2012 Subcompact Car Buying Guide

The 2012 Subcompact Car Buying Guide from iGuida.com looks at the latest and best choices in budget-minded, high-fuel-economy transportation.

The 16 cars in our 2012 Subcompact Car Buying Guide represent the smallest and, for the most part, least expensive rides on the road. Stellar fuel-economy ratings are a virtue: the most frugal models achieve as much as 40 mpg on the highway, with most rating in the mid-to-upper 20s in city driving and in the mid 30s on the highway.

Cars this size appeal to buyers of all kinds across Europe and other parts of the world, where higher fuel prices and taxes based on vehicle size make them an economic necessity. Their appeal in the U.S. is limited mostly to young and budget-minded new-car buyers. The model spectrum includes such new entries as the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 2012 Hyundai Accent, and 2012 Fiat 500; recent additions like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2; and segment stalwarts such as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. It also extends to eccentric “microcars,” such as the diminutive Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo.

The most fuel-efficient 2012 subcompact cars attain hybrid car-like fuel economy without the added cost and complexity of a gas-electric powertrain. Indeed, the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent top out at 40 mpg on the highway. Still, some larger and in many ways more accommodating compact models, such as the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze and 2012 Hyundai Elantra, match the subcompact segment’s best fuel economy ratings, albeit at higher purchase prices.

A subcompact car’s admirable fuel economy is largely a byproduct of its inherently diminutive size, lightweight design, and small four-cylinder engine that typically produces just enough muscle – typically 100-125 horsepower -- to sufficiently get up to speed from a stoplight and safely merge into highway traffic.

Choosing manual transmission – five- and six-speed manuals are common here – can help maximize a subcompact’s performance. Paying more for automatic transmission -- four- and five-speed units are most common – can cost some performance and fuel economy. However, a few 2012 subcompact cars now come with advanced six-speed automatics that help maximize both performance and fuel economy.

For example, the 2012 Hyundai Accent is rated 30/40 mpg city/highway and 34 mpg combined city/highway with its six-speed manual and a nearly identical 30/40/33 with its six-speed automatic. Similarly, the Fiesta is rated 28/37/32 with the standard five-speed manual transmission and a slightly better 29/38/33 mpg with the optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic (essentially a self-shifting manual without a clutch pedal). In fact, the highest rated Fiesta, the Special Fuel Economy (SFE) edition, uses the six-speed dual-clutch automatic to achieve its 29/40/33 rating.  

Subcompact cars typically come as two-door coupes, four-door sedans, or four-door hatchbacks. Some subcompact lines, like the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent, offer buyers a choice of sedan and hatchback body styles, while others, like the Honda Fit, come in only one configuration (a hatchback).  

Unfortunately, subcompacts aren’t particularly roomy cars, though some models at least offer sufficient fore/aft front-seat travel to accommodate taller motorists. A dearth of legroom makes the rear seats suited mostly to younger children. And doors that are small and in many cases oddly shaped can hamper ingress and egress for larger and less-limber riders, front or rear. While subcompact coupes and sedans typically come with tiny trunks that tend to limit their practicality, hatchback models usually offer fold-down rear seats that maximize cargo-carrying abilities.

In terms of safety, no subcompact can offer the all-around crash protection of a larger, heavier vehicle, particularly in collisions with more massive cars, trucks, or SUVs. All 2012 subcompact cars include front and side-protecting airbags, including head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. Antilock brakes to enhance control in emergency stops also are standard on all 2012 subcompacts sold in the U.S. Every 2012 subcompact must meet basic federal safety crashworthiness guidelines and by law, all must include electronic stability control. Also known as an antiskid system, this is designed to minimize sideways skids and the deadly rollovers that often result.

As for affordability, most 2012 subcompact cars are among the least expensive new cars on the market and are often cross-shopped against used compact cars. Base prices for 2012 subcompact cars typically start around $15,000-$16,000, with a few models priced far lower. Unfortunately, the least costly subcompacts are often stripped-down base models that lack even basic features, such as a radio. These price-leaders are often included in a lineup as an advertising ploy. They may even be ineligible for desirable options, such as an automatic transmission or power accessories. In practice, few of these bare-bones base models are built and dealers rarely choose to stock such low-profit cars that ultimately will find few takers.

While in the past, subcompact cars offered only a modicum of upgrades, many of today’s models are available with a plethora of features. Top trim levels often come with a plusher interior and may include larger wheels and tires and perhaps a more powerful engine. Many subcompacts now offer upscale amenities like premium audio and navigation systems and even heated front seats. Some fully equipped models can easily approach the $20,000 mark, which can otherwise buy a larger and usually more powerful class of car.

With federal regulations mandating a 40 percent boost in corporate fuel-economy averages by 2016, expect the subcompact segment to expand in the coming years. One trend is toward premium and sporty models, such as the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500. Even British exotic-car maker Aston Martin has joined the fray with an upscale version of the Scion iQ. U.S. pricing for the 2012 Aston Martin Cygnet was not announced in time for this article, but it debuted in England at the U.S. equivalent of $50,500.

Here is our 2012 Subcompact Car Buying Guide:

2012 Chevrolet Sonic
Coming in four-door sedan and hatchback versions, this new model replaces the Chevy Aveo

2012 Fiat 500

This tiny retro-themed coupe and convertible adds a sportier version and an all-electric model

2012 Ford Fiesta
This attractive European-designed sedan and hatchback is both entertaining and economical

2012 Honda Fit
Still the car to beat in a crowded segment, the Fit is practical, affordable and fun to drive

2012 Hyundai Accent
Redesigned with added style and substance and a 30/40 city-highway fuel economy

2012 Kia Rio
Redesigned cousin to Accent sedan and hatchback and likewise improved in all respects

2012 Kia Soul
Boxy urban-oriented wagon gets a boost in power and new transmissions for 2012

2012 Mazda 2
This diminutive hatchback delivers crisp handling, peppy performance and distinctive styling

2012 Mini Cooper

Still hip and stylish, the Mini is fun to drive and gets good fuel economy, though it’s costly

2012 Nissan Cube
An odd amalgam of square edges and curves, the Cube is nonetheless efficient and practical

2012 Nissan Versa
Priced like a subcompact, sized like a compact, the four-door hatchback is the gem of the line

2012 Scion xD
Sufficiently stylish and with assorted accessories for customization, the xD remains a lively ride

2012 Scion iQ
This uniquely styled “premium microcar” affords seating for three adults and packs 10 airbags

2012 Smart ForTwo
Outclassed in most regards, this tiny two-seat coupe/convertible sips gas and can park anywhere

2012 Suzuki SX4
Versatile hatchback and sedan due for a freshening; hatchback will again offer all-wheel drive

2012 Toyota Yaris
The smallest Toyota is due a model-year 2012 redesign but still won’t get a hybrid model