If you’re in the market for one of the most fuel-efficient new vehicles available, you may want to take a look at Kelley Blue Book’s new 2011/2012 Compact Sedan Comparison Test, a study of four new compact sedans that are taking market share in this segment. The Kelley Blue Book company evaluates the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus as well as the Honda Civic and Honda Elantra, comparing these vehicles for interior and exterior style, performance, comfort features, and more.
According to Kelly’s findings, the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra should be considered two very competitive vehicles. These two cars tied for top score, with the Ford Focus rating third, and the Chevrolet Cruze behind the competition.
What did Kelley like about Honda’s perennial bestseller and the newly popular small car from Hyundai? For the Elantra, Kelly staffers cited unique style and good design, adding that the Elantra could easily win a “beauty contest” in this survey – the Honda Civic, on the other hand, was designated a winner in overall value, which is probably why it has done so well on the American market for so many years. Kelley staffers also scored the Civic highest among the four cars in performance.
Oddly enough, although the Chevrolet Cruze scored last in Kelley’s study, staff writers point to a wide variety of positives for this car, including a serene ride, a comfortable cabin, and style to burn. Many of these models turn heads when they show up in parking lots and driveways across the country. In the column of points against the 2011 version of the Cruze LTZ, Kelley writes cryptically that the car is not especially fun to drive.
As for the 2012 Ford Focus SEL, another model studied in Kelley’s small car comparison, writers noted a winning amount of horsepower, but remark at the poor design of in-dash audio and tech systems.
Studies like the Kelley Blue Book small car comparison report can help consumers know more about what they want before they enter the dealer’s lot, and in many cases, this helps save new car buyers money. Those with only a vague notion of their purchasing goals can often be swayed by trained, practiced salespeople who take advantage of a vacuum to push their own agendas. Go to the lot, not only with concrete ideas, but armed with the best information about current model pricing and more, to successfully get the vehicle that you want at a price you can afford.
