Sport Compact Performance

From a minimalist’s point of view, compact cars offer the most efficient use of space, not to mention a highly reduced price from say, larger sedan models. After all, unless you have kids to haul around, who really needs all that extra space? The compact car offers the perfect solution for many drivers, easier to park, easier to drive, easier to keep clean, overall just easier. Compact cars also generally get better gas mileage than their larger counterparts. Such a laundry list of advantages has led to a trend of drivers worldwide opting to go smaller. Here are a few financially friendly compact options that will make flipping the size switch seem like an even smarter idea.

1. Ford Fiesta Hatchback (MSRP base: 13, 320) The Ford Fiesta could not be more aptly name, after all it’s a party on the road and an all-night celebration in your wallet, throw in the 37 miles per gallon highway and the good times will be raging year round. Despite its small size, the Fiesta offers an upgrade in the cockpit as compared to most other cars in its class. In some sort of Pen and Teller worthy illusion, once you get inside the interior suddenly seems much more spacious and roomy than the car’s humble exterior might suggest. With heated seats, knee high airbags and technology friendly sync system, you’ll be hard pressed to find comparable amenities in such a small package and at a low price.
2. Volkswagon Golf Hatchback (MSRP base: 17, 965) As you might guess from its sporting namesake, the Golf is man’s small car (renamed from the less manly “Rabbit”). Before you write such a statement off as an oxymoron, take a look under the hood and a peek inside its luxurious cabin. While it may be pricier than some other models, once you sit behind the wheel of a Golf, you still feel as if you didn’t pay enough. Not to mention, the Golf’s hatchback trunk provides more space than its counterparts (including the Fiesta), were you to store, say for example, golf clubs. Of course, the hatchback design may be a turn-off for some buyers.
3. Honda Civic (MSRP base: 15,455) The Civic has earned its reputation over the years as one of the most reliable cars on the market. It also boasts top level performance and fuel economy as well. Perhaps the only issue with the Civic is a lack of cabin comfort and overall cargo storage space, however, if your end goal is functionality, then the Civic may be your best bet.

Posted on August 30th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: Affordable, Compact, Practical