Comparison review: subcompact 5-doors

[Eye of the Tiger]

4wd rocks

[TBR]

Nothing but tires can help with braking in such conditions.  Cornering is largely aided by tires, as well, but drive wheels do have a factor in terms of the car's cornering ability.

Only if you're actually on the power while turning.

[the Teuton]

4wd rocks

End of discussion.

[Raza]

Have you ever driven an AWD vehicle in winter conditions?

I'm not asking about how you've managed or even thrived with FWD or RWD.  I am asking if you've ever driven an AWD car in winter in icy, snowy roads.

Yes.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Yes.

It's pretty awesome to just punch it off the line and have all four tires dig into the snow while the rest of traffic is barely able to move.

[Raza]

It's pretty awesome to just punch it off the line and have all four tires dig into the snow while the rest of traffic is barely able to move.

It's nice, I guess.  But I wouldn't get an AWD car for everyday use.

[Eye of the Tiger]

It's nice, I guess.  But I wouldn't get an AWD car for everyday use.

You need a winter/rally beater.

[the Teuton]

It's pretty awesome to just punch it off the line and have all four tires dig into the snow while the rest of traffic is barely able to move.

The feeling of your car wiggling a little and grabbing ahold to take off is pretty cool.  Mechanical diffs are still pretty smart.

[The Pirate]

Have you ever driven an AWD vehicle in winter conditions?

I'm not asking about how you've managed or even thrived with FWD or RWD.  I am asking if you've ever driven an AWD car in winter in icy, snowy roads.

Yes.  And a 2WD vehicle (front or rear, doesn't matter) with proper snow tires will blow an AWD vehicle with all-seasons out of the water.  And yes, on that same note, an Outback with Blizzaks is damn near unstoppable.  Tires are what help with cornering and braking in snow, not propulsion.

Being that most people don't run separate summer tires and winter tires (I haven't the last two years), I'll concede that AWD is a compelling feature, especially with lightweight cars such as these.

And back to the cars, I can't help but like the styling of the Nissan Cube.  I always have, and I can't explain it.

[Raza]

You need a winter/rally beater.

It's on the list.  It'll likely be an SUV though, and probably unreliable and built by Land Rover.  That way it can be a weather and hauling car. 

[ifcar]

Third place: Scion xD

In most ways, the Scion xD is simply acceptable by the class standards, nothing more. It?s rarely a standout for positive or for negative characteristics. It?s rather stiff-riding and noisy, like most of its competitors. It holds four passengers in acceptable but unexceptional comfort, like most of its competitors. It displays no cleverness in its design, but few ?what were they thinking?? flaws.

There are just three key aspects of the xD that are even moderately distinguished from the competition, for better and for worse...

Continued at link:
http://www.examiner.com/x-1017-DC-Car-Examiner~y2009m6d12-Comparison-review-Six-subcompact-hatchbacks-Third-place

[USA_Idol]

Third place: Scion xD

It's okay.  Nothing special to drive.  But I have to admit...I actually like the styling. 

[Raza]

These little cars are so fucking expensive.  Again, I see myself in a CPO Rabbit instead of one of these guys. 

[ifcar]

These little cars are so fucking expensive.  Again, I see myself in a CPO Rabbit instead of one of these guys. 

If you're going used, you could always get a used car that was less expensive new.

[Raza]

If you're going used, you could always get a used car that was less expensive new.

Well, I was basing it around the pricepoint of 15-19K. 

I mean, as always, I understand why people buy these cars.  Either they're funky or cute (or the buyers are slightly deranged, ).  A new car warranty is very appealing, as well, which is why I made a point to mention a CPO Rabbit, which would have a warranty as well.  I can see the appeal in a new car, even at this price.  I'm just saying that I wouldn't buy one of these. 

[ifcar]

Well, I was basing it around the pricepoint of 15-19K. 

I mean, as always, I understand why people buy these cars.  Either they're funky or cute (or the buyers are slightly deranged, ).  A new car warranty is very appealing, as well, which is why I made a point to mention a CPO Rabbit, which would have a warranty as well.  I can see the appeal in a new car, even at this price.  I'm just saying that I wouldn't buy one of these. 

Doesn't look like you can get the 5-door Rabbit with the stickshift though, unless that's a recent change.

[Raza]

Doesn't look like you can get the 5-door Rabbit with the stickshift though, unless that's a recent change.

It is.  The 2009 5 door is the first one to not have a stick.  Before, the only way to get a stickshift/sunroof combination was to get the 5 door, but they added the sunroof recently to the 3 door. 

[Vinsanity]

These little cars are so fucking expensive.  Again, I see myself in a CPO Rabbit instead of one of these guys. 

I agree. Once upon a time, the Nissan Cube piqued my interest, but when I priced one at almost $17k, I realized I can almost get a 2007 Maxima for the same money.

[2o6]

What is with the sensation of manufacturers not giving their 5-door models 5-speeds? You can't get an MT shift in a Yaris 5-door, but you can get one on the Sedan. Same with the 5-door Rabbit and GTI. What is with that?

[ifcar]

What is with the sensation of manufacturers not giving their 5-door models 5-speeds? You can't get an MT shift in a Yaris 5-door, but you can get one on the Sedan. Same with the 5-door Rabbit and GTI. What is with that?

I'm going to guess it's because no one buys them.

Also, I don't think two examples counts as a "sensation."

[2o6]

I'm going to guess it's because no one buys them.

Also, I don't think two examples counts as a "sensation."

It's two too many.


I want a Yaris 5-door MT.......If I ever get any money, that is.

[Xer0]

My friend has an 08 XD and personally, I don't like it.  It looks nice, and he picked this fantastic orange color for it, but its just so small on the inside and drives like ass pretty much.

[TBR]

It's two too many.


I want a Yaris 5-door MT.......If I ever get any money, that is.

Isn't the xD pretty much the same thing?

[2o6]

Isn't the xD pretty much the same thing?

Bigger engine, different suspension, heavier, uglier.

[the Teuton]

And on stilts, it's called the Toyota Urban Cruiser over in Europe.

[Minpin]

The interior in the xD is a lot nicer than my tC. My girlfriend has one, it's pleasant inside. 

[Vinsanity]

It's two too many.


I want a Yaris 5-door MT.......If I ever get any money, that is.

What compels you to prefer one over a Fit or Versa? Those are already available in the 5-door/stickshift combo, aren't they?

[TBR]

What compels you to prefer one over a Fit or Versa? Those are already available in the 5-door/stickshift combo, aren't they?

Fits probably a lot more expensive.

[2o6]

What compels you to prefer one over a Fit or Versa? Those are already available in the 5-door/stickshift combo, aren't they?

Styling, and the Fit costs more. I think the elongated nose on the US fit makes the car look awkward. And the Versa looks really boring.

[Raza]

What is with the sensation of manufacturers not giving their 5-door models 5-speeds? You can't get an MT shift in a Yaris 5-door, but you can get one on the Sedan. Same with the 5-door Rabbit and GTI. What is with that?

The GTI 5 door always has and currently does come standard with a six speed shift-it-yourself transmission.  The lack of 5MT on the Rabbit "4 door" is a new thing.