Poll
Question:
So what would you pick if you were in the market?
Option 1: Ford Focus
votes: 13
Option 2: Chevy Cruze
votes: 2
Option 3: VW Jetta
votes: 0
Option 4: Hyundai Elantra
votes: 0
Option 5: Toyota Corolla
votes: 0
Option 6: Mazda3
votes: 1
Option 7: Honda Civic
votes: 1
Option 8: Other
votes: 1
Option 9: Ya momma!
votes: 0
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?
(http://fordnewsblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/2012-ford-focus.jpg)
(http://zackalexanderlife.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/2011_chevy_cruze.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/2011-jetta---01.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/177058-copy.jpg)
(http://liferecaptured.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/2009_toyota_corolla.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/latinchico_19/mazda3.jpg)
(http://www.autovade.com/guide/honda/images/2006-honda-civic.jpg)
(http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/subaru/impreza-wrx-sti/2011/ns/2011_subaru_impreza-wrx-sti_prf_ns_40110_717.jpg)
(http://www.superawesomewow.com/pics/fat%20toe.jpg)
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.
I guess it would depend on how these new cars drive...
I want a Mazda 3 with a grill insert just like that one. :ohyeah:
Subaru, if I can get the hatch version.
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.
You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 15, 2010, 09:29:06 PM
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.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 15, 2010, 09:32:02 PM
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.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 15, 2010, 09:29:06 PM
You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 15, 2010, 09:29:06 PM
You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.
I ranked it second in this one, and you're still giving me bullshit.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 15, 2010, 09:33:41 PM
I ranked it second in this one, and you're still giving me bullshit.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 15, 2010, 09:29:06 PM
You're just saying that because of the stars on the badge.
2o6 :facepalm:
Are we talking base models, top of the line models, what? 'Cause my answer does depend on trim level.
I don't think yo momma counts as "compact".
Quote from: The Pirate on June 15, 2010, 09:36:48 PM
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.
Quote from: hotrodalex on June 15, 2010, 09:37:31 PM
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.
Why the freak are GM platforms so heavy? 40MPG is admirable, but MPG's would likely be better if it lost some weight.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 15, 2010, 09:43:42 PM
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.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 15, 2010, 09:46:25 PM
`
Today's engines with yesterday's lightness would be incredibly efficient.
It's not like the old platforms were unsafe, either.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 15, 2010, 09:50:40 PM
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?
You don't need airbags if you have racin' belts.
Focus. I really really want an RS if I can't have a Mustang.
Focus followed by Jetta. I like the looks of both of them, and I'm sure they both drive just fine.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 15, 2010, 09:42:40 PM
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.
I'd have to see a Cruze in person before choosing it.
Focus and Mazda3 tied for first, Cruze second, then Jetta.
Is the Kizashi a compact?
Quote from: Tave on June 16, 2010, 10:14:05 AM
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 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.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 16, 2010, 10:32:42 AM
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 :huh:
QuoteYou can always click "other," though!
Alrighty.
Kizashi gets my vote.
Quote from: Tave on June 16, 2010, 11:24:19 AM
It's priced @ 19-26.7, while the Jetta is 17.7-25 :huh:
New Jetta starts at 16K.
I'm voting Focus for now. I'm looking forward to test driving one when they hit dealers. Mazda3 hatch would be second.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 16, 2010, 11:26:36 AM
New Jetta starts at 16K.
Around 16K, and as far as I know, final pricing hasn't been confirmed.
The current Jetta starts "around" 16K too, at $16,999.
I love how you post the STI and the base models of everything else.
It's tough to say here, since I've never driven the base models of any of these cars. The base Jetta I recently drove doesn't give me the most confidence that the newer car will drive any better, so I think at this juncture, I'll have to give the edge to the Civic. I know the Si drives very well, and I can't imagine the Civic being a bad platform. Though it would pain me to buy any of these; I'd rather step up to a used model the year previously or stretch my budget to get a better one higher in the line (as I did with my current car).
Quote from: Tave on June 16, 2010, 12:05:46 PM
Around 16K, and as far as I know, final pricing hasn't been confirmed.
The current Jetta starts "around" 16K too, at $16,999.
That's around 17K.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 16, 2010, 01:15:39 PM
That's around 17K.
Obviously. Enter the power of marketing.
Quote from: Raza on June 16, 2010, 12:24:18 PM
I love how you post the STI and the base models of everything else.
As I explained on the last page, it's just a picture.
Focus or Mazda 3 would likely be my top picks, but I'm tempted to give the Cruze a chance. I've been impressed with Chevy's recent offerings too and I like the styling a bit more than the Focus (although I've been very impressed with Ford's recent offerings). No Corolla, it has earned my contempt for the time being.
Focus wins hands down.
Besides, can you really call that new Jetta a "compact"? It looks as big as a freakin' Camry!
Quote from: Madman on June 16, 2010, 06:08:19 PM
Focus wins hands down.
Besides, can you really call that new Jetta a "compact"? It looks as big as a freakin' Camry!
None of them are really compact anymore. The 3 is sorta, and so are a few other cars I didn't directly mention like the Impreza. But most of these cars have been supplanted by smaller ventures like the Elantra and Versa, etc.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 16, 2010, 06:16:50 PM
None of them are really compact anymore. The 3 is sorta, and so are a few other cars I didn't directly mention like the Impreza. But most of these cars have been supplanted by smaller ventures like the Elantra and Versa, etc.
