Industry Report Part 1: Canada's Compact Class Critical for Driving New Car Sales

Other than Dodge, the automaker that might need the most work in the compact segment is Nissan. Its Sentra lacks the

The Suzuki Aerio sedan and 5-door is ungainly to most buyers, making it a hard sell next to the market leaders. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

refinement of most competitors, and doesn't excite the senses like many of its other, more recently updated models. Reportedly, the replacement was sent back to the drawing boards because focus groups didn't like what they saw. Expect something more enticing than the current car in the near future.

Suzuki struggles because it is Suzuki, and never has been a giant player in the automotive vertical. Its Aerio sedan and 5-door is ungainly to most buyers, making it a hard sell next to the market leaders.

Similarly, Subaru falls into the also ran category, although Impreza buyers are incredibly loyal making retention rates high.

Despite it being one of the best handling compacts in its class, the Mitsubishi Lancer continues to struggle against its compact rivals due to lower than average brand awareness. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Also, the Impreza is available in two body styles, a 4-door sedan and 5-door liftback.

Mitsubishi dropped its 5-door Lancer Sportback, which for some reason only came with an automatic transmission, and continues forward with a single 4-door model. Despite it being one of the best handling compacts in its class, and delivering an upscale interior environment, it most likely continues to struggle against its compact rivals due to lower than average brand awareness, making Mitsubishi's dealers especially hungry to make a deal on the fun-to-drive model. Its 10-year powertrain and 5-year bumper to bumper warranty makes it especially attractive.