Category Archives: compact cars

2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo – Drive Review

Posted on September 10, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

The 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo 5-passenger subcompact is available as a sedan or hatchback. The new 2.5-L turbo is rated at 250-hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive is standard. It’s quick, … Continue reading →

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2021 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid – First Drive

Posted on November 24, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

The all-new seventh-generation Elantra compact sedan is based on a new vehicle platform with longer wheelbase, wider stance, and a lower roofline. The four-door coupe-like look follows what Hyundai calls “Parametric Dynamics” design theme. I drove the 2021 Elantra and … Continue reading →

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2020 Mini Cooper SE – drive review

Posted on November 6, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE 3-door hatch is the automaker’s first all-electric model. With a price tag starting at $29,900 the SE has an EPA-rated driving range of 110 miles per charge. The MINI Cooper SE drives like an electric … Continue reading →

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2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – Drive Review

Posted on September 11, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

Often called the GTI with a trunk, the GLI as the GTI of sport sedans came into being to provide driving excitement in a traditional sedan body style. The Golf GTI has been called “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” That … Continue reading →

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2020 Volkswagen Golf – Drive Review

Posted on June 19, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

For 2020, the Golf, now in its seventh-generation, comes only one way as a 4-door Golf TSI.  A 1.4-L turbo is under the hood and you can still get a stick shift or, of course, an automatic. Get one now … Continue reading →

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2020 Jaguar XE – Drive Review

Posted on March 30, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

The British entry in the multinational compact luxury sedan class is the Jaguar XE. For 2020 the XE has gotten a bit of a refresh both out and in. Two different turbo 4-cylinders give you choice in the power or … Continue reading →

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2020 Toyota Corolla – Road Trip

Posted on February 3, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla made its arrival in two chapters: the all-new Corolla Hatchback arrived in 2018, while the sedan has been redesigned from the ground up for 2020, with an available hybrid for the first time in the U.S. … Continue reading →

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2020 Nissan Versa – Drive Review

Posted on January 14, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

Versatile and with good value. The 2020 Versa is all new. It’s a bit larger and a bit roomier and has a bit more performance. Technology is a top priority in the all-new Nissan Versa, featuring available Nissan Safety Shield … Continue reading →

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2019 Nissan Leaf Plus – Drive Review

Posted on September 20, 2019 by urbandriverchicago

With 215 miles of driving range, and maybe even more with some additional effort, the 2019 Nissan Leaf Plus is a near perfect car for getting around any big city. There’s plenty of room and plenty of performance. With EV … Continue reading →

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2019 Mazda3 Hatchback – First Drive

Posted on July 8, 2019 by urbandriverchicago

For 2019 the Mazda3 is an all-new design and offered in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles. Sedan prices start at $21,000 and is offered in base, Select, Preferred and Premium trims. The hatchback starts at $23,600 and comes … Continue reading →

Posted in all-wheel drive, automobiles, compact cars, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, new car review, sport compacts, sporty cars, Uncategorized | Leave a comment