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cars

smll Two VW Golf models top the small-hatchback category

Two freshened versions othe Volkswagen Gol scored im-pressively in our most recenttests o small cars. Te diesel

(DI) and conventional versions are nowour two top-rated vehicles in the smallhatchback category.

Small cars are a sensible choice or buy-ers looking to save on uel costs, who dontneed a lot o interior space, and who wanta vehicle thats easy to park. Most modelscan t ve adults. While sedans are morepopular, hatchbacks add a measure o car-go-carrying versatility.

Te 2010 Gol (ormerly the Rabbit) eelssolid and substantial or its size, and has ahigh-quality interior. Te our-door hatch-back layout is practical, and our Gol DIequipped with a manual transmission at-tained an impressive 38 mpg overall.

We also tested the Nissan Sentra se-dan, now available with electronic stabil-ity control, as well as the Suzuki SX4 inboth sedan and all-wheel-drive hatchback

versions. Te SX4 received a new engineand a continuously variable transmission(CV) or 2010.

Prices in our group ranged rom $17,519or the ront-wheel-drive sedan version othe Suzuki SX4 to $24,764 or the Volkswa-gen Gol DI.

We recommend all o the vehicles inthis test group, as all are predicted to beaverage or above in reliability. Te Rabbithas above-average reliability, and we pre-dict the same or the Gol. Te similar JettaDIs reliability has been average, and weexpect the same o the Gol DI.

Other alternatives to consider includethe oyota Prius, which is roomy and getsgreat uel economy. For buyers looking ormore room, consider the Volkswagen Jettawagon or Hyundai Elantra ouring.

Subcompact sedan showdownWe also tested two even smaller sedanshead-to-head. Te Nissan Versa and oyo-ta Yaris can now be equipped with elec-

tronic stability control, a vital saetyeature. Its standard on the Yaris and op-tional on the Versa.

Tose subcompacts carry lower pricesthan the other cars in the group. Te Yariscost $16,547 and the Versa cost $16,385.But neither sedan is recommended.

Coming soonNew small cars on the horizon include theChevrolet Cruze, which replaces the Co-balt, and the redesigned Ford Focus. Teygo on sale this summer.

Te subcompact Ford Fiesta goes onsale this spring. It will be ofered in hatch-back and sedan body styles. Its an agileand pleasant car. Te Fiesta will be ol-lowed by the similar Mazda2.

Videos of eently tested veiles nd

ow we test e vilble fee t www.

ConsumerReports.org. Clik on Videos t

te top of te oe pge.

SOLID ECONOMYThe Golf TDI, shown here in our test-track garage, gets an impressive 38 mpg with a manual transmission and is fun to drive.

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Make & model In thisissue

Price astested

Overallroad-test score

Predictedreliability

Overallsafety

Overallmpg

Recommended

Rank

0 100

P | F | G | VG | E

A SMALL HATCHBACKS/WAGONS

nc 1 VolkswagenGolfTDI (manual) $24,764 88 &C &Z 38

nc 2 Volkswagen Golf (2.5) 20,314 85 &Z &Z 24

nc 3 Toyota Prius IV 26,750 80 &Z &Z 44

nc 4 Volkswagen Jetta SE (2.5) 24,324 80 &C &Z 23

nc 5 Hyundai Elantra Touring 19,475 79 &Z 26

nc 6 Mazda3 s Sport 20,700 77 &X 25

nc 7 Honda Fit Sport (manual) 16,730 76 &Z &4 33

nc 8 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 21,640 75 &Z &Z 23

nc 9 Suzuki SX4CrossoverTechnology 19,998 73 &X &X 24

nc 10 Toyota Matrix S (2.4L) 21,180 72 &X &X 27

nc 11 Toyota Matrix (base, 1.8L) 19,200 69 &X &X 29

nc 12 Scion xB 18,360 68 &X &X 23

nc 13 Honda Fit Base 16,020 68 &Z &4 3014 Kia Soul Plus 16,690 68 new &Z 25

nc 15 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 17,250 67 &C &X 2816 Nissan Cube 1.8 S 16,790 64 NA &X 28

nc 17 Mini Cooper Clubman 24,700 64 &C 29

nc 18 Chevrolet HHR LT (2.4) 24,730 61 &C &X 2419 Honda Insight EX 21,790 54 &Z &X 38

