All posts tagged compact cars

Different families will look for various features when they shop for a new compact car. However, some elements are consistent for almost every vehicle in the category. This size car appeals to many young people, those living in urban areas, and those on a budget. The most important features in this class include fuel efficiency to keep costs down, low emissions to meet urban regulations, and size to account for small streets and difficult parking conditions.

Top Choices

One of the leading choices for this model year is the Mazda 3. The company has integrated the SkyActiv engine package which results in a responsive and fun-to-drive vehicle with outstanding gas mileage. Several trim packages are available, but most of them have the same 2.0 Liter four-cylinder engine that cranks a zippy 155 horsepower. The engine is tuned to get about 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway. Considering the car costs a thousand dollars less than its competitors, it is an excellent value.

Alternative Options

The Honda Civic continues the company’s tradition of well-built, highly affordable cars. One of the first things drivers will notice is how smooth the ride is. At the cost of a smaller 1.8 L engine that turns 143 hp, the list of options in the vehicle is impressive. It also is a little less efficient than the Mazda 3, getting only 28 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway, which further reinforces the value of the class-leading car. Despite the loss in fuel efficiency, the 2014 Civic remains a financially viable option for sedans of its class, starting at a reasonable $18,390. Its advanced safety features have attracted the attention of those looking for a small family car and the Civic regularly scores well on safety ratings.

The Driver’s Choice

The Ford Focus is one of the more powerful cars in the category, with 160 horsepower. It gets its power from a 2.0 L motor that trades some fuel mileage for extra horses. Many drivers will be happy with the 26 city and 36 highway miles per gallon the car gets, considering the extra power it has available. An interesting option available on the ST, according to a Langley truck parts specialist, is a turbocharger that boosts power to a breath-taking 252 hp. The Focus demonstrates quite an impressive amount of power, for a five-door hatchback. Though reports of its unreliability are common, the Focus remains a popular choice, offering a little bit of everything for drivers who want speed and space in their compact car.

The Final Score

The best value in the current market may very well be the Mazda 3. It consistently meets expectations, and its price is simply too good to pass up. The Civic continues to get attention from those who want to have all the latest technology options in their car. Drivers who enjoy their time behind the wheel will be glad to invest in any of the above vehicles, depending on their individual needs and preferences.

Informational Credit to 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd.