Wheels to Trust

As the year almost comes to end, you shouldn’t be concerned about how to pick the best right Car of the Year when there are so many good ones in the market but which ones have reported the fewest problems within the first 90 days of ownership.

It’s an unfortunate reality. Generally speaking, small cars are still the most affordable and the most fuel-efficient way to get around. They also squeeze into tight urban landscapes better than any crossover, and the right one can be more fun to drive. You'll want one you can count on, too.

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Nissan Sentra

One of the largest small cars on this list, the Nissan Sentra is all-new for the 2020 model year and the compact sedan has improved its game. Sharp new bodywork, which imitates the brand’s larger Altima and Maxima models, gives the Sentra the look of something more expensive than it is. A redesigned interior features higher-quality materials and finer details. There’s more cabin space as well, along with more standard technology and a longer list of driver-assistance features. A new platform and suspension have improved ride quality and handling and its new engine, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder, is more powerful, and delivers better fuel economy, 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. With 149 horsepower and a standard CVT automatic, this front driver is still one of the slower cars in its class, reaching 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, but its price is just right.

Chevrolet Spark

The Chevy Spark is General Motor's smallest model and the tiny five-door hatchback isn’t exactly lust worthy, but it’s a strong value, offers high quality and drives better than any others. With its 98-hp four-cylinder and the optional CVT automatic, it’s also a rocket ship compared to its rival, the Mitsubishi Mirage. The front-wheel drive Spark reaches 60 mph in 10.7 seconds, while it’s probably a bit quicker with the five-speed manual, which is available on all trim levels. Unfortunately it also requires 7.6 seconds to go from 50 to 70 mph. With the CVT, its fuel economy ratings of 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway are also a bit disappointing for such a small vehicle. However inside, the large 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is consistently popular with buyers looking for upscale style and features on a budget. The compact four-door has many models to choose from, all featuring turbocharged engines and well-equipped cabins. For 2020, every Jetta gets the latest version of VW’s infotainment system, which includes a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and R-Line models now offer a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, while the top-tier SEL and SEL Premium get standard wireless smartphone charging. Most models are powered by a responsive 147-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder, while the sportiest of the bunch, the Jetta GLI, which found a spot on out 10Best list, gets the 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic from the Golf GTI. A six-speed manual is also available.

Kia Forte

Kia and Hyundai are part of the same company, and the compact Forte shares its chassis and powertrains with the similarly sized Hyundai Elantra. The two are even built on the same assembly line, but it’s the Kia that gets the higher initial quality rating. For 2020, it’s available in FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX and the new GT trim levels, but unlike the Elantra, it isn’t offered as a hatchback. Most Fortes have the same 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and CVT automatic as most Elantras, however the base FE also offers a six-speed manual.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai’s smallest sedan, the Accent, is built on the same assembly line and uses the same chassis and powertrains as the Kia Rio. But this time it’s the Hyundai with the better initial quality rating. Unlike the Rio, the Accent is available in just one body style, a four-door sedan. Three trim levels are available, SE, SEL and Limited. They’re all powered by the same 120-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which trades peak horsepower for fuel efficiency. The SEL and Limited come standard with the CVT automatic, while the base Accent SE offers a six-speed manual or the CVT.

From the November 2020 issue of FHM India.