2012 Honda Civic Coupe Review

2012 Honda Civic EX-L Coupe - 3/4-rear-angleMPG-o-Matic 2012 Honda Civic Review Summary: The 2012 Honda Civic uses subtle aerodynamic tweaks to achieve optimum fuel economy. Honda’s colorful Eco Assist display makes light-footed driving a cinch. While some may fault Honda for not keeping up with all the bells, whistles, and styling cues of the competition, the Civic remains a reliable and truly fuel-efficient choice in a highly competitive segment.

The 2012 Honda Civic coupe is powered by a 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower (HP) and 128 foot pounds of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the DX, LX, and EX without navigation, while a five-speed automatic is standard in the EX with navigation and available in all models.

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Compact vs Sub-Compact: How Small is Small?

There are those who say that size matters when it comes to fuel efficiency. For many folks, “to get great gas mileage, you have to drive a small car,” is a prevailing mindset. But the big question is: how small is small? Will a compact or sub-compact car fit your needs? Do you really need something larger … or perhaps even smaller?

If you’re in an urban setting, with tight parking conditions, a tiny inexpensive car may be your best bet. There’s nothing like zipping through traffic and scoring those tight parking spaces with ease. But it’s a dramatically different story out on the open road. Would you be comfortable duking it out with double tractor trailers and dump trucks on the Interstate while driving a microcar like the Scion iQ or Smart car?

The chart below provides a list of compact, subcompact, and microcars available – or (possibly) soon to be available – in the American market. Compacts, subcompacts, and microcars are often referred to as C-, B-, and A-Segment cars, respectively.

Compact / Subcompact / Micro Cars (with reviews)

Compact Cars (C-Segment) Subcompact Cars (B-Segment) Micro Cars (A-Segment)
Audi A3 Chevy Sonic Chevy Spark
Audi A4 Fiat 500 Ford Ka
Buick Verano Ford Fiesta Mitsubishi i MiEV
Chevy Cruze Honda Fit Smart
Chevy Volt Hyundai Accent Scion iQ
Dodge Dart Kia Rio  
Ford Focus Mini Cooper  
Honda Civic Mazda2  
Honda CR-Z Nissan Cube  
Honda Insight Nissan Juke  
Hyundai Elantra Nissan Versa  
Hyundai Veloster Scion xA  
Kia Forte Scion xD  
Kia Soul Toyota Prius c  
Mazda3 Toyota Yaris  
Mitsubishi Lancer Volvo C30  
Nissan Sentra    
Scion tC    
Scion xB    
Subaru Impreza    
Suzuki Kizashi    
Toyota Corolla    
Volkswagen Golf    
Volkswagen Jetta    
     

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2012 Hyundai Veloster Review

2012 Hyundai Veloster - 3/4 front view - snowy road MPG-o-Matic 2012 Hyundai Veloster Review Summary: The 2012 Hyundai Veloster hits the sweet spot with style, ride and technology and falls just a wee bit short when it comes to oomph, efficiency and creature comforts. Shortcomings aside, the Veloster is a huge hit in an Eco Sport segment that includes the Chevy Sonic Turbo, Ford Fiesta, Honda CR-Z hybrid, and Fiat 500. Further refinement and more horsepower are due for the Veloster in the 2013 model year for those willing to save a few dollars more and wait.

The Veloster is equipped with a direct-injected 16-valve Dual-CVVT 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower (HP) and 123 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters is optional. A significantly more powerful turbocharged engine is in the works for 2013.

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2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Review

2012 Kia Rio 5-Door 3/4 Front Profile MPG-o-Matic 2012 Kia Rio Five Door Review Summary: If there’s one word to describe the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door, it’s “value.” In the old days, folks referred to inexpensive fuel-efficient hatchbacks as “economy cars,” and they were spartan and rarely attractive affairs. The Rio turns that notion on its head with an abundance of style and features at a base price starting under $14,000.

The Rio is equipped with a direct-injected DOHC CVVT 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower (HP) and 123 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is only available in the base LX model. A six-speed automatic with overdrive is optional in the LX and standard in both the EX and SX. The automatic transmission features a manual shift mode.

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2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv Review

2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv - 3/4 front profile MPG-o-Matic 2012 Mazda3 Review Summary: Mazda boldly touts the 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv as “the first 40 MPG car worth driving.” While that might seem like a lot of hype, it’s not too far off the mark. The Skyactiv3 delivers a class-topping combination of MPGs and driving dynamics.

The new Skyactiv-G engine is offered in the Mazda3’s i Touring and i Grand Touring trim. The direct-injected DOHC VVT 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 155 horsepower (HP) and 148 foot pounds of torque. It’s a solid motor, but the whole Skyactiv story is about more than just the power plant. Mazda’s more conventional 2.0 and 2.5-liter engines continue to be offered in the i SV/i Sport sedan and s Touring/s Grand Touring trim (both sedan and five-door), respectively.

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