Driven
Review > Compact Cars
words by > Jim Gorzelany
Toy Town
The newest rides on the road are also the smallest, with impressive fuel economy and accommodations that belie their affordable sticker prices.
Toyota Yaris
Offered as either a stylish sedan or two-door hatchback, the 2007 Toyota Yaris has a roomy interior that features center-mounted instrumentation. A 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine generates 106 horsepower and comes with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. While it’s rated at 34-city/40-highway mpg, the Yaris remains an entertaining ride, thanks to its lively steering and suspension tuning. Front-side and side-curtain airbags and antilock brakes are available for added safety. The hatchback can be fitted with a rear seat that slides, reclines and folds flat for maximum comfort or cargo-carrying abilities.
MSRP: $10,950.
Honda Fit
Designed to fit any number of lifestyles, this four-door hatchback looks sporty and athletic, and boasts an impressive array of standard features. A 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 109 horsepower and 33-city/38-highway mpg with the standard five-speed manual gearbox.
An electric power steering system teams with a sophisticated suspension to afford nimble handling, and the model comes complete with six airbags, antilock brakes, air conditioning, power accessories and a CD stereo. A Sport model includes added accessories and a steering-wheel paddle shifter for the optional five-speed automatic transmission.
MSRP: $13,850.
Chevrolet Aveo
The smallest model in Chevy’s line, the Korean-built Aveo sedan reaches upscale for a 2007 redesign with fresh styling and added refinement. A 103-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine uses electronic throttle control to attain 27-city/35-highway mpg fuel economy. It’s mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission that adapts to a motorist’s driving style. Standard features include side-impact airbags, six-way adjustable front seats and an audio system that includes an input jack for iPods and other portable devices. Amenities like a power sunroof, CD changer and power folding side mirrors are optional.
MSRP: $11,750.
Nissan Versa
Nissan enters the micro-car derby with the new Versa. A 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine is both quick and economical, with a combined city/highway mpg rating estimated at 33 mpg. A choice of three transmissions is offered, including a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that teams automatic convenience with stick-shift performance. It’s available as a four-door sedan or hatchback, with front-side airbags standard and optional side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Elective gadgetry includes an Intelligent key entry/starting system, a Bluetooth wireless mobile-phone interface and a premium Rockford Fosgate stereo.
MSRP: $12,000 (est.).