This past summer we found ourselves, for the first time, busy driving all the new models that are going to drop this year - and we are proud to say that sport compact performance and value still stands strong. While there are a few higher end (and priced) platforms still being added to the mix, you can be sure you'll be putting your money into quality performers, no matter what your budget is. These are ten of the coolest cars we think will make a big splash for the new year
Mazdaspeed3
Priced From: $23,195
Hot Features: 263hp 2.3L DISI Turbo engine and plenty of torque at 280lb-ft; 18-inch standard alloys; LED boost gauge; six-speed tranny with improved gear ratios; torque-sensing conical limited slip differential; BOSE Centerpoint Surround sound
But Can You Modify It? The Mazdaspeed3 is begging for more power so we can't see why this won't be one of the more popular cars of 2010 to tune. It's so affordable it'd be foolish to not want to fix it up.
Deep Thoughts: The 2010 model was the first time I ever drove a Mazdaspeed3 and I all I can say is "wow" - where has this car been all my life? If something this fast were available when I was in high school, I would have easily begged my parents for one. The peppy FWD surprised me with the amount of torque it had on tap and it was scary how fast you could go without realizing it. At the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, it was loads of fun when going into boost, so I apologize to the brakes if I cooked them (a little). Hey, it's not like I was the only one. - Jonathan Wong
Toyota Yaris
Priced From: Starting from $12,355 ($13,155 as tested)
Hot Features: Power windows/door locks; 60/40 split, reclining and sliding rear folding seats; MP3 player with iPod support and satellite radio; under-floor storage; optional foglights and spoiler
But Can You Modify It? Very much so, and it also won't cost you a lot to do so. Simple bolt-ons can be easily found, as are suspension and wheel packages. Don't think you'll be seeing too many engine swaps (but it'd be very cool if you did).
Deep Thoughts: To some, the Yaris may seem like a small economic car. But coming from a Honda background (when EFs were the Civic to tune), it's easy for me to say that I love hatchbacks, especially small ones, mostly because I feel more comfortable in a smaller, more agile car. Most Japanese OEMs are beginning to mimic their American competition by making their cars bigger. I used to think my old Civic EF was normal size; these days, it's tiny. Plus, when was the last time you saw a cool looking hatchback, let alone any hatchbacks? No way would I drive a MINI - but a Yaris, hell yes! If you've ever seen the ones built by Tein, Street Image or a tuned Vitz (its JDM counterpart) you'll see the Yaris in another light. It just goes to show that you don't need a $30K car to have fun these days (although it certainly helps). Although the Yaris only has 106 horsepower, a little bit of boost can propel the 2,200lb car nicely. Hopefully low budget tuners will dive into the Yaris as they did with Hondas in the '90s. The Yaris is the coolest little hatchback you can buy and also has a 5-door sibling that's equally cool. - Charles Trieu
Can't Forget The Hybrids
Beginners:
Honda Insight
Priced From: $19,800
Hot Features: 40/43 est. MPG; Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle; Eco Assist with driving score; readily available aftermarket support
But Can You Modify It? Japan already has. Can you say "Mugen"?
Deep Thoughts: While Honda is certainly no stranger to hybrid technology they took a two-year hiatus while redesigning the Insight. From a design stand point the Insight is my favorite ground-up hybrid (by ground-up we mean a car that was designed to be a hybrid, not a gasoline vehicle later incorporated into a hybrid). With its good looks and low sticker price we wouldn't be surprised to see more of these on the road in the future. I'm still trying to figure out a way to get my hands on one so I can replicate the circuit racer versions I've seen in Japan. - Sean Klingelhoefer
Hipsters:
Toyota Prius
Priced From: $22,000
Hot Features: 51/48 est. MPG; 98hp 1.8L VVT-i engine; Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle; LED taillights and headlights (optional); optional solar powered ventilation system
But Can You Modify It? If history has taught us anything, it's that select tuners may indeed trick out the next gen Prius. Remember Blitz's supercharger for the first gen?
Deep Thoughts: Coming back for the third installment of the best-selling hybrid car, Toyota has delivered a very polished product. Although the interior more closely resembles that of a spaceship than a car, everything functions the way it should. The joystick-style shifter might seem strange at first, but once you get used to driving with it you'll love it. The new Prius is by far the most refined version yet and the crossover from gas to electric engine is seamless. - SK
By Super Street Staff
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