Model Tested: 2021 Mazda3 AWD Hatchback Premium Plus Engine:  2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 227/250 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $33,750 As Tested: $36,490 Performance: Excellent performance, impressive acceleration 227 horsepower on … read more

Model Tested: 2020 Mazda3 Sedan Premium Package AWD Engine:2.5-liter I-4, 186 horsepower, 186 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined Base Price: $27,900 As Tested: $30,770 Performance: Peppy engine, solid acceleration Efficient 6-speed automatic with paddle … read more

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 XSE 5-Door Hatchback Engine: 2.0-Liter, 16-Valve, DOHC 4-Cylinder w/Dual Injection Transmission: Dynamic Shift Continually Variable Transmission Horsepower: 168 • Torque: 155 lb.-ft. EPA Ratings: 30/City • 38/Highway • 33/Combined Base Price: $24,090 • As Tested: $27,823 Overview: The … read more

Model Tested: 2019 Volkswagen Arteon 2.0T SEL R-Line w/4Motion Engine:2.0-L turbocharged I-4, 268 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $43,560 As Tested: $44,555 Performance: Smooth highway ride with adaptive dampers … 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 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