Compact car is a vehicle size class that sits between subcompact cars and midsized cars. While the EPA has a formal definition for the category, some car dealerships or rental agencies may use different classification standards.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable commuter or a fun-to-drive hatchback, there are plenty of options in the compact class. Some standouts include the Kia Rio, Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Accent.
Size
When compared to full-sized vehicles, compact cars offer better gas mileage and are easier to maneuver. This has made them popular with drivers who commute long distances, live in urban areas, first-time car buyers and those seeking a second or third vehicle. With a wide array of models available in this category, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from.
In North America, the term “compact car” refers to a class of vehicle that sits between subcompact and mid-size vehicles in terms of size and price. The EPA defines a car as compact if it has between 100 and 109 cubic feet of combined passenger and cargo space. This class also includes hatchbacks, and it typically fits four to five passengers comfortably. 운전연수
While the EPA defines what constitutes a compact car, many dealerships and rental agencies have their own classification standards. In general, they will only call a vehicle a compact if it’s smaller than other vehicles of the same manufacturer. This means that you’ll have to do some research to determine whether or not a particular model is truly compact.
Style
Despite their old-fashioned reputation, modern compact cars can be stylish and sophisticated. They come with a range of driver aids like pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and forward/reverse automatic emergency braking. They also have a range of tech features, including Android Aut 운전연수 o and Apple CarPlay integration. And if you’re looking for an affordable car that’s easy to drive and offers good fuel efficiency, a compact can be a great choice.
They’re also more economical than mid-sized vehicles, which makes them a good option for drivers on tight budgets. And they’re a lot easier to park and whip around town in, making them ideal for urban commutes. Plus, some compacts offer impressively high fuel economy, which can save you even more money.
What’s more, compact cars are getting roomier and more comfortable. So, if you were previously concerned that being cooped up in one for long drives wouldn’t be an enjoyable experience, you might want to give them another look. In fact, premium compacts like the Audi A3 and Volkswagen GTI have redefined what it means to be a small car. They still have generous room for four, deliver excellent fuel economy and are genuinely fun to drive. They might cost a little more to purchase, but they pay for themselves with lower operating costs and insurance rates.
Safety
Most of the vehicles that fall under the compact car category have excellent safety ratings. Whether you choose a Kia Soul rental or a Hyundai Elantra, these models typically offer advanced features such as backup cameras and emergency braking assistance. They also provide surprisingly comfortable passenger seating and ample cargo space.
Many manufacturers offer a range of options, including four doors, leather seats and top-of-the-line sound systems in their compact cars. However, safety remains the number one factor for most consumers when choosing a new vehicle. The best compact cars have superior crash test results, earning high marks in the latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests and NHTSA rankings.
The 2015 Honda Fit is a great example of an excellent small car that is both affordable and highly safe. Its high scores in the head restraint, seat, side, roof strength and moderate overlap front tests indicate that occupants are protected in the event of a collision. In addition, the car has an active safety feature called Honda LaneWatch that warns drivers of approaching vehicles from either side.
The only drawback to this model is the lack of rearward-facing child seats in the vehicle. In general, occupants of larger vehicles (SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks) experience higher death rates in crashes than those who drive smaller vehicles. In recent decades, though, some SUVs and trucks have become lighter and more car-like, incorporating advanced safety features that even some of the best compact cars don’t have yet.
Fuel Economy
Generally speaking, Compact cars are more efficient and consume less fuel than larger vehicles. They’re also smaller and easier to maneuver and park. Depending on the model, they may even offer more standard features than some mid-sized cars. This can make a Compact car a great choice for urban drivers with a tight budget or who want a fun-to-drive vehicle.
However, it should be noted that occupants of larger vehicles (SUVs, minivans and small trucks) tend to have lower death rates than occupants of compact cars. This is because of the extra space and safety features that they provide.
The EPA determines what size class a car falls into by its interior volume, which means that the Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio are both considered compact cars despite having more passenger and cargo room than some other models in their categories. This can be a drawback for some shoppers, especially if they’re looking for a more spacious and comfortable ride.
As far as fuel economy is concerned, the average Compact car gets around 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The most fuel-efficient models tend to be hybrids, which can achieve up to 50 mpg in the city and highway. Additionally, Compact cars typically have fuel tanks that range from 9 to 12 gallons, which means that they can go a good distance on a single tank of gas.