New 2006 Entry-Level Cars Trending Performance and Fuel Economy

2006 Pontiac Pursuit Coupe - An Exclusive Coupe for Canadians

Pontiac

Canadian Pontiac fans can once again purchase a compact coupe, now thatthe Pursuit Coupe has been announced. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

fans can once again purchase a compact coupe, now that GM Canada has reworked the Chevy Cobalt two-door with a revised grille, classy new taillights, modified interior accents and unique trim packages. It looks good, and distinctive enough to separate it from its bowtie roots, and at only $16,140 with a 145-hp, 2.2L, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder in base trim it's a value-packed model. A 171-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder powers the upgraded GT model with sportier performance, but no 205-hp supercharged Pontiac version of the Cobalt SS is available. No doubt, the Pursuit Coupe will be as popular as the outgoing Sunfire Coupe.

2006 Subaru Impreza, Outback Sport, WRX, WRX STi - From Basic to Blistering!

Subaru

Along with the insanely quick EVO STi, Subaru also offers a new Impreza lineup . (Photo: Subaru Canada)

updated its entire Impreza line. Most noticeable is the new corporate grille, giving the car a more distinctive appearance among a rather bland compact rivalry, plus big improvements in the quality of materials, plus fit and finish inside the cabin. All models get more power, with the base sedan and wagon enhanced to 173-hp and 166 lb-ft of torque, while the updated WRX, now featuring a turbocharged 2.5L four instead of a 2.0L engine, producing 230-hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, and the top-line WRX STI pushing out a mind-numbing 300-hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The new car offers better balance too.

As you can see, a number of manufacturers have turned up the heat in the subcompact and compact market segments,

There are, of course, many more carmakers that offer high qualitycompetitors to those listed here, like DaimlerChrysler's smart brand.(Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

only giving you more options, and a more difficult decision in buying a new car. There are, of course, many more carmakers that offer high quality competitors to those listed here, as these cars only represent all-new or significantly updated 2006 models, so make sure and browse through the buyers' guide of this site for detailed specifications, to help you make a decision. Also, previews and road test reviews of the models mentioned above, and others within the subcompact and compact segments, are available in this publication.

Note: next week, full coverage of all the new and updated midsize sedans, wagons and minivans. (For full coverage of all the new trucks, SUVs and crossovers, see the automotive news section of this website for Sep 19, 2005: New Models Make 2006 a Banner Year for Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers)