Buying Guide to New Compact Cars

Overview

Compact cars are popular given the current economic climate. Spiking gas prices and marked improvements in features have more shoppers opting more than ever for these "econo-boxes". Today, compact cars not only deliver excellent fuel economy but add sophisticated styling and everyday practicality at prices that won't break the bank. With more features offered as standard equipment, cars in this class offer excellent value.

Because of their smaller dimensions, they are more fuel efficient than mid-size cars, averaging anywhere from 20 to 50+ miles per gallon.

Price Range: $10,990 - $47,650

The Minimalist Approach

The 2011 Chevy Aveo in a no-frills base trim can be had for around $12,875. That means no power windows, no CD player, and no cruise control. Hey, nobody said life was fair. The good news is that these cars are built to be efficient, reliable, and cheaper to operate. They also carry a warranty that's on par for the best in the industry. In early 2012, the Aveo will be replaced by the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, which will boast improved fuel efficiency, cleaner styling and more cargo capacity.

The 2012 Honda Fit, 2012 Nissan Versa, and 2012 Toyota Yaris are carryovers from 2010 and have gone through minor updates for 2012. The Versa has drawn praise for its styling, the Fit for its interior space and the Yaris for its overall package. The 2012 Fit is only available in a hatchback whereas the Versa and Yaris are available in hatchback and sedan body styles. Historically, all three models will have higher-than-average reliability.

Edmunds.com says that "The Honda Fit is a triumph of creativity, proof that good ideas don't have to be expensive. It seats four comfortably (five in a pinch), offers great fuel economy (above 33 mpg), and is as easy to live with as your best friend."

Motor Trend goes on to say "Like all Hondas, it comes better equipped than Heidi Klum, with ABS, six airbags, a 160-watt CD audio system, A/C, five cupholders, and power windows, mirrors, and door locks."

A Little More Room

If you are looking for something with a few more technical gizmos in addition to a roomier interior, give the 2012 Nissan Sentra a look. The Sentra now sports technological appointments previously found only in higher-priced models. Features like intelligent keyless entry, keyless ignition, Bluetooth , in-dash 6-CD changer with MP3 capability and satellite radio. Prices for the Sentra range from $15,000 for the base model to $21,000 to the souped-up 200-horsepower SE-R Spec V.

Car and Driver says "The 2012 SE-R Spec V edges the Honda Civic Si on turn-in, power, ride comfort, and overall livability." The Spec V also comes with top-of-the-line Brembo brakes, which alone are valued at $3,000. That makes the Spec V a bargain, especially since Nissan continues to offer it with incentives up until the end of 2011.

The 2012 Ford Focus continues to makes strides in this category, with a PZEV-trimmed version that averages 40 MPG highway, as do stalwart models like the Toyota Corolla with 41-mpg, the refined and fun-to-drive (not to mention aftermarket-parts-friendly) 2012 Honda Civic and the all-new 40-mpg 2012 Hyundai Accent.

And if you're shopping for a compact car, you can't leave out the 2012 Ford Fiesta and the 2012 Mazda2 (the Mazda shares the same platform with the Fiesta). Both offer suprisingly roomy cabins and heaps of value in this class. Fuel economy also tops out at 40-mpg on the highway.

For More Performance

If it's flat-out performance you are looking for, you have a plethora of options in the Compact Car class, including the quick and nimble Mitsubishi Lancer, Subaru WRX, and the sixth generation 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. Another contender, the redesigned 2012 Mazdaspeed3, brings 263 horsepower to the party in a utilitarian package that boasts a snowboard-friendly cabin featuring fold down seats, which boosts interior room. And then there's the creme-de-la creme: the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

A refreshingly new angle on sport compacts comes from Volvo in the form of the Volvo C30. Featuring a stout 2.5L turbocharged & intercooled inline-5 synonymous with the Swedish manufacturer, the C30 takes the Mazdaspeed3 a step further in terms of utility by offering a roomier cabin (notably for rear seat occupants).

Customizable Compacts

Though the iconic shape of the MINI cars remains the same, MINI will launch an eagerly awaited revamp of its current model lineup, consisting of a larger and more powerful MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S (in both hatchback and convertible trim). The turbocharged inline-4 engine of the 2012 MINI Cooper S delivers zippy acceleration, going 0-60 in just 6.7 seconds and reaching top speeds of 140 MPH. Impressive handling is a result of a rigid unibody. With a bevy of color schemes and interiors amenities to choose from, you can customize your MINI to fit your individual persona. The best part is that it's all dealer installed for the perfect OEM-fit & finish, in addition to having the advantage of having the costs financed together with the base price of the vehicle.

Scion also offers a range of dealer-installed options for each of their three cars. The popular 2012 Scion tC remains unchanged for 2012, while both the Scion xB and xA receive minor updates with new color options and refreshed fascias. The xA has been replaced by the new xD. The xB gets a bumper in horsepower, boasting new accessory options to its already substantial list.

The 2012 xD continues to illustrate why Scion replaced the xA with it offering more power, more room, and a more-appealing appearance. All for a bargain-basement price of around $15k.

Luxury Compacts

One new development in the Compact Car space is the arrival of luxury brands. Audi compressed its popular 2012 A4 into the 2012 A3, while the aforementioned Volvo C30 has also been released for the car buyer who wants a more upscale look and feel. For the buyer who wants even more performance and luxury, the 2012 BMW 128 Coupe and top-of-the-line 2012 BMW 135 Coupe are available with fascia and trim updates for 2012. And last but definitely not least, the long-awaited 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the most affordable M car ever.

These models can also be found in CarsDirect's Luxury Class, but we mention them here in the event that you are willing to shell out for expensive things in small packages.

Hybrid Compacts

This segment of vehicles was the first to sport hybrid technology, in which gasoline engines are paired with battery-powered motors to conserve gas and reduce emissions. With the discontinuation of the Honda Insight, the Toyota Prius becomes the most fuel-efficient car available, with an EPA estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city. Highway economy dips to 51mpg due to the inability of the brakes to partake in battery regeneration technology.

Four years after its redesign, the wildly popular Prius remains synonymous with the "green" car. Honda hopes to take away market share with the new 2012 Honda Insight, which can now run on only the electric motor at low speeds -- not possible with the previous generation.

Not only are hybrids excellent, fuel efficient vehicles, they are spacious and comfortable as well. The third generation 2012 Toyota Prius ranks first in Autos.com of overall comfort amongst popular compact cars and the Insight ranks a close 2nd.

Crossover Compacts

If you're in the market for a compact car, you may also want to consider more car-based crossover utility vehicles, or CUVs, which often deliver more durability and functionality.

Manufacturers are developing more and more of these "cute utes". Carryovers from 2010 include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Chevy Equinox.

Compact Car Safety Guide

Recent developments in automotive technology have made safety features as commonplace as the seatbelt. Such features include antilock brakes (ABS), side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head restraints. In some cases, advanced safety technology may only be available as costly options, if at all, so it's important to do your research if safety is important to you.