Dollar Nicer
Subcompacts: Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Nissan
With gas prices on the rise, many people are running from their SUV’s and into small subcompact cars. This trend towards compact cars will continue as long as the gas prices keep rising. Is there an appeal to the small cars other than the gas? Absolutely! Today’s subcompact cars don’t have that “cheap” feel that everyone commonly associates to low cost subcompacts and today’s subcompacts are actually similar size to the cars of even a decade ago.
Well what are the main offerings of Subcompacts today? Keep reading to see the four main runners in the subcompact scene, including the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa.
Honda Fit
A favorite subcompact of the four for many is the Honda Fit. This one offers Honda reliability, and a 1.5 Litre engine that keeps fuel economy great. The older style Fit in North America (2005-2008) is more of a boxy shaped hatchback, whereas the new Fit (2009+) has more curves, giving a more cute look. The Honda Fit draws criticism good and bad, as with it’s styling you have more so a Love or Hate relationship. The interior draws much more pleasant reviews in the majority. The interior does not have the cheap feel of old subcompacts, and has plenty of interior room and the very popular Magic Seat. As the styling suggests, it does have the Mini Minivan look, but for the price you are getting a great value.
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai has created a much nicer looking subcompact with it’s redesign of the Accent. With the exterior having a more traditional round hat like styling, the Hyundai is a winner for most in the styling department. While not as interesting as the Honda Fit interior, the Accent’s interior does well. The automatic will be the likely purchase path for the Accent in North America, and those interested in the manual may find some time getting used to the gearbox. With deals starting at $10,000 for this car, you simply can not go wrong.
Toyota Yaris
Toyota’s subcompact is the cutest of all four sub compact cars. The Yaris is very curvy and a short length giving it that cute style. An eyecatcher on its own, it also does well in the power department for this category of cars. Some may find the center stack console a drawback to this car. With the yaris, your speedometer is dead center, like the mini cooper, instead of in front of you after your steering wheel. Some may not want to get used to this location, and could be a deal breaker. The interior does have a slightly cheaper feel, but the price reflects this and overall is a great price for your dollar.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa brings the final subcompact of the four main contenders. The most powerful enginewise of all four, this heavier subcompact is styled by its Renault roots. Powered by a 1.8 L engine, this car does move well and edges out some of the other subcompacts. The european style may lose out some customers, but will bring in that much more as well.
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