WD200711ZA-sm.pdf

Honda Fit
$15,245 • hondacars.com
There aren’t many subcompacts
on the road with this level of
cool. Curb appeal is just the Fit’s
starting point, however. Climb
inside this roughly 2,400-pound
featherweight and experience
one of the most trick interiors
ever to roll off an assembly line.
The seating can be configured
in any of five modes. Hauling
a bike? Use “Tall,” which will
allow you to slide it in upright,
directly behind the front seats.
Want to go camping? Skip
the tent: “Refresh” combines
the front and rear seats into
two snooze-worthy beds.
WIRED Unconventional fuel
tank location toward the middle
frees up space for “magic seats.”
Good mileage at 31 mpg combined.
Terrific handling.
TIRED Though the 1.5-liter
four-cylinder engine features
Honda’s signature electronic
valve control, it packs only a
disappointing 109 hp.
Nissan Versa
$14,005 • nissanusa.com
From its unconventional (and rad) suede seats and
trim to its six-speed transmission, the Nissan Versa
is full of quirky surprises. That sixth gear helps keep
cruising revs down, boosting mileage to 31 mpg on
the highway, and its engine is one of the largest in the
munchkin class: 1.8 liters. It’s good for a nice 122 hp,
which is far above average for subcompacts. Steering
and suspension inspire confidence.
WIRED High seating position provides a good view.
Dynamic shaping makes car seem bigger than it is.
TIRED Smallish trunk. To get cruise control or
steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, must upgrade
to more expensive option package.
Saturn Aura Green
Line Hybrid
$23,070 • saturn.com
This is the least hybridlike car of the bunch: no flashy
screens or aerodynamics. Sigh. There’s a reason the
Aura doesn’t scream hybrid: Not a ton to scream about
here. Merely a “mild” hybrid, it can’t drive on the electric
motor alone. To boost fuel efficiency, the Aura
relies on regenerative braking and on shutting down
the engine at stops and while cruising.
WIRED At least it qualifies for a tax credit. Stealth
integration of hybrid technology is good, but …
TIRED … how can we get props for driving a hybrid
when the only evidence is a little logo outside the car?
Mileage nowhere near as good as rivals’, either.
Toyota Prius
$28,393 • toyota.com
Much as we’re sick of praising it, there’s no reason to
confiscate the Prius’ crown. The hybrid overlord boasts
surprisingly brisk acceleration—especially when operating
for the first few seconds on its torquey electric
motor alone. The ride quality is excellent, and the interior
is roomy and practical. But 47 mpg is the real trump
card. The electric motor and its counterpart 1.5-liter
engine put out 110 horsepower—which, as Al Gore III
notably demonstrated, is still good for about 100 mph.
WIRED Scooting off under all-electric power is totally
boss. Real quiet, as U-Turn says—good for sneaking up
on people. Futuristic styling is catnip to sci-fi fans.
TIRED Spoiler slightly compromises rear visibility.
Scion xD 2008
$18,100 • scion.com
This smartly packaged, well-built, entry-level subcompact
offers just the right degree of street moxie
and Toyota practicality. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
cranks out a respectable 128 hp, which got it up even
the steepest hills with a full passenger load. Base
model comes standard with antilock brakes, full-length
curtain airbags, and power windows and mirrors—
nearly unheard-of for a car in this price range.
WIRED Almost as many standard features as Grandpappy’s
Benz. 160-watt Pioneer audio system offers
full iPod control through steering-wheel buttons.
TIRED Steering wheel tilts but needs to telescope,
too, given high seating position.
WIRED TEST
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