20 Toyota Yaris (base) 16,423 52 &Z &X 30

21 Dodge Caliber SXT 19,015 49 &C &C 24

22 Chevrolet Aveo 5 LT 16,470 31 &1 26

B SMALL SEDANS

nc 1 Volkswagen Jetta TDI $23,939 84 &C &Z 33

nc 2 Hyundai Elantra SE 18,695 82 &Z &X 27

nc 3 Honda Civic EX 20,965 78 &Z &X 28

nc 4 Volkswagen Jetta (2.5) 22,965 76 &X &5 24

nc 5 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 19,530 74 &C &X 27

nc 6 Honda Civic Hybrid 24,510 72 &X &Z 37

nc 7 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 19,106 72 &C &Z 24

nc 8 Toyota Corolla LE 18,404 71 &X &X 32

nc 9 Mazda3i Touring 19,070 70 &X &Z 28

nc 10 Hyundai Elantra GLS 18,445 70 &Z &C 27

11 Kia Forte EX 18,540 69 new 2812 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 16,385 69 &B &X 27

nc 13 Suzuki SX4 LE 17,519 66 &X &C 26

nc 14 Ford Focus SES 18,490 65 &X &X 2615 Kia Rio LX 14,905 64 NA &V 28

16 Hyundai Accent GLS 14,230 62 &X &V 28

17 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 17,515 62 NA &X 25

18 Toyota Yaris (base) 16,547 57 &Z &X 32

19 Chevrolet Cobalt LT 17,450 50 &V &C 24

20 Chevrolet Aveo LT 16,205 36 &B &V 25

OveviewSll s e vilble ostly s sedns o

tbks. As goup, tey tend to be

inexpensive, uel eient, nd esy to pk,

nd ost ve seting o fve pssenges.

creommendedTese veiles did well in ou od tests,d vege o bette elibility in ou

subsibe suvey, nd peoed t lest

dequtely i inluded in govenent o

insune-industy sety tests.

For best fuel economy:a1 Volkwgen Golf TDI

B1 Volkwgen Jett TDI

a3 Toyot Piu

B6 Hond civi Hybid

For sporty handling with hatchbackpracticality:

a1, a2 Volkwgen Golfa6 Mzd3

a7, a13 Hond Fit

a8 subu Impez

a17 Mini coope

For maximum cargo room:a12 sion xB

For a well-rounded, four-door sedan:B2 Hyundi Elnt

B3 Hond civi

B4 Volkwgen Jett

B5 Nin sent

B7 subu ImpezB8 Toyot cooll

B9 Mzd3 i

For all-wheel drive:a8, B7 subu Impez

a9 suzuki sX4

rting Small cars5Excellent4Very good3Good2Fair1Poor

Why ome model enot eommendedTe Ki Soul nd Fote e too new o us to

ve elibility dt. We ve insuient

dt o te Nissn Cube nd Mitsubisi

Lne. Te Hond Insigt, Dodge Clibe,

nd Toyot Yis soed too low in testing.

Te Hyundi Aent nd Ki Rio soed too

low in ovell sety o us to eoend.

Te Cevolet Aveo nd Coblt soed too

low in ou tests nd ve below-vege

elibility. Te Nissn Ves sedn d

below-vege elibility.

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cars road tests

THE GOLF LINE Body styles 2-door hatchback, 4-door hatchback Drive wheels Front Trim lines 2.5, TDIEngines & transmissions 2.0-liter 4 turbodiesel (140 hp), 2.5-liter 5 (170 hp); 6-speed sequential,

5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic Base price range $17,490-$22,590

Volkwgen GolfA nice ride, crisp handling, and solid eelmake any Gol a good choice. Despite be-ing small hatchbacks, Gols are premiumcars and their relatively high prices maybe justifed. Te 2.5s engine lacks refne-ment and uel economy is middling; thediesel DI gets excellent uel economy. Wepredict average reliability or the DI andmuch better than average or the 2.5.

