Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.


Tag Archives: Small Cars

2014 Nissan Versa Note SV

A three-quarter front view of the 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV

Hatchbacks have never been a favorite automobile category in the U.S. but Nissan decided to add to the mix by producing this hip, spacious subcompact hatchback. It is cheap and offers value, but do we like it?

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2014 Mazda 2 Touring

A three-quarter front view of the 2014 Mazda 2 Touring

This compact 5-door hatchback offers great value for active young city dwellers. Quick handling and a peppy inline-4 allow the Mazda 2 to dart through crowded urban streets, while 60/40 split fold-down seats and a surprising amount of cargo space make the hatch ideal for out-of-town excursions. Continue reading

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio

A three-quarter front view of the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio

This turbocharged version of Fiat’s iconic Cinquecento adds an aggressive edge to the 3-door hatchback. Fitted with a stiffer suspension and responsive vented front disc brakes, the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio is quick and athletic while still earning 34 mpg highway. Continue reading

2014 Kia Forte EX

Front view of the 2014 Kia Forte EX Sedan

For the 2014 model year, Kia gives its Forte even more forza — force with dynamic looks and more horsepower. Although the base model starts at $19,400, a more handsomely-equipped Kia Forte sedan reaches past $25,000. Continue reading