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MT compared 8 of today's best sport compacts. This test has been done before, but they featured a couple different or redisigned models. What they say:
"For this test, we gathered eight 2009 models: Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Honda Civic Si, Mazdaspeed3, Mini Clubman S, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Subaru Impreza WRX, Volkswagen GTI -- seven of which feature turbocharged four-bangers and two of which sport dual- clutch automatics or all-wheel drive."
"A game of high-low reveals the spreads for base price ($22,675-$27,185), power (172-285 hp), and combined fuel economy (20-29 mpg) are wide. Yet, competition within this eight-car grouping proved as tight as shrink-wrap. In fact, several editors, some of whom have been comparing cars for decades, felt this was one of the tightest fields... ever.
Which is why we subjected each vehicle to our full array of instrumented testing, a comprehensive 25-mile road loop near Malibu, and a full day of hot-laps at the Streets of Willow racetrack."
Results:
1st Volkswagon GTI
2nd Chevrolet Cobalt SS
3rd MazdaSpeed3 Grand Touring
4th Subaru Impreza WRX
5th Honda Civic Si
6th Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
7th Mini Clubman S
8th Dodge Caliber SRT4
"For this test, we gathered eight 2009 models: Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Honda Civic Si, Mazdaspeed3, Mini Clubman S, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Subaru Impreza WRX, Volkswagen GTI -- seven of which feature turbocharged four-bangers and two of which sport dual- clutch automatics or all-wheel drive."
"A game of high-low reveals the spreads for base price ($22,675-$27,185), power (172-285 hp), and combined fuel economy (20-29 mpg) are wide. Yet, competition within this eight-car grouping proved as tight as shrink-wrap. In fact, several editors, some of whom have been comparing cars for decades, felt this was one of the tightest fields... ever.
Which is why we subjected each vehicle to our full array of instrumented testing, a comprehensive 25-mile road loop near Malibu, and a full day of hot-laps at the Streets of Willow racetrack."
Results:
1st Volkswagon GTI
2nd Chevrolet Cobalt SS
3rd MazdaSpeed3 Grand Touring
4th Subaru Impreza WRX
5th Honda Civic Si
6th Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
7th Mini Clubman S
8th Dodge Caliber SRT4
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