"Compact" cars of 2012

[the Teuton]

They aren't too small anymore, but they're still the second-smallest offerings for most of these manufacturers. Which would you pick if you had to get something just based on what you've seen so far?

[2o6]

Focus, with the Elantra in 2nd place if I didn't like cars.

Jetta is a slap in the face for the US market (Torsion beam!?) Cruze looks nice, but honestly is nothing more than an American Corolla, Civic is old (If I were in the market, I would just get one used), Mazda 3 has space issues (too small), Impreza is also too old (and I hate the interior), and the Corolla just sucks.

[ifcar]

I guess it would depend on how these new cars drive...

[Payman]

I want a Mazda 3 with a grill insert just like that one. 

[Cookie Monster]

Subaru, if I can get the hatch version.

[the Teuton]

I'd give the Ford a shot first, and honestly, I still think the Impreza is a better car than most of the competitors in the class, and I've driven most of them now. It may not have the dynamics of the 3 or the space and usability of the Civic, but it's a damn good car for what it brings to the table.

[2o6]

You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.

[the Teuton]

You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.

I could tell you all of the deficiencies of the car, but what fun would that be? Have you gone to a car show and compared all of the individual models first-hand or driven them?

Like I said, I'll admit the 'Prez ain't perfect, but it's definitely top 3 in my book, fuel economy be damned.

[2o6]

I could tell you all of the deficiencies of the car, but what fun would that be? Have you gone to a car show and compared all of the individual models first-hand or driven them?

Like I said, I'll admit the 'Prez ain't perfect, but it's definitely top 3 in my book, fuel economy be damned.

You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.

You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.

[the Teuton]

I ranked it second in this one, and you're still giving me bullshit.

[2o6]

I ranked it second in this one, and you're still giving me bullshit.

You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.

[Cookie Monster]

2o6

[2o6]

2o6

You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.

[The Pirate]

Are we talking base models, top of the line models, what?  'Cause my answer does depend on trim level.

[hotrodalex]

I don't think yo momma counts as "compact".

[the Teuton]

Are we talking base models, top of the line models, what?  'Cause my answer does depend on trim level.

I just threw the STI pic on there for the sake of argument, but I was more figuring the non-uber models, e.g. no WRX, RS, MazdaSpeed, GLI, etc.

[the Teuton]

I don't think yo momma counts as "compact".

The Cruze is expected to weigh as much as 3,200 lbs. Most of these cars in FWD form will weigh over 2,900 lbs. Yo momma certainly is smaller by comparison, no? Not by much, sure. But she is.

[2o6]

Why the freak are GM platforms so heavy? 40MPG is admirable, but MPG's would likely be better if it lost some weight.

[the Teuton]

Why the freak are GM platforms so heavy? 40MPG is admirable, but MPG's would likely be better if it lost some weight.

`
Today's engines with yesterday's lightness would be incredibly efficient.

[2o6]

`
Today's engines with yesterday's lightness would be incredibly efficient.

It's not like the old platforms were unsafe, either.

[the Teuton]

It's not like the old platforms were unsafe, either.

Not as safe, sure. But unsafe? If they were, I should be scared to drive on the roads these days.

Between Saturn's space frame and Subaru's use of high strength reinforcements in the pillars, among other things, a lot of compacts with similar safety features should be just as good. Sure, not having side and head airbags won't get you any praise from the NHTSA, but who really gives a shit about them?

[hotrodalex]

You don't need airbags if you have racin' belts.

[SVT666]

Focus.  I really really want an RS if I can't have a Mustang.

[ChrisV]

Focus followed by Jetta. I like the looks of both of them, and I'm sure they both drive just fine.

[Nethead]

The Cruze is expected to weigh as much as 3,200 lbs. Most of these cars in FWD form will weigh over 2,900 lbs. Yo momma certainly is smaller by comparison, no? Not by much, sure. But she is.

Only the Cruze outweighs yo mamma.  Yo momma likely can't squeeze into any of these--you should include a Grand Marquis if you're gonna include yo momma...

Focus, followed by Jetta, followed by Mazda3.  ChrisV picks the winners yet again.

[hotrodalex]

I'd have to see a Cruze in person before choosing it.

Focus and Mazda3 tied for first, Cruze second, then Jetta.

[Tave]

Is the Kizashi a compact?

[the Teuton]

Is the Kizashi a compact?

It starts in the 20s. Even though it's probably pretty close in size to these cars anymore, it really isn't a competitor of them. You can always click "other," though!

[the Teuton]

The Focus's front end looks really busy. I hope it looks better in person. With those from-the-bottom camera angles, the lower grille just looks ungainly.

[Tave]

It starts in the 20s. Even though it's probably pretty close in size to these cars anymore, it really isn't a competitor of them.

It's priced @ 19-26.7, while the Jetta is 17.7-25

You can always click "other," though!

Alrighty.


Kizashi gets my vote.