Compact Sedan Comparison - Warranty & Styling - Road Test Review

Like the Focus ST, the Lancer Ralliart doesn't set any benchmarks with its boxy sedan styling. But neither does it put you in the crosshairs of law enforcement or street racers with over-the-top wings and things. It's the most traditional-looking car here and the one with the most hidden talent. Think of the Ralliart as the kind of car you'd like to build from your duff commuter car if you had the time and inclination to do so. It just so happens Mitsu has done the job for you and throws an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty into the bargain. The only thing left to add is that set of decent tires.

Mazda's 3 glides over the court on sheer talent: the ideal sporty hatchback for someone who also needs the practicality of a five-door. It comes across as the kid who skipped college and went right to the professional leagues. As a rookie, it'll make it to the all-star lineup, but there's a veteran who's been working on his fade-away jump shot in the off-season.

And that veteran is the subtly revised Mini Cooper S. Yeah, there are lots of them around these days. But it's still on max-chill in the style department, looking just as at home on the boulevards of Beverly Hills as on the streets of London. And its supercharged driveline, strong brakes, sharp steering, and tied-down suspension are so beautifully matched and maximized that grin-inducing fun is just around the first corner.

Each of these cars has a talent: the comfy Ford, the Scion sophisticate, the sleeper Mitsu, and the innovative Mazda. All are better-than-average sporty cars. But the Mini Cooper S is quite simply the most fun for the money you can have sitting down.