Best "Modern" Subcompact Car?

[Pauly Boy]

That little Swedish meatball is like $50k though - Def pricey coming from a Sonic...

[ExtraSlow]

Isn't $50k the new $30k?

[Kloubek]

My vote goes to Mazda. Say, the 3. Upscale interior, sleek exterior, compact, high quality and fit/finish, and fun to drive. Only thing is that Mazda requires use of their hand-driven infotainment controller as opposed to a touchscreen. Might have a steeper-than-desired learning curve.

[max_boost]

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Isn't $50k the new $30k?

Yes sir for sure

[r3ccOs]

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My vote goes to Mazda. Say, the 3. Upscale interior, sleek exterior, compact, high quality and fit/finish, and fun to drive. Only thing is that Mazda requires use of their hand-driven infotainment controller as opposed to a touchscreen. Might have a steeper-than-desired learning curve.

IMO GTI/GLI are an oustanding balance of practicality, performance and comfort while retaining that VAG european build feel

I prefer the practicality of a hatch, and from what I understand the latest Mazda 3 is an outstanding choice.

Based on what I've driven recently, a friends 2018 Civic touring w/ the 1.5T - I have to say, its a very comfortable, practical and incredibly effecient car while retaining some spritely accelleration (much quicker than I'd expected). He avg'd 5.6L/100 on his drive from Calgary to Invermere... thats just ridicilous

[Kloubek]

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IMO GTI/GLI are an oustanding balance of practicality, performance and comfort while retaining that VAG european build feel

I prefer the practicality of a hatch, and from what I understand the latest Mazda 3 is an outstanding choice.

Based on what I've driven recently, a friends 2018 Civic touring w/ the 1.5T - I have to say, its a very comfortable, practical and incredibly effecient car while retaining some spritely accelleration (much quicker than I'd expected). He avg'd 5.6L/100 on his drive from Calgary to Invermere... thats just ridicilous

That's really is impressive. My wife's 2014 Mazda5 barely musters single digits (l/100k) on the highway. Not really so great for such an anemic vehicle.

Yes, the standby Corolla and Civic are always solid options, but I think they have maintained basically the same formula over the years, whereas Mazda seems to be pushing the envelope and is moving decidedly more upscale and sporty than those others. It's a shame she prefers domestics, as subcompact offerings from American companies have been (and are) less compelling imo.

I also agree with you on the GTI/GLI. Even the regular Golf (just discontinued) provides a solid driving experience - albeit a little detuned from what I would call "sporty". Honestly, OP, sway her in the direction of an import. That opens up a whole lot more options for her. And, in that case, I'd also consider Kia, Forte, and if she likes pep, the 1.6t engine on the GT is quite sprightly.

[ThePenIsMightier]

The rust on Mazda products may keep me away from them forever.

[Kloubek]

True story. You'd think over the course of the last few decades they would have figured out a way to at least be industry average in that regard.

[Darkane]

Did we mention Corolla cross hybrid yet?

[Pacman]

Went to see the Seltos tonight. It was nice but wife prefers the look and feel of the VW Taos.

Anyone own a Taos or know anything about them? I'm assuming it's a VW Golf with 2 inches of lift? Is buying a VW for a reliable, practical commuter car a mistake?

[jwslam]

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Anyone own a Taos or know anything about them? I'm assuming it's a VW Golf with 2 inches of lift? Is buying a VW for a reliable, practical commuter car a mistake?

According to my brief research it's more related to the Jetta.
And a Atlas is more related to the Passat / MK7 golf???

Definitely still check out the Kona though... AFAIK it's gone through refresh whereas Seltos hasn't yet.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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True story. You'd think over the course of the last few decades they would have figured out a way to at least be industry average in that regard.

I wonder what Consumer Reports has to say about the irrefutable fact that Mazda vehicles rust faster than anything else.
I bet they say they're "average or better".

[Xtrema]

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Did we mention Corolla cross hybrid yet?

Does it have the same wait time as all other Toyota Hybrid line up? Like min 8 months wait?

[spike98]

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Does it have the same wait time as all other Toyota Hybrid line up? Like min 8 months wait?

My toyota dealer said anything hybrid you are looking at 12-18 and prime 24-36.

[zechs]

Dunno if I updated this ever, but we swapped a $1500 used motor in.

Absolute pain in the ass, but the rest of the car is solid so it stays for now.

They may put it down at their place in Florida as their runabout car and buy something new in 2023 for up here, so I'll be keeping these suggestions in mind.

[Pacman]

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According to my brief research it's more related to the Jetta.
And a Atlas is more related to the Passat / MK7 golf???

Definitely still check out the Kona though... AFAIK it's gone through refresh whereas Seltos hasn't yet.

Just to confirm, the Kona is a different model than the Seltos? Any major changes that you came up when you did your research and ultimately ended up with the Kona?

They both seem to be the same when I compare them online in the "build your car" part of the website but I can't really tell what's going on.

Thanks
James

[jwslam]

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Just to confirm, the Kona is a different model than the Seltos? Any major changes that you came up when you did your research and ultimately ended up with the Kona?

They both seem to be the same when I compare them online in the "build your car" part of the website but I can't really tell what's going on.

Thanks
James

Kona is the same platform as Seltos as a Hyundai equivalent. The back seat height I assume would feel smaller since it's not so boxy. I liked the Kona styling from day 1 I saw it.
I went with Kona just for the first impressions it made with me and the great reputation Kia dealers have around here

I've since sold the Kona and I'm currently in a '22 Tucson.

The 22 Kona is major upgrade from the first gen for sound isolation is what I've read online.
What site are you on that says they're the same car?!?!

[jutes]

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I've since sold the Kona and I'm currently in a '22 Tucson.

The 22 Kona is major upgrade from the first gen for sound isolation is what I've read online.
What site are you on that says they're the same car?!?!

Got a new Tucson last summer as a rental, drove Regina-Kamloops. It was excellent up until you hit any sort of incline at highway speeds.

[jwslam]

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Got a new Tucson last summer as a rental, drove Regina-Kamloops. It was excellent up until you hit any sort of incline at highway speeds.

The ICE version is significantly differently powered versus the HEV vs the PHEV

187hp 2.5L 8sp Auto ICE
227hp 1.6L 6sp Auto HEV
261hp 1.6L 6sp Auto PHEV

[suntan]

22 Kona soundproofing isn’t much better if at all. I don’t think they’re really any worse than any other suv in the same class though other than the MB.