sub-compact cars

Honda Fit, 2012: More competition but still tops among sub-compacts

The Honda Fit debuted in the United States in 2006 as a 2007 model and quickly found its front-of-the-pack position among the country's top sub-compacts. Nearly 30,000 units sold in the Fit's first year and by the end of 2008, sales had increased to nearly 80,000. A new edition arrived a couple of years ago and featured an improved four-way backseat configuration and an increase to 10 cupholders. More importantly, vision-improving triangular front side windows, increases in length and width and a nifty van-like windshield position were also introduced. Not much has changed for the Fit for 2012, except the addition of steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an upgraded Bluetooth system with streaming audio capabilities and additional sound insulation. The Weekly

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Mazda2, 2012: keen handling lightweight among top sub-compacts (video)

The sub-compact car segment is increasingly popular among buyers on tight budgets and interested in saving money on rising fuels cost. The 2012 Mazda2 joins the Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio as top offerings in the class. A year after Mazda introduced the third generation of the "2," the 2012 edition remains the same. It's a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder entry level sedan with a a five-speed manual transmission standard or a four-speed automatic optional. Videographer Bruce Aldrich (www.tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com) produced this video and The Weekly Driver (James Raia) provided commentary. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.

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Mazda2, 2012: lightweight, efficient, fun-to-drive sub-compact

Mazda introduced the third generation Mazda2 in 2011. It featured new front and rear fascias and some interior design tweaks. The 2012 edition remains the same. It's a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, lightweight sub-compact positioned in the increasingly prominent segment. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic optional. Mazda factory options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a center console with an armrest. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Without any significant changes for 2012, the Mazda2 continues to offer two trims, Sport and Touring. I drove the latter for a week and quickly began to appreciate the car's handling and the upgraded offerings — leather-wrapped steering wheel to upgraded cloth seats to the improved sound system (two additional

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Chevrolet Sonic, 2012: Supple ride in automaker's best-ever economy car

The new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is the best subcompact car the manufacturer has produced. But, looking at Chevy history, that may not be saying a lot. Its tinny, troublesome 1970s Vega is still remembered by many as being one of the worst small cars from Detroit. However, it’s a different auto world now. The Sonic is derived from General Motor’s German Opel Corsa and provides larger-car refinement and driving kicks. The front-drive Sonic replaces the lackluster Aveo and is Chevrolet's newest small car, although it feels larger inside than it looks from the outside. The Sonic is among the new crop of small, upscale U.S. cars. American automakers have finally learned how to make money with small family cars. Formidable

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Chevrolet Sonic, 2012: Stepping Up Their Game In Small Car Market

Being on a budget does not mean you have to settle for a boring car. The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic offers great value in the $16,000 neighborhood and is more exciting than previous generation of mundane economy cars. Nowadays, so much more goes into cars that sell in the lower price range such that they offer a great value without having to spend $25,000, or even $20,000 on a car. The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic looks good, performs reasonably well, and impresses beyond its $17,000 sticker price. The base Sonic LS comes well equipped with features like 15-inch alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, power locks and windows, 10 airbags and keyless entry. LT and LTZ models are equipped with a 1.8-liter engine, USB

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