Best 2010 Small Cars Under $21,000

They aren't the sexy vehicles that make headlines, but the category of Small Cars Under $21,000 is a very important one. This is where buyers are often young or inexperienced drivers, so safety is a key issue: not just with more obvious features such as anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control, but handling, visibility and crashworthiness.

Three compact front-wheel-drive vehicles fight it out here. All are four-cylinder models, and all were tested with automatic transmissions: the Kia and Hyundai use a four-speed automatic, the Mazda a five-speed autobox.

Kia held the top spot for fuel economy, rating 8.1 L/100 km city and 5.8 highway (35/49 m.p.g.); next up is the Elantra Touring, at 8.7/6.5 (32/43), followed by Mazda3 at 8.7/6.0 (32/47).

All three come standard with anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags, and whiplash-reducing active front head-restraints.

Mazda3

(676.9 points)

Mazda3 won Canadian Car of the Year when it was introduced for 2004, and now has the possibility to do it again.

A 2.0 L engine makes 148 hp; sharp handling satisfies enthusiasts but isn't so racy that it alienates mainstream buyers.

The tested model includes a/c, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers and fog lights, but not electronic stability control: if you want to add it, but still stay under $21,000, you have to take the cheaper stick shift, instead of the automatic as tested.

New exterior styling sits on the wrong side of handsome, but the interior is considerably nicer than before, with white-light gauges instead of red, better design and controls that are easier to use.

Price as tested: $20,674

Hyundai Elantra Touring

(655.4 points)

The Elantra Touring uses a 138-hp 2.0 L engine, but it's not simply an Elantra Sedan with a liftgate: it uses a different platform and is called the i30 in offshore markets. 

Electronic stability control is a new available feature for 2010. Standard items on the tested model included a/c, heated mirrors and seats, fog lights and keyless entry.

It's roomy and cargo-friendly; the controls are simple and easy to use, an important consideration for young drivers. The ride is relatively stiff, but handling is very good.

Unique among the three, Elantra Touring is rated for towing – a mere 680 kg, granted, but that should get your snowmobile or personal watercraft to the cottage.

Price as tested: $20,499

Kia Forte Koup

(649.2 points)

A completely new model for 2010, the Forte Koup is offered with a choice of two engines; this was the smaller, 156 hp 2.0 L (a 173 hp 2.4 L starts at $21,495).

Standard features include electronic stability and traction control, a/c, heated seats, Bluetooth, heated mirrors, USB port, and wheel-mounted audio controls; the tested model added an optional sunroof.

The interior is nicely done, with a handsome centre stack and comfortable chairs. Most notable is an exceptionally roomy backseat, with far more rear legroom than most two-doors.

Its sporty looks are deceiving, though: it handles like an inexpensive runabout, and more than one boy racer will be in for a rude awakening when he takes his first hard corner a little too fast.

Price as tested: $20,495