Compact Car reviews

With astounding sales figure goals, the 2022 Fiesta launches in Europe with revised looks and improved technology. The overall impressions are quite good as it gets a design refresh with new powertrain options. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, and Skoda Fabia are also getting substantial upgrades with the 2022 model year. How will the 2022 Ford Fiesta hold up in the European market after its latest facelift?

Mitsubishi revealed the fourth-generation Outlander back in February 2021 with a lot of styling influenced by the Engelberg Concept, but if you’re hoping to get all that new goodness in an Outlander PHEV, you’re out of luck. Why? Well, because while the rest of the Outlander lineup transitioned into a new generation, here we have the forgotten Outlander PHEV that’s still stuck in the past, flaunting styling and tech that’s beyond dated. So, is it still worth it to buy an Outlander PHEV in 2021 or should you look for alternatives? Our tester had a final price of $39,835 and its generation went into production in 2012, so you should probably read on if you really want the answer to that question.

In the same time with the launch of the new-generation Fiesta, Ford added a new model to the lineup: the new Fiesta Van. The new model was built on the three-door Fiesta passenger car, but it offers extra load volume, making this the perfect grocery carrier in busy, European cities. The 2022 Fiesta Van will be offered in two trim levels: Trend and Sport, and first deliveries will be made in early 2022.

Mazda North American has announced that the 2022 CX-5, it’s best-selling SUV – is finally getting some much-needed updates. The most important change is the addition of AWD as standard equipment across the lineup. However, it should also be noted that there are a few exterior design tweaks as well. But can it stand firm against the slightly lower-priced Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson?

If you look at sales figures for the Toyota RAV4 in both Europe and the U.S. you will see that it is a very successful model. Back in 2020 the RAV4 was the best sold SUV in the States for the fourth year in a row, while in Europe it is in the top 3 best sold Toyota models.

So, it was to be expected to see that Toyota is doing its best to further improve the model and come with more ways to attract more customers. Its latest attempt is called "RAV4 Adventure" and, according to Toyota, it "reinforces the model’s “go anywhere” spirit with stand-out rugged styling that’s ready for life in the great outdoors."

Being the ideal model for Renault’s “Drive the Future” plan, the Captur is one of the best-selling small-SUV across Europe after its first launch in 2013. The new Captur arrives with revised mechanics, updated looks, and it is more practical and tech-heavy. But should you consider it over the Kia Niro and Mazda CX-3? Let’s find out.

Until recently the name "Corolla" made you think about Toyota’s compact sedan that is giving the Honda Civic a lot of headaches. Well, as of June, 2021 Toyota added a new version to the Corolla lineup: a compact crossover that will go after cars like Kia Seltos or Subaru Crosstrek.

The 2022 Corolla Cross will go on sale in October, 2021 and prices will range from $22,195 to $27,625, depending on the trim level and driveline.

Renault unveiled the 2021 Mégane E-Tech at the IAA in Munich. It is the French brand’s very first all-electric crossover with a range of up to 292 miles. Is it a big first step forward or does it leave more to be desired?

Vauxhall/Opel’s first electric car - the Ampera - was a fiasco. While it started strong on the market, by the end of 2015 only 200 units a year were being sold. Now, the company hopes that the success will come by using electric powertrain on names with tradition on the market.

Now in its eighth generation, the Astra will be offered for the first time with an electric powertrain. Called Astra-e, the electric version will go on sale in 2023 and will be offered in both hatchback and station wagon versions.

Ford offered the "Splash" package for the first time back in the 1990s when it was offered as an update for the Ranger pickup. Then, in June, 2021, the company trademarked the name again and initial rumors said it will be used for an electric pickup. Turns out those rumors were false, as the Splash is offered once again as an update package for the 2022 Ranger.

BMW just admitted that it could have done better with the iX3 by updating it for the 2022 model year. As you’d expect for a model that hit the market a little over one year ago, the iX3 doesn’t see anything major, but there are some noteworthy appearance changes. The front end, for example, now features a larger grille and the headlights are now just a bit slimmed – 10 mm, to be exact. The front apron was restyled while the rear end is now more muscular and features 3D taillights. The 2022 iX3 also comes standard with the M Sport package. While 19-inch wheels come as standard, you can opt for the M aerodynamic 20-inch wheels, too.

On the inside, you’ll find a new 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an enlarged control display. The sports seats can be had in a new Sensatec perforated upholstery that’s combined with an Aluminum Rhombicle dark contrasting finish. Motivation is derived from an electric powertrain that’s good for 286 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. 0-60 mph comes in as little as 6.8 seconds while top speed is limited to just 112 mph. As far as the range goes, you’ll get 286 miles from a single charge but can add up to 62 miles with 10 minutes of fast charging. There’s no word on pricing yet, but the 2022 BMW iX3 will be shown off in public for the first time at the 2021 Munich Auto Show in September 2021.

The sixth-generation Nissan Altima has been on the market since 2018, and was generally received as more technologically advanced, better looking, and better equipped than the fifth-gen model. Three years in, however, and it’s easy to wonder if the Altima can still hold its own so close to its mid-cycle update. We spent a week with the Altima VC-T to see just how well it manages to navigate the cut-throat midsize sedan market.

Honda launched the 11th gen Civic sedan not too long ago. Now, the automaker has unveiled the hatchback version of it as well. Honda revealed the 2022 Civic Hatchback at the Civic Tour “Remix” virtual concert. The hatch shares most of its traits characteristics with the sedan, but comes with a tinge of sportiness in terms of looks as well as drivability.

The 2022 Civic Hatchback is fairly loaded in terms of creature comforts and comes with the same engine options as the sedan – a 2.0-liter and 1.5-liter turbo option. To make the deal sweeter, both the mills will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Also, the 2022 Civic hatchback will be manufactured in the U.S. for the first time ever.

Quite recently, we talked about the 2022 BMW X3 and what makes it so much better than its predecessor. When we talk about BMW’s compact SUV, we cannot go without talking about its sportier counterpart – the X4. Like its slightly more practical sibling, the 2022 BMW X4 has also undergone numerous improvements, in order to stay up to stay relevant and to keep up with the competitiveness on the SUV market.

BMW is in the process of refreshing its existing lineup and the BMW X3 G20 is among the latest models to receive a facelift. The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) has undergone numerous revisions, making it more modern and digitalized than before. The BMW X3 is an important model for the brand, which is why they want to make it a more appealing offer through a revised range structure. In addition to the new look, the X3 (and consequently the X4) is sportier and more versatile than ever before.

BMW recently revealed a plethora of vehicles as part of the 2022 model refresh. One of them included the X3 M Competition. The German revealed the M models for the X3 and the X4 a couple of years back and have now refreshed it for the 2022 model year. It comes with nips and tucks on the inside and outside. Apart from this, the SUV also comes with a slight bump in the torque figures that results in quicker 0-60 mph times. Overall, not bad for what is essentially just a refresh.

Ford has come up with a new compact pickup truck called the Maverick. The Maverick was leaked and spotted multiple times in the past. Ford teased in last week and gave us a glimpse of what to expect. Now, the truck is finally out. The Maverick will serve as the entry-level truck in Ford’s lineup and will slot below the Ranger. It will be offered with two different engine options, including a hybrid, with front-wheel-drive configuration as standard and an all-wheel-drive system as optional. The best part, however, is its price. The 2022 Ford Maverick is launched with a starting price of $19,995. Not bad, huh?