2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan

Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past two years, thanks in part to steep fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. By virtue of their diminutive size and modest engine power, subcompacts are some of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. Subcompacts are also economical in terms of initial purchase price: The $9995 Chevrolet Aveo SVM (Special Value Model) is the most inexpensive new car on the market. The most expensive subcompact, the top-trim-level Suzuki SX4 hatchback with automatic transmission, has a still-modest base price of $17,970.

The subcompact class is comprised of entry-level vehicles that usually attract budget-conscious shoppers and young, first-time new car buyers. These customers are looking for an affordable vehicle for daily commuting and don't need a lot of cargo or passenger space. Also, a subcompact car's tidy exterior dimensions make it a sensible choice for buyers who drive and park in congested urban areas.

The subcompact class roster sees a few significant changes for 2008. Suzuki dropped its Aerio sedan but added a sedan variant of its new-for-2007 SX4 hatchback. Scion, Toyota's youth-oriented brand, introduced the 2008 xD, a four-door hatchback successor to its departed xA hatchback. Finally, the European-bred Smart ForTwo is slated to go on sale in early calendar 2008 as the smallest and shortest car in the U.S.

The ForTwo is an ultra-compact two-seater designed and built by the Smart company, a division of Mercedes-Benz. ForTwos have been on sale in Europe and other foreign markets since 1998, but 2008 marks the car's U.S. debut. Smart has partnered with U.S. dealership network Penske Automotive Group, Inc., to form Smart USA, and the new company plans to sell the ForTwo in approximately 70 select Mercedes-Benz and stand-alone dealerships across the country. ForTwo coupes in base-level Pure and up-level Passion trim will be available, along with a Passion convertible.

What to Look for in a Subcompact Car

Today's subcompacts have come a long way from the tinny econoboxes of the 1970s and '80s. Auto manufacturers have made great strides in making their smallest offerings reasonably comfortable, livable vehicles with decent interior materials and solid assembly. Don't expect luxurious accommodations, however. Subcompact option lists are limited compared with other vehicles, and many upscale features simply aren't available.

 

Best Buys Hyundai Accent Kia Rio Suzuki SX4 Recommendeds Honda Fit

Don't expect blistering acceleration either. All subcompacts are powered by frugal engines that favor economy over power. These cars are not at all speedy, but with their small size and light weight, they can be competent handlers that are relatively fun to drive. However, no subcompact is a serene highway cruiser. Expect a noisy, semi-fidgety ride that can grow tiresome on long highway trips.

Despite their compact exterior dimensions, most subcompacts offer adequate front seat passenger space, even for tall occupants. Rear seat space is usually more cramped, but is still livable for average-sized adults. Today's subcompacts also offer a surprising level of cargo versatility, often matching or exceeding the overall maximum cargo volume of larger vehicles. All subcompacts offer a hatchback body style with split-folding rear seatbacks (excluding the two-seat Smart ForTwo), a configuration that maximizes cargo volume. Most are available in a four-door sedan body style as well, with a traditional enclosed trunk.

The Safety Question

Since these cars are the smallest automobiles on the market, safety equipment and performance in crash tests are often high priorities for shoppers. Safety features are mentioned in the Highlights and Prices & Equipment pages of our reviews, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Five-Star crash-test ratings (if the car has been tested) can be found in the Specs & Safety section of each vehicle's report.

All subcompact cars come with dual front airbags (mandated by law), and offer antilock brakes (ABS) as either standard or optional equipment. Most are also available with front side and/or curtain side airbags. The Smart ForTwo and Suzuki SX4 offer an antiskid system, and SX4 offers class-exclusive all-wheel drive.

Consumer Guide's stance on optional safety equipment is that it's almost always worth the relatively modest extra cost. While all-wheel drive may mostly benefit those in snowy climates, front side and curtain side airbags are offered on so many models that we'd be disinclined to recommend one without them. These are potentially life-saving features and are well worth the money, even if the only benefit you get from them is peace of mind. Note also that many optional safety features may lower insurance premiums and increase resale value at trade-in time.

Shopping Tips

Save for the unique Smart ForTwo, the subcompact class is a fairly homogenous group of vehicles, with all the manufacturers offering similar levels of performance, space, and accommodations. At present, there are no hybrid or diesel-powered subcompacts available. Most of these cars are already very fuel-efficient, and the extra cost of the hybrid or diesel hardware can put sticker prices out of reach for entry-level shoppers.

Our Subcompact Best Buy picks are the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. The Accent and Rio's outstanding features-per-dollar ratio and generous warranty coverage combine to make either car an impressive value for the money. Likewise, SX4's class-exclusive all-wheel drive, solid construction, and attractive pricing make it a compelling choice. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit. Fit doesn't offer the bargain pricing of the Accent or Rio, but has exemplary engineering refinement and the sterling reputation of the Honda brand.