Ride, handling, and drivetrainTe Gol has a steady, compliant ride. TeDIs 17-inch tires only slightly sacrifceride comort compared with the 15-inchtires on the base car. Te suspension dampsout body motions well and provides decentisolation. Te highway ride is smooth. TeDIs diesel clatter is a bit noticeable atstartup and occasionally while accelerat-ing. Te 2.5 emits an unpolished enginegrowl. But overall, the cabin is hushed.

Agility is quite good, thanks to quick,well-weighted steering and restrainedbody lean. Both cars were steady on bumpycorners and their small turning circleshelp out when parking. Tey were predict-able and posted a high speed through ouravoidance maneuver.

Te 170-hp, 2.5-liter fve-cylinder gaso-line engine provides good perormance,but its 24 mpg overall is so-so. Its six-speedautomatic shits quickly and smoothly. TeDIs 140-hp, 2.0-liter our-cylinder diesel

delivers decent perormance, but its gearedor uel economy and not or a swit throt-tle response. We averaged an excellent 38mpg overall and 49 mpg on the highway.Te shiter is a little vague. When the revsdrop in typical low-speed situations, it'soverly easy to stall the engine.

Inside the cabinTe interior is well fnished, with nicelyftting trim and padded panels. Te doorsclose with a solid eel. A sharp edge onthe ront door pockets, chintzy climate-control knobs, and a plastic steering wheelon the 2.5 are low points.

Head and leg room are abundant. Testeering wheel tilts and telescopes, andtheres a comortable ootrest. Long clutchpedal travel means that some drivers hadto sit closer than theyd like. Te center

console robs some knee room. Te DI hasa sliding center armrest and a leather-wrapped chunky steering wheel.

Te frm seats are well padded and re-main comortable on long trips, but somepeople ound them a bit narrow and want-ed to adjust thigh support independent ocushion height. Te power recline is niceto have and is rare in this class. Te rearholds two adults reasonably well.

Gauges are straightorward and mostcontrols are easy to use. Te DI has touch-screen radio controls. Te climate systemworks well, but its mode-selection mark-ings are hard to read. Te seat heaterswork well and the glove box is cooled.

Teres a good-sized cargo area and the60/40-split rear seatbacks old to make itlarger. Teres a passthrough between therear seats or long, narrow objects.

MOrE TEST FINDINgS

Bakin Vey good ovell.

Headlihts Low bes don'tpovide enoug illuintion ndve sp utof. Hig bese vey good.

Access Esy ovell.

Visibility Te view out is veygood, exept to e ones.

Cabin stoae Modest.

Head estaints Te enteestint is too low to elp ndult even wen its ised.

Child seats Bot owd ndeing ild sets souldpove seue, ltoug it y beneessy to ove te ontsets owd to t eingild sets beind te. Teee two lowe LATCH nosnd tee toptete nos.

Teted vehile

3 Hihs Ride, ndling, tbkvestility, tuning ile, stestesults; TDI: uel eonoy;2.5: tnsission

4 Lows Fontset widt o soe;2.5: engine noise, uel eonoy;TDI: long lut tvel

Tim lines 2.5, TDI

Divetains2.5: 170-p, 2.5-liteve-ylinde engine; six-speedutoti tnsission; ont-weeldive; TDI: 140-p, 2.0-lite, tubogedou-ylinde diesel; six-speed nultnsission; ont-weel dive

Majo options Heted sets,Bluetoot, sunoo (TDI)

Tested pices 2.5: $20,314; TDI: $24,764

gAS SAVEr The TDIs tallgearing is designed tomaximize fuel economy.

2.5 vesion shown hee

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MOrE TEST FINDINgS

Bakin Vey good ovell.

Headlihts Hig nd low bes

povide good intensity, but te

ig bes dont e s f s

on ost s.

Access Esy due to tll oof line.

Visibility Te view is sligtly

bloked t te ones nd

estited to te e.

Cabin stoae Geneous wit

vey deep glove box.

Head estaints Font ed

estints e tive. Te ente

e set s no ed estint.

Child seats Bot fowd nd

efing ild sets sould

pove seue. LATCH nos e

wkwd to ess. Tee e

tee toptete nos.

