5. MAZDA3 SPORT
Safety: The IIHS rates the Mazda3 Sport, a hatchback, a Top Safety Pick +. Bravo.
Reliability: Above average reliability, for sure.
Price/deal: The $16,995 base price for the four-door hatchback is good, but it’s made better by a $1,000 factory incentive on the table.
Test score: If you value an entertaining-to-drive yet very fuel efficient small hatchback, then you need to test the Mazda3 Sport. The manual gearbox is very likely the best in its class and the steering precision is also outstanding. Inside, the control and instrument layout is first-rate. Seat comfort and support are only so-so.
6. HONDA FIT
Safety: It’s been rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though the 2013 was rated “poor” in the small overlap front crash test.
Reliability: J.D. Power’s VDS ranks the Fit first among subcompacts and Consumer Reports raves about its reliability.
Test score: You cannot buy a more versatile small car. You simply cannot. The Fit, now made in Mexico, is a remarkable small car, what with its many seating configurations.
7. CHEVROLET SONIC
Safety: The Sonic performed marginally well in the small overlap front crash test, so it’s not an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Reliability: Average. Not best-in-class, but not a dog, either.
Price/deal: The four-door hatchback starts at $14,495, but the factory has $1,000 in “lease cash” available and the factory lease rate of 0.0 per cent for 24-48 months is very good. Like most other manufacturers, a $500 student bonus is also on the table.
Test score: You might be surprised by the Sonic. It is quick and quite entertaining and the cabin is well done, though seat support and comfort are not any better than average. The exterior design is a standout.
8. HYUNDAI ACCENT
Safety: The Accent earned a “poor” rating in the IIHS’s small overlap front test and only an “acceptable” mark for side impacts.
Reliability: The Accent won its class in J.D. Power’s IQS and Consumer Reports rates it above average for reliability, too.
Price/deal: Yes, the base four-door hatchback is $13,899 and there is another $1,500 in a factory incentive on the table, too. So just over $12,000, plus fees and taxes. A killer deal.
Test score: The Accent has remained essentially unchanged for several years now and really is ready for a proper update. The exterior design, however, is a winner, and the modern engine is both strong and fuel efficient. You’ll like driving this little car. The cabin layout and execution is very good.
9. SCION XB
Safety: A “moderate” score in the IIHS’s small overlap test prevents the xB from being Top Safety Pick.
Reliability: J.D. Power’s VDS ranks the xB first in its class.
Price/deal: The $18,960 base price is a bit high, though there is a $1,000 Graduate incentive in play.
Test score: The xB is the box-on-wheels for people who hate cars with good looks but value extreme utility. That’s the xB – extremely useful. There’s enough headroom here for Lebron James and there’s almost enough space in back to carry all his money.
10. TOYOTA COROLLA
Safety: A Top Safety Pick of the IIHS
Reliability: The best-selling nameplate in the history of automobiles has long been valued for its reliability and durability. Those benefits show up in third-party research.
Price/deal: The base price for this sedan is $15,995, but Toyota Canada has a number of offers available that when combined can reduce the final price by as much as $1,600. Finance and lease rates go as low as 0.90 per cent.
Test score: Toyota updated the Corolla recently and it’s certainly a nice design from the outside. Road noise is under control, too. But the Corolla is not among the more entertaining cars to drive. But it’s a safe choice, no doubt.