Compacts grew to be what used to be midsize, midsize grew to large, and large grew to Texan. Subcompacts are the new real "compact" cars. I thought about that when driving the new Corolla. It's as big as the 2000 Camry was.
Focus Turbo
Or the first one of these heaps with a decent size V6
Not really crazy about the rest of them. :wtf: @ the Corolla still having a 4 spd auto in 2010. What a fucking joke ha.
Truthfully, weight aside, an Acura badged Civic with the TL SH-AWD 6 spd drivetrain would be great (esp if they got rid of that ugly dash). I could put the looks aside.
I am hoping they make AWD + stick + a turbo available in the Focus. I'm not really crazy about the Impreza.
Is VW gonna bring the Polo over? They have a huge gap in their lineup now and the Polo would be a perfect Mini/Mazda2/Fiesta competitor.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on June 16, 2010, 07:17:23 PM
Focus Turbo
Or the first one of these heaps with a decent size V6
Not really crazy about the rest of them. :wtf: @ the Corolla still having a 4 spd auto in 2010. What a fucking joke ha.
Truthfully, weight aside, an Acura badged Civic with the TL SH-AWD 6 spd drivetrain would be great (esp if they got rid of that ugly dash). I could put the looks aside.
I am hoping they make AWD + stick + a turbo available in the Focus. I'm not really crazy about the Impreza.
Would the TL SH-AWD 6 speed drivetrain even fit in the Civic? It would end up being over $30k, too (although at that price point it would be a great STI/Evo competitor).
Quote from: thecarnut on June 16, 2010, 07:20:05 PM
Would the TL SH-AWD 6 speed drivetrain even fit in the Civic? It would end up being over $30k, too (although at that price point it would be a great STI/Evo competitor).
They could figure something out. Physically I am sure everything would fit; I'd just be scared Honda would augment the nose for its ridiculous crash standards
Quote from: Madman on June 16, 2010, 06:08:19 PM
Focus wins hands down.
Besides, can you really call that new Jetta a "compact"? It looks as big as a freakin' Camry!
Looks mean nothing. The Jetta is the same size as the old one.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on June 16, 2010, 07:23:18 PM
They could figure something out. Physically I am sure everything would fit; I'd just be scared Honda would augment the nose for its ridiculous crash standards
I'm thinking the entire drivetrain from the 2.3L Turbo Acura RDX wouldn't be that far fetched.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 16, 2010, 09:04:24 PM
I'm thinking the entire drivetrain from the 2.3L Turbo Acura RDX wouldn't be that far fetched.
OMFG 2o6 actually has a good point.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 16, 2010, 09:04:24 PM
I'm thinking the entire drivetrain from the 2.3L Turbo Acura RDX wouldn't be that far fetched.
Good point
They could even size it down to 2.0L and let it rev higher
Quote from: Madman on June 16, 2010, 06:08:19 PM
Focus wins hands down.
Besides, can you really call that new Jetta a "compact"? It looks as big as a freakin' Camry!
It's barely midpack in the compact size range. It's roughly the same length of the 3 series, which is, again, a compact.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on June 16, 2010, 07:17:23 PM
Focus Turbo
Or the first one of these heaps with a decent size V6
Not really crazy about the rest of them. :wtf: @ the Corolla still having a 4 spd auto in 2010. What a fucking joke ha.
Truthfully, weight aside, an Acura badged Civic with the TL SH-AWD 6 spd drivetrain would be great (esp if they got rid of that ugly dash). I could put the looks aside.
I am hoping they make AWD + stick + a turbo available in the Focus. I'm not really crazy about the Impreza.
Is VW gonna bring the Polo over? They have a huge gap in their lineup now and the Polo would be a perfect Mini/Mazda2/Fiesta competitor.
The Focus RS isn't even AWD. I don't get this obsession with AWD at all.
But yes, Volkswagen should bring over the Polo.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=22248.msg1342994#msg1342994 date=1276778582
The Focus RS isn't even AWD. I don't get this obsession with AWD at all.
But yes, Volkswagen should bring over the Polo.
300HP is a lot to ask the front wheels to both drive and steer.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 17, 2010, 11:57:29 AM
300HP is a lot to ask the front wheels to both drive and steer.
normally, I'd agree, but the Focus RS does a pretty decent job of it
Quote from: ifcar on June 15, 2010, 09:21:21 PM
I guess it would depend on how these new cars drive...
:hesaid:
But, based on preliminary evidence, the Focus. Though I'd probably give the Fiesta and Mazda2 a hard look too.
Quote from: TBR on June 17, 2010, 12:06:30 PM
:hesaid:
But, based on preliminary evidence, the Focus. Though I'd probably give the Fiesta and Mazda2 a hard look too.
I'm going to make one for the subcompacts.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 17, 2010, 12:08:05 PM
I'm going to make one for the subcompacts.
Yeah, I understand they're in different classes, but for my needs (only occasional, short distance transport of other people) that isn't particularly relevant.
Quote from: 2o6 on June 17, 2010, 11:57:29 AM
300HP is a lot to ask the front wheels to both drive and steer.
Nonsense!
(http://www.1970cadillac.info/e107_images/custom/eldo/70eldo1.jpg)
A 400hp FWD Eldorado briskly scythes through corners with elegance!
Quote from: the Teuton on June 15, 2010, 09:42:40 PM
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.
Srsly wtf at both numbers.
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 18, 2010, 08:24:28 AM
Srsly wtf at both numbers.
The 2.0 diesel automatic is listed at 1522kg/3355lb.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 15, 2010, 09:56:58 PM
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?
:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: