Auto123.com will be crowning winners of the 2018 Auto123.com Awards for best vehicles of the year on November 22 in Toronto. We’ve already unveiled the finalists in each of the 17 categories; today we look in more detail at the Sub-Compact Car of the Year finalists.
Hyundai Elantra GT
The all-new second-generation Hyundai Elantra GT stands clearly apart from other compact hatchbacks on the market. The refinement level of the car’s design is high, and it offers more technological and comfort features than others in the segment. The addition of a Sport version compensates for the drop in power available from the new base version (12 horses less than before); it also comes with an available 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. On top of the already-generous roster of features it’s decked out with, the new Elantra GT is the automaker’s first model in Canada to include the new BlueLink telematic system. More details on the Elantra GT.
Mazda3
Improvements abound! The Mazda3 has come a long way since it first launched in 2003. For the 2018 model, the automaker focused on optimizing weight distribution, refining the interior, and pursuing the evolution of the ultra-efficient 2.0L and 2.5L SKYACTIV engines to give drivers superior torque while considerably reducing noise and vibrations. More details on the Mazda3.
Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s Impreza has for years been the most affordable all-wheel drive car available in Canada, where such a feature is a real plus. The 2018 model-year brings no major changes, but remember that the model was entirely redesigned just last year. No changes to the car also means no change to the price! The popular 2.0L 4-cylinder BOXER engine still does its thing very well and the available manual gearbox still features 5 speeds. The addition of a manual mode to the Lineartronic automatic transmission does add some driving spice to the equation. More details on the Impreza.
