Looking for the best sports compact car? To help you narrow down your choices, we study the top models and performance features of the best sport compact cars, and here are some of the top contenders for compact cars, ranked by their strengths.
Honda Civic Type R
The reigning king of hot hatches, the Type R boasts a turbocharged 306-hp engine, sharp handling, and a track-ready suspension. It’s not the most comfortable daily driver, but it’s exhilarating on the open road.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 306 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive wheels | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway |
| 0-60 mph | 5.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 169 mph |
| Starting price | $40,150 |
Toyota GR Corolla
This newcomer aims to dethrone the Civic Type R with its even more powerful 300-hp turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and aggressive styling. Early reviews praise its agility and performance, but its practicality is somewhat limited.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged G16E |
| Horsepower | 300 hp at 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft at 3000-5500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differentials |
| Fuel economy | 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined |
| Curb weight | 3,241 lbs |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 169 mph |
| Starting price | $36,295 |
Hyundai Elantra N
A more affordable alternative to the Type R and GR Corolla, the Elantra N offers impressive performance for its price. Its 276-hp turbocharged engine, responsive handling, and comfortable interior make it a well-rounded choice.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 276 hp (281 hp with N Performance Package) |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft (324 lb-ft with N Performance Package) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 5.3 seconds (manual), 5.1 seconds (N Performance Package with dual-clutch automatic) |
| Top speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Fuel economy | 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway (manual), 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway (dual-clutch automatic) |
| Curb weight | 3,425 lbs (manual), 3,523 lbs (dual-clutch automatic) |
| Starting MSRP | $30,495 |
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The GTI might not be the most powerful car on this list, but it delivers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience with its 241-hp turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and comfortable interior. Its starting price is lower than some competitors, making it a good value proposition.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 241 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds (manual), 6.2 seconds (automatic) |
| Top speed | 145 mph |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 17.4 cubic feet behind rear seats, 30.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded |
| Starting price | $30,545 |
Subaru WRX
The WRX’s turbocharged 271-hp engine and standard all-wheel drive make it a fun and capable performer, especially on twisty roads and in winter weather. While its interior isn’t the most luxurious, it offers good value for its price tag.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L turbocharged BOXER 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 271 hp at 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft at 2000-5200 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or CVT |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) | 18 mpg / 24 mpg / 21 mpg (manual) |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 seconds (manual) |
| Top Speed | 145 mph (manual) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 12.3 cubic feet |
| Starting MSRP | $30,600 (manual) |
Mini Cooper JCW GP
This limited-edition Mini Cooper packs a 301-hp punch and delivers a thrilling driving experience thanks to its sharp handling and aggressive suspension. However, its high price tag and limited availability make it less practical than some other options.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 317 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 5.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 165 mph |
| Fuel economy (city/highway) | 23 mpg / 31 mpg |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Starting price | ₹ 80,00,000 (approx.) |
Mazda3
The Mazda3 strikes a great balance between sportiness and practicality. Its available turbocharged engine provides ample power, while its hatchback and sedan body styles offer good cargo space. The interior is also comfortable and well-equipped.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder or 2.5L 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic or manual |
| Drive wheels | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | Up to 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway (2.0L) |
| Fuel economy | Up to 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway (2.5L) |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Trunk space | 13.2 cubic feet |
| Starting MSRP | $22,250 |
Honda Civic Si
The Si offers a sportier driving experience than the standard Civic, but it doesn’t sacrifice too much practicality. Its available hatchback body style provides decent cargo space, and the interior is comfortable and well-equipped.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive wheels | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 141 mph |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 31 mpg |
| Starting price | $31,100 |
Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf R delivers hot hatch performance with hatchback practicality. Its 315-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive make it a blast to drive, while its spacious cargo area and comfortable interior make it a good choice for everyday use.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged TSI I4 |
| Horsepower | 315 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 4.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway |
| Starting price | $41,290 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 19.9 cubic feet |
Acura Integra Type S
The new Integra Type S brings back the iconic nameplate with a focus on luxury and performance. Its 306-hp turbocharged engine provides ample power, while its refined interior and comfortable ride make it a great choice for luxury-minded drivers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 300-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 5.5 seconds (automatic) |
| Top Speed | 141 mph (estimated) |
| Fuel Economy (EPA) | 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (automatic) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Cargo Space | 12.3 cubic feet |
| Curb Weight | 3,800 lbs (estimated) |
| Starting MSRP | $36,800 |
BMW M240i
The M240i offers a blend of luxury and performance that’s hard to beat in this segment. Its turbocharged 382-hp engine delivers thrilling acceleration, while its comfortable interior and high-quality materials make it a joy to spend time in.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 382 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 4.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Fuel Economy (EPA) | 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway |
| Curb Weight | 3,717 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Cargo Space | 13.8 cubic feet |
| Starting MSRP | $49,545 |
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
The CLA 35 combines sleek coupe styling with a powerful 302-hp turbocharged engine and a luxurious interior. While not as practical as some other options, it offers a unique blend of style, performance, and comfort.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 302 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 4.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
| Fuel economy | 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway |
| Starting price | $47,150 |