THE SENTRA LINE Body style sedan Drive wheels Front Trim lines 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-RSpec V Engines & transmissions 2.0-liter 4 (140 hp), 2.5-liter 4 (177 hp), 2.5-liter 4 (200 hp); 6-speed

manual, CVT Base price range $15,420-$20,080

Nian sentraTe Sentra is a pleasant and well-roundedsmall sedan, but its not exciting to drive.It has a reasonably compliant ride, a airlyquiet cabin, a roomy rear seat, and easycabin access. Handling is sound i ho-hum, and the interior is well made andconveniently laid out. Fuel economy is de-cent but not stellar or the class. Stabilitycontrol greatly aids emergency handlingbut is not standard on the Sentra and maybe hard to nd on lower trim lines. Reli-ability has been average.

Ride, handling, and drivetrainMost road impacts are absorbed well. Bodymotions are airly requent but gentle. Tehighway ride is smooth, unlike in manysmall cars. Teres some road and windnoise, but its mostly inofensive.

Handling is sound but no match or thebest cars in this class. Body lean is wellcontained and the steering is quick, but itconveys little road eel to the driver. Teelectronic stability control jumps in a littlelate but is efective and helps control thecars tendency to let the tail slide out whenits pushed. When the Sentra was equippedwith ESC, it managed a respectable speedthrough our avoidance maneuver.

Te Sentras 140-hp, 2.0-liter our-cylinder engine provides good perormance,reaching 60 mph in under 10 seconds. Itaveraged a decent 27 mpg overall on regu-

lar uel. Te CV transmission perormsvery smoothly and responsively.

Inside the cabinTe Sentras interior trim is nicely done,even i most o the plastics are hard to thetouch. Panels t together well and the thickseat abric and padded, leather-wrappedsteering wheel have a pleasant tactile eel.Te vanity mirrors lack lights and theres awide gap next to the glove box.

Most drivers will nd plenty o knee,oot, and head room and a good let oot-rest. Te seating position is high and com-manding. But the tilt steering wheel lacksa telescope adjustment, is too ar away orsome, and is too horizontal. Well-paddedseats provide good side support but notquite enough at the lower back and underthe thighs. Te rear seat ts two adults

quite comortably, much better than inmost small cars, but three people can be abit o a squeeze.

Gauges are easy to view and most con-trols are straightorward and easy toreach. Te iPod control works very well,essentially duplicating an iPods menuscreen on the cars audio display, and theradio has a dedicated tuning knob. TeSL utilizes smart-key technology, whichallows convenient locking and unlockingo the car using small buttons on thedoor handle as long as the key is withinreach. Te climate control system is sim-ple and efective.

Te deep glove box can accommodate alaptop computer. Te roomy trunk canhold our large suitcases, and olding the60/40-split rear seatbacks creates evenmore cargo space.

Teted vehicle

3 Hihs Ride, quietness,eltively ooy inteio,

tnsission, ontols

4 Lows Steeing weel doesnot telesope

Tim line 2.0 SL

Divetain 140-p, 2.0-lite

fou-ylinde engine; CVT

tnsission; font-weel dive

Majo options None

Tested pice $19,530

AuDIO VISuALS The radiosscreen gives song info andworks well with an iPod.

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cars road tests

THE SX4 LINE Body styles 4-door hatchback, sedan Drive wheels Front or selectable AWDTrim lines Base, LE, Sport, Technology, Touring Engine & transmissions 2.0-liter 4 (148, 150 hp); 6-speed

manual, CVT Base price range $13,359-$19,949

suzuki sX4Te SX4 LE sedan is a sensible but unexcit-ing car. Te SX4 Crossover is a tall hatch-back with a versatile design and optionalall-wheel drive. Handling or both is airlynimble, but the sedan could be trickywithout ESC. Recent powertrain improve-ments have brought quicker accelerationand slightly improved but still unimpres-sive uel economy. A stif ride and a noisycabin count against it. Reliability hasbeen above average.

Ride, handling, and drivetrainRubbery kicks and short, quick pitchesmar the ride on country roads and majorhighways alike. Pronounced road noisemakes its way in, and the engine dronesairly loudly most o the time.

