2009 compact

hatchback & Sedan

​     With ever increasing gas prices and higher demand for more fuel-efficient cars, it’s no wonder that the small car segments would be growing.  This year the demand for small fuel-efficient cars has reached a point where demand is greater than supply.  

​        Most carmakers that already have a good foothold in this market are reaping the rewards, and others are rushing new products to the market, so they too can tap into raging river.  Even with the collapse of most of the world’s economies, the small car market is showing signs of growth.  Considering that this is now the most important segment within the industry, you would expect to see great designs.  This is never true, even with the best segments and this year is no evidence that poor designs still come through, even in the worst of times.  
            The winner of this years AutoLooks A+ award goes to a car that shows even with a little sister you can still be cool.  And the winner is, the 2009 Saturn Astra. Although this model has been around for a while in other parts of the world. The Astra still proves to be the best looking of the small cars. It proves that even with hubcaps, you can still 

​have a great looking car.  And compared to the competition, the Astra really makes you stop and appreciate it.
            For this year Rusty, AutoLooks decided that no matter how cool it looks, with aftermarket modifications, it still has to look good off the lot.  And for that reason, the Scion xD takes the award for 2009.  The xD really show that someone thinks just because Toyota is behind the name, you can push it on quality.  No, you have to have quality and good looks, because if you don’t, all you have is a cube on wheels, to go from point A to point B, without any fun in between.  And considering that the xD is positioned at people under the age of 30, you would think they would make it look good, and cost less.

Everett J.

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Compact Contenders
 
A+         2009 Saturn     Astra
2nd       2009 Renault   Megane
3rd        2009 Seat         Leon
4th        2009 Toyota    Corolla
5th        2009 Kia          C’eed
6th        2009 Fiat         Bravo
7th        2009 Hyundai i30
8th        2009 Suzuki    SX4 Sport
9th        2009 Subaru   Impreza
10th      2009 Proton    Saga
11th       2009 Peugeot 308
12th       2009 Honda    Civic 5-Door
13th       2009 Ford       Focus (NA)
Rusty   2009 Scion      xD