
The number of inexpensive hatchbacks with good gas mileage continues to grow, and unlike the "econoboxes" of a decade ago, standards have never been higher.
The 2014 Mazda 2 stands out for its simplicity, sporty driving experience, and fuel efficiency, but it faces plenty of very good competitors.
The new Nissan Versa Note offers a roomier interior and surprisingly high fuel economy, at the price of mediocre refinement and a grim interior.
Also on the practical, comfort-minded end of the scale is the Toyota Yaris, although its gas mileage is nothing to write home about--especially compared to its Prius C sibling.
The Chevy Sonic, now in its third year, remains a strong contender with a refined feel and clever features as well as more fun-to-drive character than you'd expect.
The Ford Fiesta--dimensionally similar to the Mazda 2--has been updated for 2014 and offers far more sophisticated infotainment as well as sporty handling.
And even in its last year before a complete redesign, the Honda Fit remains one of our favorites, with its spacious interior and flexible Magic Seat offering configurations and cargo space that no other contender approaches, as well as driving fun.
Finally, the MINI Cooper--which costs several thousand dollars more--is hugely engaging and fun behind the wheel; it too will be entirely new next year.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The nimble driving feel and good gas mileage of the 2014 Mazda 2 help it stand out among entry-level hatchbacks--but buyers will have to be comfortable with a limited feature set and a simple interior. |
The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is light-years ahead of its Aveo predecessor, which Chevy hopes you'll forget. It's stylish, comfortable, drives nicely, and has excellent safety ratings and infotainment features. |
Affordable small cars don't need to be bland, whether in appearance or from behind the wheel. And the 2014 Ford Fiesta is proof of that. |
The 2014 MINI Cooper is a fun, smart, and practical way to get around, without giving up its sporty, quirky side. |
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. |
MSRP From | ||||
$14,720 | $14,170 | $14,100 | $19,950 | $15,425 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
28 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Small Station Wagon |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door HB Manual Sport | 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 2-Door Coupe | 5-Door HB Manual |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2014 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2014 Chevrolet Sonic | 2014 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2014 Ford Fiesta | 2014 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2014 MINI Cooper | 2014 Mazda MAZDA2 vs. 2013 Honda Fit |