# Luxury sub-compact cars? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 25, 2012, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339 "2012-07-25T15:00:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/21 "2012-07-25T17:30:24Z")
A few of the suggestions are falling into the “compact” or even “midsized” category. From [Wiki:](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subcompact_car) > [@](#): > > Subcompact car is a North American term used to describe automobiles whose class size is smaller than that of a compact car, usually not exceeding 165 inches (4,191 mm) in length, but larger than a microcar. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a passenger car is classified as subcompact if it has between 85 cubic feet (2,407 L) and 99 cu ft (2,803 L) of interior volume. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/22 "2012-07-25T17:37:58Z")
Huh - a BMW 128i seems to have 96 cubic feet of interior space, making it a subcompact. How about that. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/23 "2012-07-25T17:46:49Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > 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? Not so. The legal speed limit on the Interstate Highway system in most Eastern states is 70. The speed limit in most Western states is 75. And some stretches of highway in Utah and Texas have a legal speed limit of 80 mph. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/24 "2012-07-25T17:55:05Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Not so. The legal speed limit on the Interstate Highway system in most Eastern states is 70. The speed limit in most Western states is 75. And some stretches of highway in Utah and Texas have a legal speed limit of 80 mph. And in some areas of Montana, there’s no set speed limit at all. Unless that’s changed. ---
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/25 "2012-07-25T18:04:08Z")
Montana is 75 now. Someone got a ticket for exceeding “reasonable and prudent” and got the law declared unconstitutional as being so vague that it violated the due process clause, so they had to set a numerical speed limit. Texas is considering 85. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/26 "2012-07-25T18:07:59Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > 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? Yes you can. I do it frequently. And I don’t live in wide open state either. ---
**Author:** ![toofs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/27 "2012-07-25T18:32:27Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > How is the soundproofing and suspension on them? I’ve never driven the A3, but I have driven a friend’s A4 sedan. It had a well sorted suspension that is a very good compromise between solid handling and a comfortable ride. It was very “European” in feel, which I like. To each their own, you know? **ralph124c** is absolutely correct. The features of today’s affordable cars are incredible. Airbags everywhere, heated seats, power everything, etc. To use the Hyundai Elantra as an example, [go here](https://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicles/2013/elantra/) and click on “Build & Price” to get an idea of what modern cars include. I built one out with every option and an iPod cable for a total of $24,450. Leather wrapped wheel and shifter, power sun roof, nav system, rear view camera, dual climate control, proximity key with push button start, steering mounted audio and cruise controls, leather seats, heated mirrors, 6 speed auto, 4 wheel disc brakes, front and rear heated seats, integrated Bluetooth. And a 100,000 mile warranty. A hell of a deal, and the car is getting really good reviews. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/28 "2012-07-25T18:41:04Z")
I agree the MINI Cooper S is a great car with a lot of advanced features available that I haven’t seen in this class of car before. For the record, I’ve owned 2 MCS and one MC. ---
**Author:** ![Smashed\_Ice\_Cream](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Smashed\_Ice\_Cream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smashed_Ice_Cream)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/29 "2012-07-25T18:43:43Z")
**TriPolar** beat me to it, but I will second the Audi TT. Mine is a roadster so its not as quiet as he would like, but the coupe model is amazing quiet. I drive long, long distances and am thrilled with the comfort level. Speed bump? What speed bump? The A4 isn’t much bigger, and they’re much more affordable, as well as much much much more practical. I will get one if I ever decide to be practical, although that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/30 "2012-07-25T20:04:32Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > A few of the suggestions are falling into the “compact” or even “midsized” category. From [Wiki:](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subcompact_car) > > > [@](#): > > > > Subcompact car is a North American term used to describe automobiles whose class size is smaller than that of a compact car, usually not exceeding 165 inches (4,191 mm) in length, but larger than a microcar. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a passenger car is classified as subcompact if it has between 85 cubic feet (2,407 L) and 99 cu ft (2,803 L) of interior volume. > [@Smashed\_Ice\_Cream](#): > > **TriPolar** beat me to it, but I will second the Audi TT. Mine is a roadster so its not as quiet as he would like, but the coupe model is amazing quiet. I drive long, long distances and am thrilled with the comfort level. Speed bump? What speed bump? And the standard model just makes the subcompact length limit also, at 164.5 inches. But the TTS and TT RS are just over at 165.3 inches. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/31 "2012-07-25T20:34:34Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Huh - a BMW 128i seems to have 96 cubic feet of interior space, making it a subcompact. How about that. I once owned a subcompact hatchback years ago. I noticed that a Rolls Royce model was listed in the same category by the EPA (for MPG ordering) based on interior space. General rule of thumb: Big cars aren’t necessarily big on the inside. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/32 "2012-07-25T20:39:25Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Yes you can. I do it frequently. And I don’t live in wide open state either. And plus, accelerating unnecessarily up to (and _possibly_ slightly beyond) the speed limit is **fun**. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2012, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/33 "2012-07-25T21:03:59Z")
tell him to test a Nissan Juke. I think it has the feel he’s looking for. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/34 "2012-07-26T03:53:09Z")
I second the Volvo C30 (which may not be a “sub-compact”). Solid, quiet, practical, fast, and very very safe. ---
**Author:** ![Cheshire\_Human](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/35 "2012-07-26T06:25:42Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Any suggestions? Chevy Cavallier. Or a used Dodge Omni. But skip the last year they made them. Go for an 88 or 89. ---
**Author:** ![zagloba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/977dab/32.png) [@zagloba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zagloba)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/36 "2012-07-26T07:05:45Z")
> [@Cheshire\_Human](#): > > Chevy Cavallier. Or a used Dodge Omni. But skip the last year they made them. Go for an 88 or 89. No, he said \*luxury \*subcompact. Only the Cadillac Cimarron would be good enough. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/37 "2012-07-26T11:49:13Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I second the Volvo C30 (which may not be a “sub-compact”). Solid, quiet, practical, fast, and very very safe. It’s length is 167.4 inches-close enough. ---
**Author:** ![kferr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kferr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kferr)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/38 "2012-07-26T12:05:58Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > 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 know the Cygnet is just a tarted up [Toyota iQ](http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=CC2-iQ-landing) right? And as I understand it, you can only get a Cygnet if you already own a proper Aston Martin. I’ll also recommend the BMW 1 series. In the UK they’re available as a coupe or 3 or 5 door hatchbacks. I’ve got a 3 door 120d I’m very happy with. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/39 "2012-07-26T12:17:18Z")
> [@zagloba](#): > > No, he said \*luxury \*subcompact. Only the Cadillac Cimarron would be good enough. Oh, the much-maligned Chevy/Cadillac Cimarron! THAT was an example of “brand cheapening”-imagine-a Chevy Cavalier at two times the price! For the extra dough you got fake woodgrain and crushed velvet seating..along with an engine that sounded like it was coming apart-if you pushed it past 3000 RPM. Detroit “marketing” at its worst! ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339/40 "2012-07-26T12:37:45Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I second the Volvo C30 (which may not be a “sub-compact”). Solid, quiet, practical, fast, and very very safe. Thirded. It’s very small inside (89 cubic feet, but feels smaller than that), smaller than it looks like it should be, like an anti-TARDIS. But a real, real nice car. You generally can’t go wrong with Volvo. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luxury-sub-compact-cars/629339.md?page=3)