Mini Cooper
Tiny, but delivers oversize driving thrills.
Base Price: $20,100
As Tested: $24,600
Powertrain: 121 hp/114 lb-ft 1.6-liter I-4/6M
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 29/37
PM Fuel Economy (mixed/hwy): 31.70/36.58
The Mini makes more smiles than any other car here. And it doesn't do it with horsepower. Under the hood, there's just a wee little 121-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, making the Mini the pokiest when the light turns green. But thanks to its Lilliputian dimensions and 2561-pound weight, the Cooper feels quicker than its spec sheet would suggest. When the road bends, this solid-feeling tyke is exceptionally alert and communicative. It zings where the other cars simply turn, delivering a massive rush of dopamine to your brain box. It's that fun. The Mini's interior will make you smile, too. From the central speedometer the size of Flavor Flav's clock to the vintage appearance of the switchgear, the design is lighthearted and inspired. On the highway, the Mini's short wheelbase did not translate into a rougher ride. In fact, no matter the terrain, the Mini was firm yet comfy. So what's this athlete's Achilles' heel? The back seat fits only toddlers, and there's cargo room for just one carry-on-size suitcase. It's best to consider the Cooper a two-seater. If cargo space is a must, there are larger Minis, but naturally, they cost more.
Specs:
Suspension (front/rear): Strut, coil springs/multilink, coil springs
Wheelbase (in.): 97.1
Length (in.): 146.6
Width (in.): 66.3
Track (front/rear): 57.4/57.8
Axle Ratio: 4.35:1
Brakes (front/rear): 11.0-in. disc/ 10.2-in. disc, ABS, ESC
Curb Weight (lb): 2561
Power to Weight (lb/hp): 21.17
Tires (front/rear): 195/55R-16
Acceleration (sec)
0 — 30 mph: 3.56
0 — 60 mph: 10.12
0 — 100 mph: 30.10
40 — 70 mph: 8.03
Quarter-mile (sec/mph): 17.32 @ 80.87
Braking (ft)
30 — 0 mph: 27.59
60 — 0 mph: 111.37
Sound levels (dBA)
Idle: 53.5
Full Throttle: 82.1
60 mph: 74.5
Lane Change (mph): 66.84
Skidpad (g's): 0.87
VW Beetle
Less cute than before, but still lacks an edge.
Base Price: $19,765
As Tested: $25,965
Powertrain: 170 hp/177 lb-ft 2.5-liter I-5/6A
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 20/29
PM Fuel Economy (mixed/hwy): 25.03/29.61
There is no other shape in all of automobiledom, except maybe the Porsche 911, that is more recognizable than the VW Beetle. And the latest machismo-infused iteration is no exception — everyone grins as you go by. Although the newest Beetle may look tougher than the pastel one with the flower vase in your neighbor's garage, it was the softest and least edgy of our test group. The mood is more Valium than Viagra. Following our convoy through the hillocks of Ohio, the Bug wasn't happy being pushed. Even though the Beetle is only a few pounds heavier than the Scion, you can feel the avoirdupois. Back off a few notches, though, and it's a capable partner with wonderful steering. It flows through corners rather than aggressively changing direction. With its velvety-smooth ride and hushed cabin, the vee-dub excels at long highway journeys. The interior decor is upscale and very well-crafted — "nearly Audi level," according to one tester. The Beetle's 2.5-liter inline five wasn't as snappy as the powertrains of the Juke or the Scion, but it felt grunty off idle. And when you dig your spurs into the Bug, that engine produces a somewhat exotic wail. Packing stuff into the latest Beetle is now much easier due to an additional 3.4 cubic feet of luggage space. In a caravan of sport compacts, the VW is like a luxury grand-tourer.
Specs:
Suspension (front/rear): Strut, coil springs/torsion beam, coil springs
Wheelbase (in.): 99.9
Length (in.): 168.4
Width (in.): 71.2
Track (front/rear): 62.2/60.9
Axle Ratio: 3.50:1
Brakes (front/rear): 11.3-in. disc/ 10.7-in. disc, ABS, ESC
Curb Weight (lb): 3138
Power to Weight (lb/hp): 18.46
Tires (front/rear): 235/45R-17
Acceleration (sec)
0 — 30 mph: 3.28
0 — 60 mph: 9.72
0 — 100 mph: 27.42
40 — 70 mph: 7.66
Quarter-mile (sec/mph): 16.97 @ 82.11
Braking (ft)
30 — 0 mph: 30.36
60 — 0 mph: 122.56
Sound levels (dBA)
Idle: 44.6
Full Throttle: 79.1
60 mph: 71.1
Lane Change (mph): 58.78
Skidpad (g's): 0.82
Hyundai Veloster
Nails the styling and handling, but is about 30 hp short.
Base Price: $17,300
As Tested: $21,395
Powertrain: 138 hp/123 lb-ft 1.6-liter I-4/6M
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 28/40
PM Fuel Economy (mixed/hwy): 28.74/33.51
Hyundai knows how to make compelling family cars, competent sportsters, and plush luxury whips, but it turns out it knows how to design out-of-the-ordinary cars as well. Slide behind the wheel and you're snuggled into what looks like the cockpit of a futuristic spaceship. The materials are modern, with a 7-inch screen and big vents in the middle of a dash that resembles Optimus Prime's face. The Veloster feels feathery-light as it snakes through corners, and the steering is delicate and quick. There's crispness to its moves, but at the same time, it seems just a little tinny. Sharp bumps boom through the car's structure, and you definitely feel them. And the Hyundai was fairly poky — we nicknamed it Captain Slow. The six-speed manual was one of the better transmissions here, but to maintain speed on a long grade, prepare to downshift every time and keep the gas floored. The Veloster's right-side-only rear door was a point of controversy. Some thought it was appropriately edgy; others would have liked a fourth door. Inside, there's a roomy back seat and a deep cargo hold. Fold the seats flat and the Veloster is a massively useful mini wagon. But most pleasing is that, at just over $21,000 with a nav system, the Veloster is a smoking deal.
Specs:
Suspension (front/rear): Strut, coil springs/torsion beam, coil springs
Wheelbase (in.): 104.3
Length (in.): 166.1
Width (in.): 70.5
Track (front/rear): 61.5/62.0
Axle Ratio: 4.27:1
Brakes (front/rear): 11.0-in. disc/ 10.3-in. disc, ABS, ESC
Curb Weight (lb): 2764
Power to Weight (lb/hp): 20.03
Tires (front/rear): 215/45HR-17
Acceleration (sec)
0 — 30 mph: 3.11
0 — 60 mph: 9.80
0 — 100 mph: 28.39
40 — 70 mph: 7.74
Quarter-mile (sec/mph): 17.04 @ 81.92
Braking (ft)
30 — 0 mph: 28.13
60 — 0 mph: 113.36
Sound levels (dBA)
Idle: 44.8
Full Throttle: 81.1
60 mph: 73.7
Lane Change (mph): 62.3
Skidpad (g's): 0.82
Content provided by Popular Mechanics
