The image of subcompact cars has shifted from being dorky economy vehicles to stylish and well-equipped cars that are also affordably priced.
The list of 18 best subcompact cars mentioned below proves this notion right. Read on to find out about the details of these cars:
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1. Ford Fiesta
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Ford Fiesta is a popular subcompact car that has been around for many years now. It derives its power from the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine offered in 99 hp, 123 hp and 138 hp guises.
The engine has been combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 4.2 ” TFT touch screen is the highlight of the well laid out cabin.
The car offers the best ride and handling in its segment.
The car might be small but it is definitely fierce. Starting at a price of $ 13,660, the car is also notable for its excellent fuel economy.
2. Chevrolet Sonic
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This subcompact car list would be incomplete without the mention of Chevrolet Sonic.
This version of this car gets some feature and safety improvements. It looks better and is priced at $17,530. It continues to score big on driving fun and refinement.
The base model of the car is powered by a 1.8-litre making out 138 hp of power and 123 lb-ft of torque.
A choice between 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission is available.
The optional engine is the 1.4-litre unit producing 138 hp of power and 148 lb-ft of torque. The car offers a quietest and smoothest ride among its rivals.
3. Kia Rio
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Kia Rio went of the floors this year carrying lofty expectations.
It is the smallest model from the company and also the entry-level one. Under the bonnet, the car carries a 1.6-litre engine emitting 138 bhp of power and 123 lb-ft of torque mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Standard features on this car include four-speaker audio system, 15-inch steel wheels, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, 6-way adjustable driver seats and cloth upholstery.
The price of this subcompact car starts at $13,433.
4. Toyota Yaris
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Toyota Yaris is among the best-rated subcompact cars as it offers an amazing standard features list at a very affordable price.
Priced at a starting price of $15,250, Yaris is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that oozes 110 hp of power and comes paired with a choice of manual and automatic transmission.
Safety features like pre-collision braking, automatic high beams, lane departure alert etc.
It is loaded with some nice entertainment features too like the 6.1 “ touch screen.
Striking looks and roomy interiors are other strong points of this most reliable subcompact car.
5. Toyota Yaris Ia
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The new subcompact sedan from Toyota Motors, Yaris iA is based on Mazda 2 and features a direct injection 1.5-litre inline four cylinder engine that pumps out 106 hp of power and 103 lb-ft of torque.
It is the most efficient non-hybrid vehicle by the company.
It has an EPA Rating of 30/39 mpg city/highway in the manual version and 32/40 mpg in the automatic version.
The notable list of amenities in the car includes 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system, forward collision prevention system, rear-view camera and push-button start. It is priced at $16.845.
6. Volkswagen Beetle
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Unarguable the most distinctive in this subcompact car list, Volkswagen Beetle draws instant attention due to its cute styling.
The car also comes in a convertible option. This front-wheel drive car sports a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine churning out 170 hp of power along with 184 lb-ft of torque and is mated with a 6-speed transmission.
The R0line coupe model has a 2.0-litre engine developing 210 hp of power and 207 lb-ft of torque.
The car is lighter on advanced safety features and high-tech features but offers refined driving experience.
Also Read: 25 Car Cleaning Hacks to keep your Car Spotless
7. Chevrolet Spark
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The smallest Chevy ever made, Chevrolet Spark is a decent subcompact that is priced moderately.
The powertrain of Spark is 4 cylinder 1.4-litre engine that develops 98 hp of power and is combined with either a 5-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission.
The tall stance of the car makes it look spacious from within. It offers a fun driving experience, offering good handling.
The car is affordably priced a little below $14,000. With its laudable array of safety features, Chevrolet Spark is safest among all subcompact cars.
8. Toyota Prius C
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Riding on a shorter wheelbase than the regular Prius, Prius C is a good looking subcompact that is known for its good fuel efficiency.
It combines the features of Yaris-sized sedan with a hybrid powertrain. It carries a 1.5-litre I-4 engine paired to an electric motor, in combination with a nickel-metal battery and a CVT.
The EPA rates the combined fuel economy of Prius C at 46 mpg. Priced at $21,289, Prius C is the most urban-friendly among hybrid cars.
It can be said to be the most reliable subcompact car due to its decent fuel efficiency and Toyota stamp.
9. Fiat 500
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In its sixth successful year, Fiat 500 offers a grand character in a tiny footprint and easily makes it to this list of subcompact cars that are efficient and affordable.
This three-door hatchback or cabriolet sports a cheerful design along with stylish Italian interior.
It has been equipped with a 1.4-litre engine making out 101 hp of power and a turbocharged version that develops 160 hp of power.
A choice is offered between 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. This car is fun to drive and easy to park.
The manual version of the car offers a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg while the automatic version offers 27 mpg. The car is priced at $15,999 for the base model.