Routine handling is airly nimble,with little body lean and well-weightedsteering, but eedback is rather mute. Asmall turning circle helps in tight spaces.At its limits, the sedan tended to wag itstail upon liting o the throttle mid-corner.Tat resulted in a low speed through ouravoidance maneuver and reduced drivercondence. Te Crossover with standardESC was well behaved. ESC is optional onhigher trims o the sedan.

Te 148-hp, 2.0-liter our-cylinder en-gine provides average perormance andgets 26 mpg overall or the LE and 24 mpgor the AWD Crossover. Although the AWD

can be disengaged, we ound no savings bydoing so. Te CV transmission operatessmoothly but is reluctant to drop a ratiowhen more acceleration is requested.

Inside the cabinTough theyre hard, most interior panelsare nicely grained and t together well.Te stitched-leather steering wheel ispleasant, but the headliner eels like card-board and the climate controls are chintzy.Te trunk lid on the sedan sounds andeels tinny when you shut it, and seeingthe wiring that runs along its gooseneckhinges isnt impressive.

Tere is ample room all around. A highseating position and large glass area create agood driving position and a panoramic view.Te steering wheel tilts but doesnt tele-scope, and some drivers wanted it closer.

Te large ront seats are rm and airlywell shaped, but side and lower-back sup-port could be better. Te recent addition oa seat height adjustment is welcome. Terear seat is comortable or two but toonarrow to t three adults comortably.

Gauges are straightorward and mostcontrols are simple. A portable touch-screen Garmin GPS system comes withhigher trim lines and docks on the dash.Its easy to use, but the unit is mountedar away and doesnt accept voice com-mands. Te manually set climate systemworked well and has large rotary knobs.Te radio has a dedicated tuning knob,which is always welcome, but knobs areshallow and some are too small.

Folding the 60/40-split rear seatbacksenhances the cargo area in the hatchbackand the sedan.

MOrE TEST FINDINgS

Bakin Exellent in teCossove, vey good in tesedn.

Headlihts Te low bes evey good; te ig bes ete but e not bigte.

Access Esy due to tll oo line.

Visibility Te sedns ig edek indes te e view.

Cabin stoae Liited.

Head estaints All estintse suiently tll o potetioneven wen teye loweed.

Child seats Font nd eingild sets n be seued witbelts o LATCH nos. Teee outbod LATCH nd teetoptete nos. Font setsy need to be oved owd tooodte eing sets.

Teted vehile

3 Hihs Visibility, ess,ontols; LE: tunk spe;Cossove: bking, vestility

4 Lows Ride, noise, ft ndfnis, iddling uel eonoy;LE: tteliit ndling

Tim lines LE Popul, CossoveAWD Tenology

Divetains 148-p, 2.0-liteou-ylinde engine; CVTtnsission; ont-weel dive(LE), ll-weel dive (Cossove)

Majo options Bluetoot(Cossove)

Tested pices LE: $17,519;Cossove: $19,998

NAVIgATOr You get aportable Garmin GPS unit withthe higher trim lines of the SX4.

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compare

VERSION Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Golf Nissan Sentra Szki SX4 Szki SX4

TRIM LINE TDI 2.5 2.0 SL LE Crossover Technology

PRICE: BASE/TESTED $22,590/$24,764 $19,190/$20,314 $18,560/$19,530 $16,499/$17,519 $18,699/$19,998DRIVETRAIN

Engine

2.0-liter 4-cyl. (140 hp)

turbodiesel

2.5-liter 5-cyl. (170 hp) 2.0-liter 4-cyl. (140 hp) 2.0-liter 4-cyl. (148 hp) 2.0-liter 4-cyl. (148 hp)

Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic CVT CVT CVTDrive wheels Front Front Front Front AWDTIRES TESTEDModel & size

Continental ContiProContact,size 225/45R17 91H

Continental ContiProContact,size 195/65R15 91H

Bridgestone Turanza EL400 02,size P205/55R16 89H

Yokohama Avid S33,size P195/65R15 89H

Bridgestone Turanza EL400 02,size P205/60R16 91H

RATINGS

PERFORMANCE

Acceleration &X &X &C &C &C0 to 60 mph, sec. 9.4 8.6 9.7 9.7 10.3

45 to 65 mph, sec. 5.2 5.5 6.2 5.9 6.4Quarter-mile, sec. 17.1 16.6 17.5 17.6 18.0

