Model Tested: 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring Engine:1.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 180-horsepower 162-177 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 35-mpg highway, 32-mpg combined Base Price: $28,850 As Tested: $29,780 Performance: Quick steering; responsive Excellent 6-speed manual transmission available on … read more

Model Tested: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 168-horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 31-mpg combined Base Price: $22,990 As Tested: $25,123 Performance: Excellent 6-speed manual transmission Smooth clutch and linkage Manual transmission … read more

Model Tested: 2019 VW Golf SportWagen 1.4T S Engine:1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 147-horsepower 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 32-mpg combined Base Price: $21,895 As Tested: $23,240 Performance: Semi-sporty handling Fun to drive Nimble in traffic Smooth … read more

Model Tested: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring Engine:2.0-liter I-4 gas, 181-horsepower, 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26 mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 29 mpg combined Base Price: $33,335 As Tested: $35,905 Performance: Excellent performance 26 more hp … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 155 horsepower, 148 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $29,155 As Tested: $35,240 Performance: Quick and nimble Excellent Brembo brakes, but an expensive … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26-mpg city/35-mpg highway/26-mpg combined Base Price: $23,895 As Tested: $28,720 Performance: Peppy engine, strong acceleration Fun, nimble, sporty with 6-speed manual … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Premium Engine: 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder, 152 horsepower, 145 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/33-mpg highway/29-mpg combined Base Price: $22,595 As Tested: $23,510 Performance: Choice of 6-speed manual or CVT automatic OK clutch … read more