10. Nissan Versa
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Nissan Versa is a no-frill subcompact car that is also one of the most affordable in this list of subcompact cars, starting at $13,000.
It sports a highly fuel efficient four cylinder engine emitting 109 hp of power.
The car is available in both manual and CVT versions. The CVT equipped versions easily offer EPA-rated fuel economy of 31 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on Highway.
The top speed of the car is rated at 110 mph and it covers 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Ample rear seat space and generous trunk are other notable features of this subcompact.
11. Mini Cooper
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One of the easily recognizable subcompacts in the market, Mini Cooper is also among the most stylish ones of subcompact cars. It offers three turbocharged powertrains.
The base 1.5-litre makes out 124 hp of power and is fun to drive. The 2.0-litre guise develops 189 hp of power and the 2.0-litre turbo-4 version offers 228 hp of power.
It carries superlative handling and braking abilities. The front row is surprisingly roomy but the rear is a bit cramped.
At $21,600 it is costlier than other subcompacts given its small size.
12. Mini Cooper Clubman
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Known for its good cargo space, terrific passenger space, athletic driving experience and smooth ride, Mini Cooper Clubman is a stylish looking subcompact that is among the best rated subcompact cars.
Under its hood is a 1.5-litre, 134 hp turbo three-cylinder engine that is offered with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
A choice between front wheel drive and all-wheel drive is also offered. The well proportioned body of the car it looks gorgeous. The 0-60 mph sprint is covered in 8.0 seconds. It is priced at $24.100.
Also Read: 20 Best Used Cars under $15,000
13. Mitsubishi Mirage
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Mitsubishi Mirage is another affordable subcompact car on the bloc starting at a price of $12,999 and offering good value for money.
It is powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine that emits 78 hp of power. You get a choice between 5-speed manual and CVT.
With the manual transmission the car achieves a good combined fuel economy of 36 mpg while the CVT offers 39 mpg.
This version of the car gets updated exterior and interior. Overall this subcompact car is notable for its simplicity, small size and affordability.
14. Honda Fit
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Another one in the list of best subcompact cars is Honda Fit.
The car comes equipped with a 1.5-litre inline-4 engine that pops out 130 hp of power along with 114 lb-ft of torque.
A slick shifting 6-speed manual transmission comes as standard. The plenty of interior storage space and decent cargo room will take you by surprise.
Magic Seats are the highlight of the interiors. The combined fuel economy offered by the car is quite decent at 36 mpg.
This roomy, versatile and well-packaged car is priced at $17,377.
15. Hyundai Accent
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Next among the best rated subcompact cars is Accent from Hyundai Motors which is also the perennial best seller for the company.
The car is notable for its class-leading interior volume, cargo carrying ability and extra passenger comfort.
All the models of the car are powered by a 1.6-litre I4 engine that delivers 138 hp of power and 123 lb-ft of torque.
An option is provided between 6-speed standard or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Decent handling and attractive looks are other strong points of this car that sports a price tag of $14,745.
16. Honda CR Z
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A sporty looking hybrid, Honda CR Z is a fun to drive subcompact vehicle that comes at an affordable price of $34,990.
It features a four cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce 130 hp of power. It offers a front wheel drive and choice between 6-speed manual gearbox and CVT.
The EPA-rated fuel economy of Honda CR Z is 31/37 on city and highway with the manual transmission and 35/38 mpg with automatic transmission.
This purpose-built sports coupe offers a good overall performance. Stylish interior design, decent handling and good stereo are the features to watch out for in this car.
17. Honda Insight
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This list of subcompact cars would be incomplete without the mention of Honda Insight which is a bespoke hybrid that sports a classic tear drop shape.
It uses a combination of 1.3-litre petrol engine and a battery-powered 10Kw electric motor to give a combined power output of 100 hp. The CVT is the only transmission on offer.
The car returns a superb mileage of 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on Highway. This spacious hybrid subcompact car takes 11.7 seconds to go to 60 mph from 0. Priced at $20,000, it is one of the cheapest hybrids around.
The car directly rivals Toyota Prius and offers it stiff competition.
Also Read: 15 Fastest Muscle Cars
18. Mazda 2
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Mazda 2 is one of the best subcompact cars by virtue of its chiselled good looks, nimble chassis and upscale interiors.
It carries a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder SkyActive gasoline engine that churns out 108 hp of power.
The engine has been mated with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Inside the city the car returns a mileage of 33 mpg while on the Highway this figure jumps to 43 mpg.
Its lively performance and decent safety features make it all the more desirable. Quite modestly priced at $14,990, Mazda 2 offers fierce competition to Ford Fiesta.
Looking at how well-equipped, well-packaged and fuel-efficient all these best subcompact cars are, it is not surprising to note the rapidly growing demand of such cars.