The sub-compact car market is hotter than ever before. Fueled in part by the rising gas prices experienced this past year, the sub-compact craze is also being fueled by excellent products that have appealed to a wider range of consumers.
2009 Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is widely recognized as a smaller version of the Corolla. With a base price of about $14K, the Toyota Yaris offers plenty of value. Powering the Yaris is a 1.5-liter DOHC four cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 103 lb. ft. of torque. That may not seem like loads of power, but this peppy engine propels the Yaris to 60 mph in only 8.5 seconds - faster than the Fit or the Versa.
In addition to being fairly light on its feet, Westminster Toyota dealer test drivers say that the Yaris also handles comfortably, although not quite athletically. Steering is a somewhat on the slower side, which is common among many Toyota models. That being said, most buyers such as those shopping at Los Angeles Toyota dealers aren’t looking for a performer, they’re looking for something efficient, and the Yaris has no problem there with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Inside the Yaris, occupants will find a copious amount of room, thanks in part to the car’s tear-drop shape. In addition to the standard slew of features such as air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power locks and windows, the Yaris comes with another feature that's important to Toyota dealers Olympia customers - Toyota reliability. For those who want to express themselves further, there are also numerous Toyota accessories available to dress your Yaris up and make it even more attractive. 2009 Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is the largest of the three and also includes many features standard, such as A/C, CD stereo, and even a 122 horsepower 1.6-liter engine. And with a base price under $10K, the Nissan Versa may be the most value packed of the three.
The Versa is available with two engines, including the available 1.6-liter we already mentioned which has been the most popular choice among Hartford Nissan dealers. The standard engine is 106 horsepower engine, but for under ten grand, that’s still plenty of power. Not only are there plenty of standard amenities, especially with the Versa S, but the Nissan also delivers the highest fuel economy ratings, excellent quality and fit and finish, and even a spacious rear seating area.
While the these three cars fill the need for simple, basic transportation, the Nissan Versa delivers much more for less. Although the Versa is by no means a sporty car admits Boston Nissan dealers, especially compared to the Honda Fit, it does handle well. Because the Versa is also the largest, its acceleration is fairly mediocre due to its weight.
2009 Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is ideal for those who want the high fuel-efficiency, low emissions, and low cost, without sacrificing sportiness. This is precisely why the latest Honda Fit has become such as hit.
Without diluting the fun-to-drive appeal of the Fit, Honda has improved the formula compared with the previous generation. The Fit is gets 28 mpg in city driving, and 35 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the Fit is quiet and composed while underway, with excellent fit and finish and quality interior materials. There are even unique features available, including as voice-controlled navigation! And, the base Fit is a popular vehicle at Birmingham Honda dealers as it comes with power everything, making it well-appointed from the start.
For those who want the most practical vehicle possible, you’ll also be impressed with the Honda Fit’s impressive 57.3 cubic ft. of cargo space. The Fit’s cargo carrying capabilities are also helped by the Rear Magic Seats which enables the seat bottoms to be stowed to allow for more room.
With only 1.5-liter, 117 horsepower VTEC engine, you may never expect it, but the Honda Fit is really fun to drive. The Fit is light on its feet and has enough power to satisfy most drivers, especially those at Honda Philadelphia which have been drawn to the Fit's driving dynamics. While underway, the Fit’s available navigation system is also easy to use and operate, although there is no XM or Sirius radio option.
Offering value and fun, the Honda Fit is unlike many of its peers. The Fit also provides plenty of standard features at around $16K. While the Fit may also command a price tag higher than that of the Yaris or Versa, many at one Pittsburgh Honda dealer would agree that it’s worth the extra cash.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.