C-Segment
The Hyundai Elantra may be this segment's benchmark model.
The compact car segment has come along way especially for American models including the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus. No longer are consumers stuck with bare-bones models, offering few standard amenities and wads of cheap plastics. Heated rear seats can be found in the Hyundai Elantra and navigation systems, premium audio systems and many safety touches are also available. And, when plastic is used it looks nice, featuring the same soft touch feel found in larger cars.
Consumer Demand
Credit shifting consumer tastes with helping to bring about change as well as automotive manufacturer intelligence which has revealed what consumers want before they ask for it. Or so the thinking goes.
The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic remain the two top sellers in the C-segment, but they are by no means the best cars in this class.
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has shaken the market to the core, offering a stylish sedan with across the board fuel economy of 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway. Special models of the Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze also hit the 40 mpg highway threshold, something buyers are looking at as gas prices continue to surge.
Old & New
Older models look just like that — old. The Mitsubishi Lancer is heavier than the rest, but its redemption is found in the Lancer Ralliart and Evolution. The base models, however, are easily outflanked by newer Korean and American models especially when it comes to fuel economy.
Volkswagen, which for many years offered a pricey Jetta, has come back with a model that is updated and priced to compete with everyone else. Gone is the Jetta’s premium edge, something that may increase sales, but at what price?
Paying $15,000 for a standard compact car is possible, but manufacturers hope that you’ll opt for all the leading technological and cabin amenities. Well equipped cars are selling for about $23,000, a price point unheard of in this segment. Still, if you’re considering keeping a car for 10 years and are looking for great fuel mileage, then the top trim levels may be worth it for you.
C-Segment Models
| Make/Model | Year | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cruze | 2011 | The Cruze ECO offers the best fuel mileage in its class. EPA highway rating is 42 MPG. |
| Dodge Caliber | 2011 | This crossover-like compact offers plenty of storage capacity. It is also likely to be replaced in 2012 by a Fiat-based model. |
| Ford Focus | 2012 | The Focus is all-new for 2012 and is based on the European model out since 2009. 7 trim levels to choose from. |
| Honda Civic | 2011 | Still a hot seller 35 years later, the Civic is only outsold by the Corolla. Honda offers the only compressed natural gas model too. |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2011 | Across the board 29/40 mpg raises the Elantra's appeal. It's baby Sonata looks help too. |
| Kia Forte | 2011 | Sporty body styles help the Kia Forte get noticed. Its standard amenities and price help out too. |
| Mazda3 | 2011 | Fun to drive compact cars include the Mazda3. The Mazdaspeed3 is the ultimate speedster submodel. |
| Mitsubishi Lancer | 2011 | The basic Lancer is outperformed, but the Ralliart is second to none. Except perhaps the Subaru WRX STI. |
| Nissan Sentra | 2011 | More modern competitors challenge the Sentra. Yet, this model offers good all around value. |
| Subaru Impreza | 2011 | The base Impreza is okay, but the performance is found in the WRX STI. Choose wisely, my friend! |
| Toyota Corolla | 2011 | The best-seller is getting outflanked by the competition. Newer models offer better amenities and fuel economy. |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 2011 | What happened to the Jetta? It got repositioned to compete with everyone else, that's what. |
