Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.

Golf hatchbacks based on the new-Jetta design bow this fall, led by a sporty new 200-hp 2.0T GTI. Mainstream 2- and 4-drs are due by mid-2006, followed some months later by revived Jetta wagons as '07 models. Expected somewhere along the way is a sporty new Golf R32 with all-wheel drive, a 250-hp V6, and 6-speed manual and sequential-manual transmissions. A rumored R36 with a 280-hp 3.6 V6 may surface by 2008. In addition, a new Golf/Jetta-based 4-passenger convertible looks likely to reach the U.S. as an '07 entry. Previewed by the 2004 Concept C design, it features a power-folding hard top and, says one source, unusually lavish trim and equipment for a small VW. Target base price is rumored at around $30,000.

VW is also preparing its first sports car, a 2-seat mid-engine roadster to take on the BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxster--and sister division Audi's TT. Patterned on the recent Concept R, it should come in 2.0T and 3.6 V6 models. Regular and sequential 6-speed manual transmissions will be offered. Timing is unclear, but this one probably won't surface before 2008.

Also in the works, but not yet confirmed for America, is what some are calling the "CrossGolf". This would be an SUV-flavored compact wagon based on VW's European Golf Plus hatchback, basically a tall-body 4-dr Golf. The CrossGolf would be a sort of "baby Touareg" with standard AWD and elevated ride height, but limited off-road ability. One Detroit source suggests a 2007-model debut for this reply to the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and other small "soft roaders".

Last but not least, VW says it's considering a hybrid-power Jetta for possible U.S. sale in 2008 or thereabouts--emphasize "possible". A company spokesman says it will be a so-called "mild" hybrid, using its electric motor only to assist the gasoline engine.