite not engaging the driver as do some of its competitors. Still, it remains a bestseller. If you’re more interested in the destination than the journey, the Corolla is for you.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $22,870 (base price: $19,810)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct injection

DISPLACEMENT: 110 cu in, 1798 cc
Power: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: continuously variable automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 183.1 in
Width: 69.9 in Height: 57.3 in
Curb weight: 2910 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 10.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 31.3 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 45.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 10.5 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 6.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 18.1 sec @ 81 mph
Top speed (gear limited): 111 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 194 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 29/37 mpg
C/D observed: 24 mpg

8 . Chevrolet Cruze

While the Cruze is a versatile compact, it’s more for those who value comfort and practicality over sheer driving fun. A 138-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder is standard, but an optional 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder offers a bit more zest and efficiency. A 151-hp, 2.0-liter turbodiesel four is the choice for penny pinchers, though, with lofty fuel-economy numbers and an even longer driving range. OnStar, smartphone integration, and onboard Wi-Fi make the Cruze a well-connected set of wheels.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $29,430 (base price: $16,995)

ENGINE TYPES: DOHC 16-valve 1.8-liter inline-4, 138 hp, 125 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.4-liter inline-4, 138 hp, 148 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve diesel 2.0-liter inline-4, 151 hp, 280 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 105.7 in
Length: 181.0 in
Width: 70.7 in Height: 58.1 in
Passenger volume: 95 cu ft
Cargo volume: 13-15 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est):3000-3500 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 8.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 24.5 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 8.6 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 4.5 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 6.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.4 sec @ 85 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 124 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 172 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: EPA city/highway driving: 22-28/35-46 mpg