The Volkswagen Golf is currently setting the compact hatchback standard for interior space, though it's met its dynamic match in the form of the Ford Focus and Mazda 3.
The Ford Focus offers superior road manners and a hugely fun turbocharged ST edition, as well as a frugal 3-cylinder option.
The Mazda 3 is lauded for its excellent driving dynamics, and it's distantly related to the Focus; it has a beautiful shape that just chews up rear-seat head room, unfortunately.
The Subaru Impreza puts a rugged spin on fashion and adds all-wheel drive to the mix, but it's a bit dowdy in shape and plain in execution.
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 2016 Scion iMBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2016 Subaru ImprezaBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Volkswagen GolfBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2016 Scion iM looks the part of the youth-oriented sporty hatchback, but doesn't drive the part. |
From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, the 2016 Ford Focus remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving and best-looking small cars, with a more premium feel than its (now even lower) price might suggest. |
The 2016 Subaru Impreza is the compact car to choose when you require all-wheel drive for year-round traction but don't want or need the gas-mileage hit that comes with boxy SUVs and rugged trail ability. |
Between base, e-Golf electric, and high-performance GTI and Golf R versions, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf lineup doesn't forget about the space-and-versatility fundamentals of hatchback—or SportWagen—ownership. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $18,460 | $17,225 | $17,845 | $18,295 | $18,495 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 27 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 45 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 5-Door HB Manual (GS) | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport | 4-Door Manual 2.0i | 2-Door HB Manual TSI |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2016 Scion iM vs. 2016 Ford Focus | 2016 Scion iM vs. 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2016 Scion iM vs. 2016 Subaru Impreza | 2016 Scion iM vs. 2016 Volkswagen Golf | |
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