In the past decade, volatile fuel prices have reminded motorists that fuel economy does matter. But driving an economical car is no longer an act of penitence.
The newest compact and subcompact vehicles offer options such as navigation and leather seating — features once reserved for luxury cars. In addition, many come with a multiple air bags and other safety systems that make them viable options for families on a budget. And where compacts such as the Toyota Corolla are available only as sedans, others can be had as a more-versatile five-door hatchback or a less-practical two-door coupe.
For 2014, many now offer mileage of 40 mpg, not far from that of hybrids, but at a much lower price.
This is what has moved motorists to consider that, when it comes to economical transportation, it’s a small world after all.
Ford Fiesta: Ford’s subcompact five-door hatchback and four-door sedan get even smaller engines for 2014 with the arrival of a 123-horsepower, 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that’s expected to deliver more than 40 mpg. A five-speed manual is standard. All Fiestas get a nose job this year, with a new hood and grille. A high-performance Fiesta ST will also arrive, with a 197-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. That’s one hot Fiesta.
Kia Forte: The redesigned third-generation Forte compact sedan and hatchback went on sale in the spring as an early 2014 model. The sedan, 1.2 inches longer, 0.6 inches lower and 0.2 inches wider than the previous model, comes with either a 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine or a 173-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine. The hatchback, dubbed the Forte5, comes with a 173-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine or a 201-horsepower, 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder matched with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Mazda3: How new is the Mazda3 for 2014? The third-generation model shares only its name with previous models. Once more available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, the 3 is fitted with a choice of gas engines — a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter or a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter- and a choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. Expect mileage of 40 mpg in highway driving, according to the EPA. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert is now standard on upper trim levels.
Mitsubishi Mirage: This all-new five-door subcompact is the most fuel-efficient nonhybrid gasoline-powered vehicle available in America, with EPA-rated fuel economy of 37 mpg city, 44 mpg highway when equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Five-speed manual models are rated at 34 mpg city, 42 mpg highway. Given those numbers, you won’t be surprised that the Mirage is powered by a 74-horsepower, 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine, or that this diminutive car — a mere 148.8 inches long — has a turning radius of just 15.1 feet.
Nissan Versa: While the Versa subcompact sedan soldiers on with minor changes, the Versa hatchback is all new and gets a fresh name, the Versa Note. It also gets a novel new feature: an adjustable rear load floor. Items can be hidden under the floor, or it can be removed altogether and the space used for taller items. Cargo space is rated at 18.8 cubic feet. Another useful feature: a navigation system that incorporates a 360-degree view camera. The Note’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine returns 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway when equipped with a continuously variable transmission. A five-speed manual is standard.
Toyota Corolla: One of the world’s top-selling compact sedans gets a more expressive design and a new trim level — LE Eco, which Toyota says returns 31 mpg city, 42 mpg highway through its 140-horsepower 1.8-liter engine and continuously variable automatic transmission. Other Corolla models — L, LE and S — have the same engine but with less horsepower — 132 — and lower fuel-economy ratings. All Corollas come with LED headlamps, Bluetooth, eight air bags, and audio-streaming connectivity. Options include 6.1-inch touch screen, navigation, push-button start, power moonroof, back-up monitor, paddle shifters and a rear deck lid spoiler.
Volkswagen Jetta: While largely unchanged on the surface, there are significant changes underneath the Jetta compact sedan for 2014. All models now have a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, replacing the outdated torsion-beam set-up. In addition, last year’s 2.5-liter engine has been replaced by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Horsepower remains unchanged at 170, but EPA ratings have risen to 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
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