Transmission &X &Z &Z &Z &ZRoutine handling &Z &Z &X &X &XEmergency handling &X &X &C &2 &XAvoid. maneuver, max. spd., mph 54.5 54.5 53.5 50.5 55.0

Braking &X &X &X &X &ZFrom 60 mph, dry/wet, t. 132/144 131/143 135/151 137/154 129/140

Headlights &B &B &C &X &XCOMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Ride &X &X &X &C &CNoise &X &X &X &C &CDriving position &X &X &X &X &XFront-seat comort &X &X &X &X &XRear-seat comort &C &C &X &C &CAccess &X &X &X &X &XControls and displays &X &X &Z &Z &ZInterior t and nish &X &X &X &C &CCargo/trunk &V &V &C &C &VPREDICTED RELIABILITY &C &Z &C &X &XFuEL

Overall mpg 38 24 27 26 24City/highway mpg 27/49 17/34 19/35 18/35 17/31Type diesel regular regular regular regularCapacity, gal./Cruising range, mi. 14.5/615 14.5/405 14.5/440 13.2/385 11.9/315Annual cost, 12K mi. at $2.50/gal. $825 @ $2.60/gallon $1,235 $1,125 $1,150 $1,265

SAFETY

CRASH TESTSIIHS rontal ofset Good Good Good Good GoodIIHS side with/without side air bags Good/NA Good/NA Good/NA Good/NA Good/NAIIHS rear Good Good Marginal Marginal

NHTSA ront, driver/pass. &X/&X &X/&X &Z/&Z &X/&X &X/&XNHTSA side, driver/rear &Z/&Z &Z/&Z &Z/&X &5/&X &5/&XAIR BAGS

Side, ront/rear std./opt. std./opt. std./no std./no std./noHead protection standard standard standard standard standardSAFETY BELTS

Center-rear belt 3-point 3-point 3-point 3-point 3-pointAdj. upper anchors, /r yes/no yes/no yes/no yes/no yes/noPretensioners, /r yes/no yes/no yes/no yes/no yes/noACTIVE SAFETY

Antilock brakes standard standard standard (opt. on 2.0) standard standardTraction control standard standard opt. (std. on SL, SE-R, Spec V) optional (std. on Crossover) optional (std. on Crossover)

Stability control standard standard opt. (std. on SL, SE-R, Spec V) optional (std. on Crossover) optional (std. on Crossover)SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTLength/width/height, in. 165/70/58 165/70/58 180/71/60 177 /68/61 163/69/63Wheelbase, in. 102 102 106 98 98Turning circle, t. 36 35 39 37 37Ground clearance, in. 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 5.5Curb weight, lb. (% ront/rear) 3,165 (62/38) 3,045 (62/38) 2,965 (63/37) 2,825 (62/38) 2,990 (61/39)Maximum load, lb. 1,100 1,080 850 850 850Luggage, suitcases + dufels 25.5 cu. t. (cargo volume) 25.5 cu. t. (cargo volume) 4+0 4+1 2+0Towing capacity, lb. 1,000 1,000 1,000 NR NRINTERIOR ROOM

Front shoulder room, in. 54.0 54.0 56.5 51.5 53.0Front leg room, in. 43.0 43.0 41.0 41.0 40.0Front head room*, in. 6.0 6.0 6.0 5.0 4.5Rear shoulder room, in. 52.0 52.0 53.5 53.0 52.0Rear leg room, in. 28.0 28.0 26.5 26.0 25.0Rear head room*, in. 4.0 4.0 2.0 2.5 3.5

*Above a person 59 tall.

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NIssan Versa

Toyota Yaris

cars auto test extra

Fe-off Nin Ve v. Toyot Yi

On the surface, the Nissan

Versa and oyota Yaris seem tohave much to oer a buyerlooking or inexpensive trans-

portation. Tey ride relatively well and arenow available with electronic stabilitycontrol, a vital saety eature. But theyhave very dierent characters, and wecan't recommend either car.

