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Comparison review: Six subcompact hatchbacks (Introduction)
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How does Toyota's Scion xD compare to five other subcompact five-doors?
Find out over the next week.
In the week it spent with the DC Car Examiner, the new 2010 Kia Soul Sport impressed for its handling and interior space but didn't demonstrate the highest levels of power, refinement or fuel economy.
But do similar cars actually do any better?
This small-car market class has grown in recent years. In 2004, Toyota's Scion brand introduced the stumpy xA and boxy xB subcompact hatchbacks, and Chevrolet rolled out a Korean-sourced Aveo 5-door. Since then, the xB has outgrown this class, but new entries from Honda and Suzuki, and now Nissan and Kia, have arrived to try and fill its place.
The Soul, like the original xB (see full comparison of the two cars), is tall and boxy, with a distinctive appearance and lots of space. The five others in this comparison do the same to some degree. The best must also demonstrate economy and value, as much comfort, refinement, and driving enjoyment as possible from the smallest economy cars.
Over the next week, you’ll find reviews of each of them in this space describing what each has offered for the money. You’ll see those six cars ranked from worst to best, based on comfort, refinement, and driving dynamics; based on safety ratings; and based on the cost to buy and the cost to operate. You'll also see local real-world pricing, not just sticker prices. [See note on pricing and options*]
Check back each day to see the ranking emerge, and have a look at some introductory information on the eight cars below in today's slideshow below the article.
Coming up tomorrow: SIXTH PLACE
| Sunday, June 7: | Introduction |
| Monday, June 8: | Sixth place |
| Tuesday, June 9: | Fifth place |
| Wednesday, June 10: | Fourth place |
| Thursday, June 11: | Third place |
| Friday, June 12: | Second place |
| Saturday, June 13: | First place |
| Sunday, June 14: | Conclusion |
*Note on pricing: when possible, the vehicles tested for this review were comparably equipped. It wasn't always possible. Every vehicle in this comparison is offered with about the same comfort and convenience features and with a manual transmission, but the specific cars available to drive for this comparison ranged from base-price stripped-down models to overequipped ones, and several had their optional automatic transmissions. These discrepancies will be noted in each review and corrected for as much as possible.
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