A good friend of mine is looking for a damnfine sub-compact. he’s looking for luxury, a good suspension, excellent handling, decent soundproofing(very rare in a sub-compact!) and a decent engine.
Any suggestions?
I don’t think there’s a ton of luxury options for sub-compact cars. Some automakers in that segment price cars with no wiggle room and there are few options as they are all included in the price of the car.
That said, I guess a Honda Fit is about as good as it gets for that size of a car. Or a Lotus Elise/Exige? Those are little cars.
Or also the Mini-Cooper S. That’s probably closest to the mark for the requirements set forth in the OP.
The CT 200h is a compact hybrid Lexus vehicle. Mercedes has the A-class vehicles, but doesn’t sell them in the US.
He said he was looking for something along the lines of an Aston Martin Cygnet, but unfortunately he can’t find that one with a left-hand drive.
You described an Audi A3 or A4.
Don’t laugh, but has your friend looked at a fully loaded Hyundai Elantra? Seriously. Luxury, no, but they are VERY impressive well equipped cars.
So he wants a $20,000 car with a $20,000 badge on it?
I’ll sell him a Honda Fit with a Lamborghini logo taped to the hood. PM me the details.
How is the soundproofing and suspension on them?
Interesting thread…the fact is, today you can buy a cheap (under $20,000) car that has almost every luxury feature you can name (advanced stereo, climate control, etc.).
Its really hard to justify spending $50,000 on a car today-when you can get a well equipped compact one for much less. That’s the problem for small mfgs. (like the late SAAB)- all of the stuff that SAAB pioneered could be gotten in other brands, for less money. The real distinguishing thing today is raw horsepower-yet given the fact that you cannot drive over 65 MPH in the US, who needs a 500 HP Lamborghini?
It’s not just about expensive accessories, though. He said he’s looking for the type of solid comfort and quietness you’d get in a larger luxury model-a smooth ride that you wouldn’t mind travelling a few hundred miles in non-stop.
Short wheelbase is the enemy of smooth ride, unfortunately. There’s only so much you can do with small cars to give them a comfortable ride, without compromising the handling too much.
How about the Acura ILX?
It’s basically a Honda Civic turned into a luxury car. Check out the interior photos.
One article about it. The article mentions the Audi A3 as a competitor, so he can compare that too.
Volvo has the C30.
Second the Mini Cooper.
BMW has a 2-seater, but it’s really a sports car.
The Subaru WRX might be a bit big, but they’re amazing cars.
Mercedes has the B-Class, but I don’t think they’re very highly rated.
Maybe a loaded Volkswagon Golf?
911?
It might be a little bigger than you’re looking for but maybe the new Dodge Dart, loaded and with the turbo: link.
Or maybe a FIAT 500 Abarth: link
Otherwise the Mini and Audi A3 are the others that came to mind. By sub-compact are you including or excluding small sports cars like a Miata? Does your friend want a back seat and 4 doors?
It’s more of a compact car, but the BMW 1-series may be of interest if a coupe is acceptable.
As a Fit owner, I can authoritatively say that it is NOT quiet inside. Great little car and a far cry from the subcompacts of the 80s, but not in any way a luxurious automobile.
Back seat and/or 4 doors not required. Being able to shut yourself out from outside and road noise is.
Audi TT, or is that too big?
The Hyundai Elantra will be available as a coupe with leather, heated seats, sporty suspension, and other higher trim options. Link
The Hyundai Genesis is available as a coupe (w/rwd): Link. And this websitenamed the 2011 as one of its top 3 quietest cars.