Its double standard as they say, when the word compact ,minute, small or tiny is being mentioned it is associated right away with being weak, second-rate or below par. So when compact cars were first introduced in the market, critics and consumers alike hastily assumed that these small cars might not be able to compete with big cars like SUV's and 4WD's in terms of reliability, endurance, dependability, functionality and performance. In the US where size is a major factor, tiny cars will definitely need to prove that despite their deficiency in measurement they are able to go up against key players in the automobile industry.
The Top 10 Compact Cars included in this elusive list are not to be underestimated. Their diminutive size does not compromise the way they are able to perform and deliver. As a matter of list of top notch small cars have proven that size does not matter at all.
On top of the list is 2014 Ford Fiesta ST model. Ford Motor Company has certainly made a name in the automaking industry. Aside from Fiesta, exhibiting the famous Ford logo it also has the Ecoboost 1.6L turbo engine which boasts of a manual 6-speed transmission. Aside from that, this model that made it to the top 10 compact cars has a sophisticated audio system with MyFord Touch Entertainment Technology, HD Radio and Ford's MyKey safety features. Fuel-efficient and with a 4-star rating on the crash tests done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Ford Fiesta ST is definitely number 1.
The Mazda 3 series by one of the most well-known Japanese car manufacturers Mazda Motor Corporation. Priced at around $16, 945 to $26, 495, the improved Mazda 3 series provides 2 engine options for its clients. The 3s model boasts of 184hp 4-cylinder 2.5 L engine while the 3i model makes 155 horsepower with its 4-cylinder 2.0 L engine. With regards to incorporation of high-technology, the minute Mazda 3 is packed with gigantic advanced features such as the Rear Cross Traffic Alert , Smart City Brake Support, E911 Automatic Emergency Notification , Adaptive Front Lighting System and the Mazda Connect.
The Dodge Dart offers an array of versions for consumers to choose on. There's the Aero, GT, SXT, SE and the Limited edition. The first four variant have automatic 6-speed transmission while the Limited version has 6-speed manual tranny. For those who are particular in fuel economy, the Dodge Dart Aero would be a good choice. As to the cars safety factor, it is notable that this compact car was awarded with the “Top Safety Pick+” by the IIHS or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on top of NHTSA's rating of 5-stars.For infotainment, the car has a Uconnect full-color touchscreen display showing images on the rear view camera and it is where most of the icons or controls for the whole entertainment system is displayed.
This tiny car might be pricier than the rest of the cars on the list but undeniably it is loaded with features that are worth its hefty price tag. The2-seat coupe has can be bought at either Base model priced at $52,600 with a 2.7 L 6-cylinder manual transmission engine and the bigger S model priced at $63,800 carrying the 6-cylinder 3.4L engine, which also has manual tranny.
This car has a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system. This 5-seater stunner has 2 versions the Wolfsburg or the M6 which has a manual 6-speed 2.0 L I-4 engine transmission than can achieve 200 horsepower and the Driver's or the A6 which is the automatic counterpart. With regards to safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the Volkswagen Golf GTI four stars.
Another small car from the trusted brand Ford. This winner in both style and reliability is also a giant when it comes to performance. The automobile company offers an option called the Super Fuel Economy package which when incorporated in the vehicle will have a 28 miles per gallon return city-driving and 40 miles per gallon on highway drives.
This 4-seater capacity utility vehicle has two editions. The FWD which has $23,300 price tag with manual transmission and 4-cylinder 1.6L engine and the AWD priced at $35,600. Consumers can choose among the seven exterior colors of the Mini Paceman namely Absolute Black Metallic, Balzing Red, Chili Red, Brillant Copper Metallic, Crystal Silver, Light White, Oxford Green , Royal Gray and the Starlight Blue Metallic. There are six interior color variations namely the Carbon Black with Gravity Leather, Carbon Black with Hot Cross Cloth, Carbon Black with SensaTec Leatherette, Championship Red with Lounge Leather, Red Copper Carbon Black with Lounge Leather Upholstery and lastly Satellite Gray with Gravity leather upholstery.
This car is priced at around $15900 to $21900 with fuel efficiency returns ranging from 25mpg to 37 mpg on city and highway driving respectively. The 5-seater sedan has two transimission variants, manual Kia Forte LX (M6) and automatic Kia Forte SX (A6). According to its NHTSA overall Crash Data, this little darling is rated with four stars.
With Toyota as its manufacturer there is no doubt that this compact car is high in performance, dependable and is guaranteed excellent when it comes to quality. The LE Eco Premium model has automatic transmission with a $20,100 price tag and the L (M6) edition which has a 4-cylinder 1.8 L manual engine transmission. This redesigned Corolla is available in four colors- black, white, silver and slate metallic or gray. Safety rating is 5 star by NHTSA.
The Premium model which has manual transmission is available for only $25, 595 and the Limited edition which has a standard automatic transmission. This model is given a 5-star grade by NHTSA. Although Subaru is quite new compared to other more established car brands on the list, the company has definitely made lots of efforts in designing and producing the Subaru BRZ for it to make it to the top ten list.
With the way these top 10 compact cars has made an impact in the automobile industry, it is now safe to say that these models maybe small in size but big in features and functions. Most especially nowadays given the daily traffic that city drivers are facing, a well-structured and excellent performing compact car is a better option over the larger car models that eat too much space.