AutoGuide.com 2009 Sub-Compact Shootout

[Administrator]

Fun, fuel-efficient and inexpensive are just a few of the adjectives that describe the ideal sub-compact car. But often these little runabouts also get tagged with some less than glamorous terms like: cramped, cheap and slow.

In search of the ideal sub-compact we gathered together five of the least expensive and most fuel efficient cars on the market to compare them head-to-head and determine which car has it all.

The sub-compact category is one of the fastest growing segments in the automotive industry. Some of this has to do with temporary spikes in demand caused by things like high gas prices or a little phenomenon known as the worldwide economic downturn. Then there are more permanent issues like the ever-increasing concern for the environment.

So along with good fuel-economy, we're looking for cars that appeal to this segment's key demographic, namely younger college-types. So the winner will have to be easy on the wallet, fun to drive and have plenty of style. We also judged the competitors on things like cargo room, comfort, ergonomics and even the design of the interior.

The competitors are: the Chevrolet Aveo5, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent GLS Sedan, Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 and Toyota Yaris Sedan. For the purposes of this comparison we listed the Base price for all five vehicles as the lowest price offered by the manufacturer for the model with both air conditioning and an automatic transmission.

More: Toyota Yaris Sedan vs. Honda Fit vs. Hyundai Accent GLS Sedan vs. Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 vs. Chevrolet Aveo5: Sub-Compact Shootout on AutoGuide.com

Video Review

[SexyGXE]

This was not a fair fight! How could they use a base bargin Versa and a top of the line Honda Fit? Not saying the Fits aren't great cars but still...I think the Versa would win out the Chevy Aveo.

[Penguinchit]

Did the dude say how they were testing? To be fair, I think they should test at either a comparable price point or by similar features.

But, he was right when he said the Versa had dorky styling. Thing looks like a fogey car...Not sporty like Nissan should be.

[dontcrossme]

Bad review... they should be compared either by price or by the level of trim. You cant compare a base model to a 2nd to top model. Whats the point of coarse the 2nd to top is going to go faster (larger engine) and look better (better package). All other features are pretty much even for most.

If Honda has 4 levels of trim for a fit and nissan has 3 then the closest trim should be matched to the honda. if the nissan trim level 3 has the same features as honda trim level 4 thats a comparison. Level 1 to a level 4 is going to lose no matter what.

A good example is the Sentra with the new SR trim looks like the top of the line but its still a 2.0 so style points would be higher and engine would be lower but not too much.