Te Yaris has excellent reliability anduel economy, but a noisy and uncomort-able interior makes it unappealing to livewith. Te Versa makes you eel like you gotmore car than you paid or, with a quiet,roomy, and well-appointed cabin. But ueleconomy isnt impressive or a small car.Tese cars arent much un to drive, unlikethe similarly priced Honda Fit hatchback.

Te Yaris is very reliable, but the sedanand hatchback versions score too low orour recommendation. By contrast, the Ver-sa scores well, but the sedan version hasbelow-average reliability. Te hatchbackversion, which drives similarly, has aver-age reliability and is recommended.

Ride, handling, and drivetrainsTe Yaris and the Versa have controlled,compliant rides. Te Versa eels like amuch larger car, easily soaking up roadbumps. On the other hand, bumpy roadsprovoke noticeable jittering and side-to-side rocking in the Yaris. Te Versas cabinhas an inoensive level o wind, road, andengine noise. Te Yaris suers rom pro-nounced wind and road noise, and its en-gine drones loudly when accelerating.

Neither car is agile. Te Yaris handlesresponsively, with quick i overly lightand vague steering, and the body leans alot in ast cornering. Sot springing com-promises the Versas agility, allowingquite a bit o body lean when cornering.Te steering has some weight to it but not

much road eel. With tight turning circles

and small dimensions, those subcompactsare easy to park.ESC became available on both cars or

2010. Its standard on the Yarisrare in itsprice classand optional or the Versa.ESC markedly improved the Yariss emer-

gency handling over earlier models. Tecars managed a commendable speed inour avoidance maneuver, but at the Versaslimits, it plows benignly rather early.

Te Yariss 106-hp, 1.5-liter our-cylinderengine and the Versas relatively rened122-hp, 1.8-liter our-cylinder engine eachprovide adequate perormance. Tey havesmooth our-speed automatic transmis-sions. Each is available with a manualtransmission that improves accelerationtimes and uel economy, but neither carhas a particularly smooth shiter.

Fuel economy is the Yariss primaryadvantage, achieving 32 mpg overall onregular uel. Te Versas 27 mpg overall ismediocre or a subcompact.

Inside the cabinsWhile the Yariss cramped cabin remindsyou how little money you spent, the Ver-sas posh and spacious cabin eels like itcomes rom a larger, more expensive car.Nice interior touches abound in the Versa,including sot, plush abric on the seatsand padded armrests. By comparison, theYariss cabin looks and eels plain.

Te Versas spacious and accommodat-

ing driving position is superior to that othe Yaris. Teres plenty o room allaround, and theres a good ootrest. Eventhough the steering wheel doesnt adjustor reach, most ound it to be the rightdistance away. Conversely, the Yarisspedals are too close, the non-telescopingsteering wheel is too ar away, and theootwell is very cramped rom the let.Even with the seat lowered all the way,head room in the Yaris is barely adequateor six-ooters.

Front-seat comort goes to the Versa, too.It has supple and wide ront seats, while theYariss perch-like seats have less give and aresmall. On both, the ront seats could usemore lower-back and thigh support.

Te Versas rear seat is comparable tothat o much bigger cars, but the rear-seatarea o the Yaris is cramped. While theYaris has decent leg room, there is barelyadequate head room; the Versa has a lot oboth. Tere isnt much room or a thirdadult in the narrow rear seat o either car.

Gauges in the Yaris are peculiarly lo-cated atop the center o the dashboard.Teyre small and ar away, making themhard to read at a glance. Our drivers pre-erred the Versas conventionally locateddisplays. Both cars have basic and simplecontrols. Te Versa lacks a radio tuningknob, while the Yariss tiny an-speedknob is easily conused with the recircula-tion control. Te climate control system inthe cars works well, but the Versas sti-to-turn climate controls eel cheap.

Te Versa has a large trunk, holding asmuch luggage as larger amily sedans; theYariss trunk is smaller but still good-sized. Te Yaris has a olding rear seat orcarrying larger items that the Versa lacks.Hatchback versions o each car increasecargo-hauling fexibility.

Te swankier Nissan outscores the spartan oyota

The Versas poshcabin makes itfeel like a more

expensive car.

8/7/2019 Small Cars Mar 10

8/9

8/7/2019 Small Cars Mar 10

9/9

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