Acceleration

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.7

Our test CDX wagon with automatic ambled to 60 mph in 10.1 seconds, about 0.4-second slower than a similar '98 model. A couple hundred extra pounds for 2000 accounts for the difference.

Fuel Economy

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	6.6

We averaged about 20 mpg in hard driving--so-so for a small car.

Ride Quality

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.5

Not a sore point before, nor this year either. Nubira has a fairly supple suspension, so the ride only becomes really choppy when the pavement does.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4.3

No complaints, but no kudos either. Wimpy tires limit grip somewhat, but cornering is nimble and front-drive safe despite moderate body lean and front-end scrubbing in tight turns.

Quietness

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.6

Like its smaller sister, the Lanos, Nubira suffers marked mechanical thrash at high rpm, though the engine quiets down nicely at cruise, where wind and road noise are equally moderate.

Controls

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Typical of modern Asian cars in design and layout, with legible gauges and guess-free controls, though the "A/C" and "recirculation" indicator lights are tough to see except at night.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.2

Head, leg, and hip room are more than sufficient for up to 6-footers, but seat shape and padding aren't the best.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	2.8

Cabin width precludes more than two adults, and they'll sit knees-up if a front seat is pushed far back, but head space and underseat toe room are okay.

Cargo Room

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	7	3.3

Sedans have slightly better than average trunk space for the class. The wagon offers as much cargo room and utility as Hyundai's rival Elantra model, but Ford's new Focus wagon beats both.

Value within Class

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
1	1	4.2

With the conspicuous exception of cruise control, our top-line automatic CDX wagon delivers lots of features for just under $16,000, and the base SE sedan starts below $11K. Otherwise, Nubira is just an average subcompact from a company still getting its act together in the U.S., so buy with caution--and not before checking the competition, especially Ford's impressive new Focus.

Total Score

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
34	38	41.7

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		27
Average Score		41
High Score		54