Car Talk: I'm looking for a compact hatch

[Woochifer]

After 380k miles, my trusty old Acura Integra just got a terminal diagnosis from the mechanic -- zero compression in one cylinder and fused spark plugs on two others. The car still drives, but it's on borrowed time and only operating on three cylinders. Basically, fixing this would require removing the cylinder head ($$$), and there are too many other things already going on to justify that kind of repair bill.

So, I'm now back in the market for a car! Basically, I'm looking to stay with a compact car, preferably a hatchback/wagon. If possible, I'd also prefer a manual transmission. While I do enjoy sporty performance, I am also looking at a high gas mileage vehicle (concession to my wife, who wants something "green"). Here's my list so far:

Mazda3
The last car we bought was a Mazda5, which is surprisingly sporty considering that it's an imminently practical tall wagon/small minivan. Aside from a leaky strut that now needs replacing, we've had zero problems through 75k miles.



Given that I've always liked how the Mazdas drive and our positive experience with the 5, the Mazda3 is getting the first look. The 3 is a lot of fun to drive, and they've had a solid reliability record. In previous years, the mileage with the Mazda3 was not great, especially with the larger 2.5L engine (which was the only one available on the hatch/wagon).

However, for 2012 Mazda has introduced their new Skyactiv drivetrain. Basically, an all-new engine/transmission combo that is rated at 40 MPG highway. The reviews indicate that this engine has a lot of usable power, and achieves the high mileage without having to resort to low resistance tires and other tweaks that drain the performance. The Hyundai Elantra is the only other "regular" car in the compact class rated for 40 MPG, all the others are detuned variants.



So, this would seem like a slam dunk, right? Well, the only thing that gives me pause is the fact that this is a brand new engine and transmission design. It's Mazda's first ground-up new engine in 10 years, and their first ground-up new transmission in more than 20 years. I would prefer a little more seasoning and reliability data before jumping on board. But, given that I don't know how many more months my Acura will hold up, I might not have that option. This is a dilemma, because brand new drivetrains are always a risk.

Ford Focus
The Ford Focus uses the same C1 platform as the Mazda3, and has received similarly high marks for how it drives. In more recent years, Ford has ironed out the reliability problems that plagued the first generation models. And last year, Ford as a whole ranked #5 in the J.D. Power IQS.



However, this year, Ford has slipped badly, and much of that has been attributed to their widely implemented MyFord Touch touchscreen control system. Aside from the confusing layout and controls, the system has also been prone to crashes (any surprise that Microsoft designed it?). The lower level models don't use this setup, which might limit my choices.

The Focus is available as a 5-door hatch, which I like, and the price is comparable to the Mazda3. The mileage is a little lower than the Mazda, but still pretty good (37 MPG highway). One potential issue is the transmission, which the Focus shares with the Fiesta that debuted last year. The automatic tranny uses a dual clutch design, which is great for fast shifts, but purportedly gets balky at slow speeds and has had reliability problems. I would likely opt for the manual transmission, but I don't know how many of them I will have to choose from, since dealers tend to stock mostly ATs.

VW Golf TDI
Here's where I get into more of a "green" option. VW has been selling clean diesel cars overseas for years, and began importing them into the US a few years ago. Mileage is great and the performance is also supposed to be good. Plus, the TDIs can run on eco-friendly biodiesel. Generally, I like how VWs drive and their interiors have been better appointed than competing models.



Drawbacks include VW's current trend towards decontenting, cheapening, and softening their US models (the new Jetta is an abomination compared to the previous version). Also, VW's diesel engines have been less reliable than their gas engines. And I know people who have had to deal with electrical problems galore on their VWs. Supposedly, the electrical system issues were ironed out in the last series, and the German-built Golfs have historically had a better reliability record than the Mexican-built Jettas.

The list prices on the Golf TDIs are reasonable, but I see in the fine print that VW's diesel models are usually excluded from their financing deals. So, the actual cost of buying the Golf TDI might be a lot higher than another car with a similar sticker price. The test drive will go a long way towards deciding if the VWs stay on my list.

Honda Civic and Fit
Given that my Integra is a spiritual descendent of the Civic, I'm surprised I haven't looked closer at the Hondas. I guess I'm too much of a hatchback fan, and the last few generations of Civics just haven't excited me much. Despite the atrocious interior design, I thought the most recent Civic was a pleasant drive. Just not as engaging as the Mazda3.



And I've been reading that the new Civic got dumbed down for the US market -- softer suspension, bulkier dimensions, and cheapened interior (and the last one was already bad enough). The one aspect that the Civic always had in its favor was the gas mileage. But, with the new Mazda drivetrain, that advantage has been negated. I've driven the Civic hybrid, and it didn't do anything for me. Plus, Honda's hybrid design is less efficient than others, which means that its gas mileage is not much higher than the newer direct-injection gas engines and diesels.

The Fit is closer to what I'm looking for, except that it's a subcompact. Honda supposedly did a great job at packaging the car and creating a lot of usable space in the interior. And it's purportedly more of a driver's car than the Civic, despite its modest engine. I've read generally mixed things about the Fit, and I have yet to drive one, so that's something the test drive will take care of.



Other Models
Other models like could fall under consideration if I decide to venture beyond compact hatchbacks and higher efficiency models. Lots of test driving and kicking the tires ahead! And I will probably hit the auto show next month to get a close up view of what's out there. It was actually at an auto show that my wife and I discovered the Mazda5, so who knows what as-of-yet-unknown vehicle might strike my fancy.