Category Compact Cars

The Acura Integra nameplate returned and like the original. it’s once again based on a Honda Civic platform. The regular Integra uses a 200 hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four cylinder. It pairs to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. 

The compact luxury sedan segment is packed full of great vehicles that combine enjoyable driving dynamics, premium interior technology, and reasonably low pricing.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is different than the regular 2 Series Coupe. For starters, the Gran Coupe is a front-wheel drive-based sedan compared the rear-wheel drive 2 Series Coupe. Power for this car comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes between 228 to 301 hp depending on trim level. 

For decades the BMW 3 Series has been the standard of the compact luxury sedan world. With the latest model, this still appears to the case. The performance, comfort, luxury, and enjoyment is unmatched by most competitors. 

Not happy enough with the 4 series coupe and convertible, or the 3 series sedan, BMW has created a third compact car. Called the 4 Series Gran Coupe, it’s a more stylish sedan that trades a bit of practicality for a swoopier shape. Like its siblings, the Gran Coupe is offered with a choice of turbocharged four and six cylinder engines.  

Chevrolet’s little SUV received a complete overhaul. No longer tall and short, the lower roofline and much longer wheelbase give the latest Trax a more wagon-like profile. It’s only available with front-wheel drive, as this is the least expensive model in Chevrolet’s lineup. 

Looking for Ford Escape accessories? Click Here. 

CHECK BEST PRICE

You didn’t envy the Genesis team tasked with giving the G70 its mid-cycle update.

Fun, affordable, practical. It’s the car version of the Iron Triangle, but with sport compact cars, you don’t have to pick two qualities. Here, you’ve got all three.

The Mazda3 covers a large section of the compact car market. The naturally aspirated sedan battles the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra . The model’s all-wheel drive hatchback goes toe-to-toe with the likes of the Subaru Impreza. At the other end of the segment, the turbocharged Mazda3 holds its own against models like the Acura Integra and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. 

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is a new arrival on the scene and the lineup slowly continues to expand. The small luxury car continues to be a three-quarter scale version of the large S-Class, complete with state-of-the-art features. Some of the controls take a bit to get used to, but the drive and ride comfort are top notch.

The compact C-Class from Mercedes-Benz can come as both as coupe and a convertible. Unlike it’s sedan counterpart, the two-door models of the C-Class still ride on the previous generations architecture. Power for both vehicles comes from a choice of turbocharged engines, a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder.

The CLA Coupe is Mercedes-Benz swoopy four-door subcompact. Yes, despite what the name implies, the CLA is in fact a sedan. But it does feature an aggressively racked rear roofline that gives it a coupe-like profile. 

The MINI Cooper Clubman is a unique vehicle from a unique manufacturer. It is a small wagon-like vehicle with twin-swing doors at the rear in place of a traditional lift gate. Available with all-wheel drive, the Clubman is a great alternative to small crossovers. Especially if driving enjoyment is high on a customer’s priorities list.

MINI went electric a few years ago with the Cooper 2-Door SE. The all electric MINI offers minimal range and is intended as more of a commuter than a longer distance driver. But the Cooper SE does feature on thing most EVs do not – that fun to drive factor.

Nissan Leaf

The Subaru Impreza enters a new generation and sees a choice of engines return. Carried over is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but new this year is a more powerful 2.5-liter unit. The manual transmission option has been axed as has the sedan body style. That just leaves the hatchback which continue to include full-time all-wheel drive. 

Fans of reliable five-door compact cars will want to check out the Toyota Corolla Hatchback. It features the same mechanics as the popular Corolla Sedan. But the more practical hatchback has better styling in our eyes. 

Looking for Toyota Prius accessories? Click Here. 

One of the original hot hatches, the Volkswagen GTI continues to be a great performance value. The front-wheel drive five-door is available with a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 241 hp engine.

Thorough Refresh for All Models

Remember the 1990s?

When it comes to affordable, compact German sedans, there’s only one choice: the Jetta.

For those who initially questioned the validity of Acura reviving the Integra: here is the 320-horsepower response.

Spoiled. That’s what we are. Flat-out spoiled. Just look at what we’ve gathered together for the latest Best Performance Car AutoGuide shootout brought to you by WeatherTech.

There aren’t a lot of cars that start under $20,000 these days. There are even less that slip under that bar when fully loaded.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza has undergone some significant updates, even it might not appear that way on the surface.

What you are looking at are the only two AWD compact sedans on the market.

Hyundai and Kia are settling big.

Based on the SE grade, the popular trim returns for the sedan, hatchback, and hybrid Corolla models.

The Honda Civic is a car which needs no introduction. But it comes in a variety of flavors—so which trim is right for you?

The Type S has 100 more horsepower than any previous Integra. The five-door goes on sale this June.

I still haven’t got used to the 2023 Prius’ dramatic new looks, and already Toyota has us back for a new variation. Meet the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime.

It’s been about 10 years since I last drove a MINI John Cooper Works.

About 25 years ago, a certain adult beverage company ran an ad campaign. It welcomed folks to the years of their lives where they were now mature enough to appreciate the brand’s pilsner.

“Entry-level BMW” doesn’t need to be a dirty term, and the 2023 BMW 230i Coupe is a good example as to why.

Hitting the open road; there isn’t much that matches this feeling of freedom and adventure. 

What are the best Japanese cars currently on sale?

The Toyo Celsius II all-season tire will supersede the Celsius and Celsius CUV tires. As you’d expect, the new tire is designed to provide good year-round service. It departs from the norm with a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) designation, which means it’s qualified for severe snow conditions. 

We’re picking the best of the best: these are the 16 models that most impressed AutoGuide this year.

A few generations ago the Volkswagen Jetta took a seismic shift in direction.

Your eyes do not deceive you, American readers: the Kia Soul EV lives on, you’ve just got to head north to find one.

This is the 2023 Toyota Prius. No, really. I still can’t quite believe it either, and I spent a whole day driving the thing.