Last year compact cars actually out-sold mid-size models to become the most popular vehicle choice by consumers. That is particularly impressive when you consider the sub-compact segment continues to grow as well. Compact cars now have to tread a fine line of offering good fuel economy, while being larger in size. Overall, they’re about value.

Having won a few awards, including the 2013 North American Car of the Year, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra comes into the compact car segment with a bulls-eye on its back. The Elantra is a solid blend of good price, styling and fuel economy with a 40 mpg highway rating. It offers lots of neat options like Bluetooth on the base model, and even offers heated seats on higher trim versions. Hyundai also offers one of the best warrantees in the business, solidifying its place near the top of the compact car segment especially in terms of value. The Elantra starts at $15,345

The 2012 Honda Civic may have given up its crown to the newly redesigned Hyundai, but that doesn’t mean it’s far behind. While the newest Civic doesn’t have all the flash of the Elantra, it’s much improved in all areas. Some key features help keep the Civic competitive, like the easy to use i-MID infotainment system and ECON button to help keep fuel efficiency at its peak – 39 mpg highway to be exact.

The 2012 Ford Focus includes a slew of options that make it an ideal choice for tech-savvy buyers. The available SYNC and MyFord Touch infotainment package is an interesting and useful way to interact with our cars, just make sure to get its software updated. It also is available with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (a unit that has been criticized for not being overly smooth) that can help the Focus earn 40 mpg on the highway. One last option that makes the Focus an interesting choice is its class-exclusive park assist feature that can get the vehicle to Parallel Park itself, with very little effort from the driver. The upcoming 2013 Focus ST with a 237 hp turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost engine will be a nice addition for compact car buyers who want a bit more sportiness from their car.

What’s Coming?

The upcoming 2013 Dodge Dart is sure to be a hit with younger buyers thanks to its styling and technology features, not to mention a fully independent suspension. Dodge has also stated that the Dart will get over 150 Mopar accessories to keep cars unique from one another. Base models will be powered by a 2.0L, 160-hp four-cylinder engine, while the range topping R/T will sport a 2.4L, 184-hp powerplant. The Dart will also be available with a dual clutch transmission mated to a tiny turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. Pricing will start at $15,995.

Mazda has updated the 2012 Mazda3 models to incorporate the company’s new Skyactiv fuel-saving technology. Essentially, the new Mazda3 is lighter, with a different engine and transmission that have a greater emphasis on saving gas. As always the Mazda3 still retains its fun to drive attitude. Models with the old 2.0-liter 4-cylinder start at $15,200 while the Skyactiv versions are priced from a more significant $18,450.

Furthering the emphasis on fuel economy, the 2012 Subaru Impreza has also undergone a few changes in order to achieve a more competitive EPA rating. Its base engine is less powerful than last years, and the transmission has had a slight reworking to give the all-wheel-drive-only Subaru Impreza an EPA rated 30 mpg in combined driving conditions. The Impreza starts at $17,495 which is about par for a vehicle with standard all-wheel drive.