2013 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

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.