In a world where bigger often is deemed better, life has become particularly challenging for "economy" sedans. Despite their attractive prices and a modern can-do spirit, these under appreciated four-door stalwarts have to fight the public's general consensus that "low-cost" equals "boring."
Well this year things have changed for the better. Edgier styling, a wider range of options, and improved performance have added a major fun factor to the low-price segment. For this test, we subjected four of the newest mini-gladiators to a battery of driving maneuvers. Each reported for duty fitted with a manual transmission and the best available engine to optimize its fun factor-plus a typical selection of upgrade items aimed at maximizing its appeal as a daily driver. With that said, it's time to fire the opening salvo in this wheel-to-wheel combat exercise of economical four-door fun.
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