Small cars, large choices

THE HYUNDAI Accent engine gives a satisfying kick.

THE FORD Ecosport SUV has greater ground clearance and taller ride height.

If you’re a fan of small cars, you’re in luck. The lineup of cars in the A and B segments has never been wider and deeper. These are the cars also known as subcompacts, superminis or city cars.  Generally speaking, they are defined as vehicles with less than 2803 liters of interior volume or about 4191-millimeter exterior length. These are the fastest-growing segments of the market, and it’s reflected in the number of new models being introduced in them.

Whether you’re considering one out of choice or necessity, a small car has many benefits, chief of which are economy and maneuverability. Here are some other features to consider when to buy a small car.

Engine

The best thing about a small car is that it’s lighter and needs a smaller-displacement engine. The latest batch of cars is making do with one less cylinder than usual. With better design and electronic fuel injection, the three-cylinder cars run nearly as smoothly as the four-cylinder engines we’re familiar with.

Look for an engine that has sufficient power for the car with a full load of passengers. The engine shouldn’t have to rev to 3000 revolutions per minute just to keep up with traffic. This will knock down the mileage.

THE AUDI A1 is equipped with a 7-gear automatic transmission.

An interesting engine is the 1.6-liter diesel in the Hyundai Accent. Its 128 horsepower and, more importantly, 260 Newton-meters of torque give a satisfying kick. One of the best engines is the turbocharged 1-liter gasoline engine in the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost. With 125 HP and 170 Nm, it lends something still not standard in this class: fun. If you want the most power there’s the 211 HP in the Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport.

Transmission

Basic five-speed manuals and four-speed automatics are no longer the limit for small cars. A good transmission helps extract the most performance from an engine. The Ford Fiesta has a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, while the Audi A1 does it better by having seven gears. The new Honda City and Jazz feature a continuously variable transmission to help keep the engine on the boil and to improve fuel economy.

Interior

Five seats and a speedometer no longer cut it. Reflecting its extroverted exterior, the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz A250 mixes in a good dose of sportiness. Seats are properly snug and supportive, and red stitching adorns the steering wheel and dashboard trim. The Honda Jazz has a versatile cabin with folding rear seats, allowing it to swallow a mountain bike or other long items with ease. If versatility is of utmost importance, the new Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Avanza provide seven-seater capability within a small footprint.

Ground clearance

GPS navigation and keyless entry/ start-stop button are standard Mitsubishi Mirage features.

The subcompact class is no longer limited to the hatchback. Ford introduced a new variation on the formula with its Ecosport SUV. Ecosport has the greater ground clearance and taller ride height while still providing agile handling and good fuel economy.

Style

The econobox is gone, replaced by good-looking sedans and hatchbacks in a wild variety of colors. The Kia Rio’s wide, well-planted stance gives it a more upscale appearance. The ultimate styling exercise in this class is the MINI Cooper, its inimitable British flair an integral part of its identity.

Creature comforts

Features previously reserved for luxury automobiles are making their way to the small cars. These include GPS navigation and keyless entry with start-stop button in the Mitsubishi Mirage. Ford Fiesta has smartphone connectivity with voice command.

Safety

Although some cars make do with just a single airbag, some models offer a complete suite of active and passive safety features. The Ford Fiesta offers electronic stability assist, while the BMW 1 Series offers traction control, stability control, six airbags and available all-wheel drive.

Maintenance

Ease of maintenance is an attraction, at least for the non-premium brands. Extended service intervals, as offered by the Volkswagen Polo, and the three-year, all-in maintenance program of the Mazda2 can cut running costs substantially.