There's no longer any need to 'settle' if you want a low-priced hatchback with good gas mileage, a well-designed interior, and plenty of features for the money.
Among them, the Mazda2 stands out for also offering a surprisingly sporty driving experience--even though its specifications might not suggest that.
At the value side of the equation is the Nissan Versa, which has a roomier interior and the ride of a larger car but lacks refinement and fun-to-drive qualities.
The Toyota Yaris also stands at the more practical, comfort-oriented end of the scale, and it's simply not as strong of a value anymore next to some of these models or even Toyota's higher-mileage Prius C.
The all-new Chevrolet Sonic is an excellent entry in the market, with a more comfortable, refined feel.
The Honda Fit remains one of our favorites for its very spacious interior and handy Magic Seat arrangement that lets the seats be folded especially low for cargo space; the Fit also ranks as one of the more fun-to-drive models in this class.
Finally, if you're willing to pay thousands more, the base MINI Cooper offers even more fun and engagement behind the wheel, plus more upscale style inside and out.
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 2013 Mazda MAZDA2Browse Used Listings |  2013 Chevrolet SonicBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Ford FiestaBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Honda FitBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Nissan VersaBrowse Used Listings |  2013 MINI CooperBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2013 Mazda2 stands out among entry-level hatchbacks due to its zippy driving feel and good real-world mileage--although the limited feature set and basic appointments won't appeal to everyone. |
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic swaps econobox blues for sporty driving feel as well as safety, refinement, and comfort. |
Small cars don't need to be bland--the 2013 Ford Fiesta proves that with a saucy look and pert handling. |
If you're not turned off by the utilitarian look of the 2013 Honda Fit, you'll like what you get, which is awesome practicality and space-efficiency, plus some driving verve. |
The 2013 Nissan Versa is at its best up against used cars: If you can overlook some cheap-feeling details, it's a reasonably comfortable, well-equipped new car, for used-car money. |
The 2013 MINI Cooper models are small-car standouts in style and driving fun, and with several body styles and three different levels of performance you can pick your level of potency and practicality. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $14,720 | $14,185 | $13,200 | $15,425 | $11,990 | $19,700 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 28 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Minicompact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door HB Manual Sport | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 5-Door HB Manual | 4-Door Sedan Manual 1.6 S | 2-Door Coupe |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| 4 | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2013 Ford Fiesta | 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2013 Honda Fit | 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2013 Nissan Versa | 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2013 MINI Cooper | |
