
With an eye to both the sport-compact and the econo-compact market, the Scion tC has some interesting competition with some very lofty performance goals.
At the less engaging end of the spectrum, the latest Honda Civic Si just doesn't thrill us as past generations have done; it's a difficult story to tell, but the strut suspension, inexpensive interior, and overall responsiveness feel more like last-gen also-rans, not the heirs to the throne.
The Kia Forte places somewhere in this territory with its Forte Koup, but that's an achievement from a brand that didn't even field a car in this class three years ago.
New and intriguing this year is the Hyundai Veloster, a four-cylinder four-door with two doors on the passenger side, but just one on the driver side.
It's very dynamic in looks, but performance isn't quite there yet--but there's a turbo version coming in the 2013 model year.
The Ford Focus doesn't come in two-door form, but the sleek hatchback will be offered with a 240-horsepower turbo four in the coming model year.
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Quick Specs | ||||
Not quite fast, and not quite nimble, the latest Scion tC is on its way to developing an interesting personality. |
Whether or not you consider the exciting new ST performance model, the 2013 Ford Focus lineup is evidence that small cars don't have to feel so appliance-like. |
The 2013 Honda Civic takes a step back in the right direction with an impressive feature set, a sophisticated new look, and much-improved refinement. |
The 2013 Hyundai Veloster dances the line between sporty coupe and sports car with features, fuel economy, impressive handling, and newfound turbo power. |
It's a family affair: the Kia Forte lineup is more comfortable, more eager, and better finished than ever, and a step up from what its sticker price might suggest. |
MSRP From | ||||
$18,725 | $16,200 | $17,965 | $17,600 | $15,400 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
23 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 44 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Car | Compact | Compact | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
2-Door HB Manual (GS) | 4-Door Sedan S | 2-Door Manual LX | 3-Door Coupe Manual w/Gray Int | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX |
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 | N/A | N/A | 3 | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
3 Door Hatchback | Sedan | 2 Door Coupe | Coupe | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2013 Scion tC vs. 2013 Ford Focus | 2013 Scion tC vs. 2013 Honda Civic | 2013 Scion tC vs. 2013 Hyundai Veloster | 2013 Scion tC vs. 2013 Kia Forte |