Model Tested: 2020 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door Iconic Trim Engine:135 kW electric motor, 181 horsepower 199 lb-ft torque Transmission: single speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 115-mpge city, 100-mpge highway, 108-mpge combined Base Price: $29,900 As Tested: $37,750 Performance: Very strong acceleration … read more

Model Tested: 2020 Mazda6 Signature Engine:2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 227 or 250 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $35,300 As Tested: $36,915 Performance: Smooth, very pleasant highway ride Nice blend of luxury … read more

Model Tested: 2020 Honda Insight 4DR Touring Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, engine + hybrid output 151 horsepower, 99 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 51-mpg city, 45-mpg highway, 48-mpg combined Base Price: $28,340 As Tested: $29,270 Performance: Smooth highway ride Acceptable acceleration Paddle … read more

Model Tested: 2019 Lexus UX 200 F Sport Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 169-horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 33-mpg combined Base Price: $34,000 As Tested: $41,285 Performance: Acceleration on the leisurely side Smooth transmission Outstanding fuel … read more

Model Tested: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T Final Edition SE Engine:2.0-liter turbo I-4, 174-horsepower 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26-mpg city/33-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $23,045 As Tested: $23,940 Performance: Peppy acceleration, easily merges and keeps up with … 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 Mazda6 Signature Engine:2.5-liter I-4 gas, 227-horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23 mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26 mpg combined Base Price: $34,750 As Tested: $36,435 Performance: Strong performance from a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine Excellent … read more