Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

Rio is redesigned for 2006 as a version of Hyundai's new-generation Accent. The outgoing Rio is a Kia design that Hyundai inherited when it took control of Kia several years ago. The '06 twins differ slightly in appearance, but share a new front-drive platform that increases wheelbase and overall length while adding some three inches to height. Also shared is a new 110-hp 1.6-liter 4-cyl engine with continuously variable valve timing, a technical surprise for a small low-priced car. Transmissions are the usual 5-speed manual and optional 4-speed automatic.

Where Accent trims down to a single sedan for '06, Rio offers base and LX models but loses its Cinco wagon, at least for now. Both Rios come with curtain side airbags and front torso side airbags, another unexpected perk for the budget class. They also get 14-inch wheels, replacing 13s, and offer optional ABS with rear disc brakes. LX upgrades include power steering, full wheel covers, air conditioning, CD player, 60/40 split folding rear seat, and tilt steering wheel. An LX option package bundles power windows and mirrors with remote-entry power locks. Also exclusive to LX is an available Sport Package with 15-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, fog lights, rear spoiler, and metal-look interior trim.

Kia won't announce pricing until just before sales begin this summer. Keep checking back with us for further updates.

Meantime, the new Rio and Accent will be home to the first gas/electric powertrain designed and built by a Korean automaker. According to Hyundai, the hybrid option will reach North America by late 2006, a year or so sooner than first planned, but with sales limited to around 2000 cars per year between the two brands. Who so few? Hyundai says it can't make money with hybrids, at least not yet, even though hybrid pioneer Toyota claims that every Prius it sells does make money. But Hyundai's statements could be intended to confuse Toyota, Honda and other players while it prepares a much bigger assault on America's fast-growing hybrid-vehicle market. Stay tuned.