The Top Seven Compact Cars
Not only are compact cars increasingly popular in our market, but this segment is constantly evolving. To prove the point, we decided to assess—and compare—the seven most popular compacts. This time, we took a simpler approach than usual and tried to simulate a real vehicle purchase.
Form and function
The first thing we considered about our line-up of seven compacts was their appearance and practicality. Our test drivers analyzed the exterior and interior, including the dashboard, storage compartments, comfort of the front seats, legroom and trunk space. Essentially, we looked at all the same things that prospective buyers assess at first. Since it was bitterly cold at the time of our comparison in early December, all this was done in an industrial garage in a Montreal suburb.
In this portion of our test, the Mazda3 took first place, the Volkswagen Jetta came second and the Kia Forte came in third. Next, in order, were the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra.
Mechanics
Once the visual inspection was complete, the next point of order was naturally the mechanics. The engine technology, its power output and torque, the transmission, the number of gears—all this is very important. And it goes without saying that fuel economy is a key consideration, too, while the make-up of the suspension can make a huge difference in the car’s road handling and comfort.
Based on this information and our comparative road tests, the cars ranked as follows:
The Mazda3 came first, with the Volkswagen Jetta and Kia Forte right behind it. They were followed by the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra.
Road test
A car can be admired for its elegance or its sophisticated mechanics, but none of this means much if its road handling isn’t up to par, if its soundproofing is lacking or its engine performance is disappointing. We tested each of the cars along the same route to compare these various aspects, in addition to the quality of the braking, effectiveness of the suspension and overall fun factor.
Once we tallied the results for this portion of our contest, we came up with same trio on top: The Mazda3 taking first, the Volkswagen Jetta coming in second and the Kia Forte third. The order of the others changed somewhat, with the Ford Focus being followed by the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.
Personal preference
As rational as we all try to be by analyzing mechanical components and storage space, there’s no denying that emotion comes into play and affects our final decision. When two cars have a very similar offering, most people will rely on their heart—and not their head—to make the final call.
Our jury members shared their car crushes with the team, and the same talented three earned top marks: the Mazda3, Volkswagen Jetta and Kia Forte. But the Toyota Corolla stole fourth place, ahead of the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.
1. Mazda3
Determining the medal winners for our comparative test was easy since three cars dominated—the top performer being the Mazda3. It was superior in every regard, proof that our testers were impressed with the overhaul of the model, its advanced safety systems and enhanced driver experience.
2. Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta actually won The Car Guide’s last comparative test, but this time it was beat out by a more recent and more sophisticated model—a logical dethroning in the automobile world.
3. Kia Forte
While the Kia Forte had to settle for third place, this sedan has progressed spectacularly in recent months. If it were just a little more pleasant to drive, it could easily have vied for the silver medal.
4. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus came in fourth, no doubt suffering from a lack of consistency and unstable road handling.
5. Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla(tie)
The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla tied for fifth. For the Civic, this marks a slight regression, with our test drivers expressing disappointment in the five-speed automatic transmission and the dashboard design. For the Corolla, however, this is a gain as our team appreciated the updates to its exterior and passenger compartment.
7. 2013 Hyundai Elantra
At the end of the line was the Hyundai Elantra. In its defense, a new version was released in early 2014, and some trims are equipped with a more powerful engine.
For now, however, the new Mazda dominated the competition, winning all aspects—hands down.