Top 5 Compact Cars for Urban Commuting

Discover the top five compact hatchbacks ideal for city commuting in 2017. This guide highlights key features, fuel efficiency, and safety aspects of popular models like Chevrolet Spark, Ford Focus, Kia Forte, Subaru Impreza, and Mazda 3. Perfect for budget-conscious urban drivers seeking versatile, reliable transportation.

Top 5 Compact Cars for Urban Commuting

Compact cars with hatchback designs are characterized by their rear door that lifts upward, granting access to the cargo space. Many models also feature foldable rear seats, allowing flexible configurations for passengers or cargo. This versatile body style dates back to the 1930s and remains popular for city driving due to its maneuverability and affordability.

If you have a limited budget and mainly navigate congested city streets, hatchbacks are an excellent choice.

Here are five notable hatchbacks from 2017 worth considering:

The Chevrolet Spark is a four-door, four-passenger hatchback powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque.

The Spark offers front-wheel drive, a 5-speed manual transmission, and an estimated fuel efficiency of 39 MPG highway and 31 MPG city. It features electronic fuel injection and a 7-inch color touchscreen with Chevrolet MyLink Radio, Bluetooth streaming, and audio controls.

Ford's strong competitor in this segment is the Focus, a two-door, five-passenger hatchback with front-wheel drive. Equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it delivers 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque at 4250 RPM.

This model has a 14-gallon fuel tank, a 5-speed manual transmission, and provides approximately 37 MPG highway and 27 MPG city. Safety features include moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength, although it lacks advanced crash prevention systems.

The Kia Forte is a four-door, five-passenger hatch with front-wheel drive, capable of about 29 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on highways. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, complemented by an audio system with CD, MP3, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, and voice recognition.

The Subaru Impreza offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This hatchback has a 13-gallon tank and a manual transmission, with fuel economy estimates of 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, reaching top speeds of 122 mph and accelerating to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

Mazda's popular model, the Mazda 3, a four-door hatchback for five passengers, is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. It features a six-speed transmission, accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 7.4 seconds, and offers fuel efficiency of 25 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.