Taking on this segment to a new level is the Corolla Altis that’s now loaded with more power and more features that truly makes it one of the best compacts on the market. While the exterior retains the basic shape of its 1.6G and 1.8V Corolla brethren, Toyota added a few distinct features, like a new mesh upper front grille, and a thumb pad on the door handle that allows the driver to unlock all four doors, plus so much more. They also didn’t forget to spruce up the interior with several nice touches like a push-button engine start/stop function similar to that on Lexus units, rear windshield sunscreen, bright interior lighting, easy to read optitron gauges, strong air conditioning, and wood trim accents. It’s so well kitted out; anyone who gets behind the wheel will surely feel spoiled.

But that’s not all as Toyota made sure that it can totally sweep the buyer off his/her feet as the changes don’t stop there. Obviously, the biggest upgrade to the latest Altis Corolla variant is its 2.0 liter engine, toting 139 hp and 189 NM of torque that’s enough to keep it abreast of its rivals.

 

Other notable touches include steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (similar in design and ergonomics to the ones found on the Lexus IS300’s). It’s also important to note that the handling, steering and safety features have also been improved as well. Overall, the Altis Corolla certainly makes an indelible mark in a segment that’s beginning to look and feel more and more premium than ever.

 

 

 

Aggressive Evo-like looks with impressive driving dynamics quickly sums up the Mitsubishi Lancer EX GT-A. While it’s not exactly a Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi made sure that it has all the features that would make any enthusiast very content. After all, with all the exciting features that the Lancer EX GT-A has to offer, it might just redefine the compact car segment. Under the bonnet lives and breathes Mitsubishi’s all new 4B11 naturally aspirated MIVEC engine that’s mated to a stoutly engineered chassis. While the increased chassis strength added a little weight, it does give it a substantial, almost Teutonic sense of tarmac confidence.

 

From the way it looks right down to its appointments, it’s very clear that the Lancer makes no pretensions that it wants to swoon an enthusiastically sports oriented market. As such, handling is excellent. Cornering within tight confines was easy and composed, thanks to the large rims, grippy Yokohama Advan rubber and Ralliart genetics. But it doesn’t mean that this car loses all rational thought as it is equipped with an impressive interior, loads of tech features that focuses on driving safety and peace of mind such as standard ABS, 7 airbags, and adaptive HID headlights which makes it a very well appointed compact that’s quite hard not to miss as it hits the target right on.

 

 

Making its mark strongly felt in the compact car segment is the Ford Focus TDCi Powershift by offering the first twin-clutch style gearbox for the masses. The integration of this feature strongly proves that Ford has elevated the Focus one notch higher than its rivals. If it sounds good on paper, it surely does its part well as this translates to quicker acceleration and even better fuel economy. It’s very good, actually. Like all twin-clutch ‘boxes, there are two clutches, one for the ‘odd’ gears, one for the ‘even’ ratios. The transmission pre-selects the next gear it expects you to use, whether you’re accelerating or braking, so shifts are quicker and smoother, with no loss of torque.

 

From any angle, another major factor that Ford has working for them is the strong sense of European flavor that the Focus evokes. This is evident not just on the outside, but inside as well where the seamless fit and finish of the comfortable interior appointments indicate a substantially well built vehicle. A perky turbocharged diesel engine, a well-balanced suspension coupled with smart Euro-looks, plus a revolutionary gearbox altogether enables the Ford Focus to present a different if not the best perspective on the compact car segment. One that’s very attractive indeed may I add.