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 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: 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI SE Engine:1.8-liter turbo I-4, 170-horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined Base Price: $27,320 As Tested: $28,215 Performance: Impressive fuel economy—our best was 36.2-mpg Good power Paddle … 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
Model Tested: 2018 Kia Rio EX 5DR Engine: 1.6-liter I-4, 130 horsepower, 119 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28-mpg city/37-mpg highway/32-mpg combined Base Price: $18,700 As Tested: $19,725 Performance: Peppy engine Great fuel economy for a non-hybrid Our best was … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Kia Forte EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 164 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $21,200 As Tested: $26,540 Performance: Spritely performance, especially in sport mode Well-sized for city … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 146 horsepower 146 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined Base Price: $26,240 As Tested: $28,810 Performance: Sport and regular operating modes Paddle shifters … read more
