At last week’s media rally, staffers Bill Jackson and Kelsey Mays tried four entry-level cars — the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Suzuki SX4 and Hyundai Accent. Since most people don't rush out and buy four cars, each from a different manufacturer, we thought we'd narrow the field down to an overall winner.
In true beauty-pageant fashion, we'll start with the third runner-up.
Fourth place: 2007 Hyundai Accent SE
WJ: This was the only manual transmission of the bunch. I found the car prone to understeer. The interior didn't have many of the comfort or convenience features of the other models. The minimalist — some would say Spartan — layout didn't bother me much, but it does suffer when compared to the competition.
KM: To me, the Accent’s simple exterior seemed classier than the overstyled Fit and Versa. Thanks to some performance doodads, the engine in this sport-tuned Accent SE starts loud and turns deafening as you shuffle through the gears. Body roll is minimal, but there was some wheel hop over lateral bumps — accompanied, as one might expect, by lots of noise.
Third place: 2007 Suzuki SX4 base
WJ: The tall seating position and high ride of the SX4 said "I'm a sport utility vehicle" quite clearly. It certainly didn't beg to be tossed into corners. The all-wheel-drive system was unobtrusive, and the suspension soaked up bumps very well. I didn't get the use of a metal finish in a couple places on the interior, but controls fell easily into reach.
KM: With excellent visibility and good power starting out, the brand-new SX4 almost took second. What sinks the Suzuki is the driver’s seat, which is narrow and comes with only four adjustments, as well as its poor gas mileage. Credit all-wheel drive, which typically docks a few mpg. With an automatic transmission, the SX4 gets 30 mpg on the highway — significantly less than the Versa’s 36 mpg or the Fit Sport’s 37 mpg.
Which car won the competition? Stay tuned for our next installment.
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I wish the Versa, Fit, or SX4 came as a two-door hatchback like the Accent, Focus, and Yaris do. I'm not a big fan of 4-doors. Sure, more practical, but I prefer the style of 2-doors.
I'd expect its aging platform would omit the Scion xA, so that's understandable... but, why no Yaris? Then again, maybe that was out of your control and it wasn't present at this "2006 Fall M.A.M.A. Rally", whatever that is...
Tony,
We would have included the Yaris had it been there. (Midwest Automotive Media Association, btw.) I've driven one, and frankly I don't think it would have made it past the Suzuki. Real cheap interior, gutless engine, no standard side airbags. The xA would have made an intriguing addition, but it's due for an all-new successor next year.
Just wondering when the next installment is comming???
I'm guessing the Fit won. I've been trying to look up all the reviews and comparisons I can on the Fit. So far they all have been pretty positive and its won the comparisons. I'm really thinking of getting one.
The Fit obviously wins. It is always favored by the auto press. The Versa is a decent car, but it is just a Renault re-badge. Which is alright since the two cars are sold in different markets.
But why is this "pageant" all-Japanese? Why not test an Astra or something? Astra is getting old, but is still the most attractive car in the segment
All Japanese? The Hyundai is Korean...
I'm thinking the Fit won too. It depends on what's valued here in the comparison. The Versa is almost a size up compared to the Fit, and I've read that it drives really well. However, the Fit has been favored in other comparisons.
I'm guessing the Fit won. I've been trying to look up all the reviews and comparisons I can on the Fit.
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The car has got all the thrills and spills that make it worth the buy. The Hyundai Accent has added a new dimension to the mid size car segment. The car features a multi point fuel system along with an advanced microprocessor.
Rose.