Compact cars debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

Fuel prices may have eased, but the economy remains sluggish. Never fear: A fresh batch of peppy economy cars is heading to showrooms in the near future. Here are four all-new offerings that debuted last week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

JAE C. HONG/APThe 2011 Chevrolet Cruze debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009.
CHEVROLET CRUZE

On sale fall 2010 The Korean-designed compact Cruze will replace the aging Cobalt for 2011. Powering the sedan is a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Chevy says the turbo engine returns 40 mpg in highway driving.

As a follow-up, Chevrolet will release the subcompact Spark in 2011. Also designed in Korea by GM-Daewoo, the four-door, four-cylinder Chevrolet Spark will be the brand’s smallest U.S. car, measuring 143 inches long, three inches shorter than the diminutive Mini Cooper.

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/GETTYThe new Ford Fiesta is displayed during the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2, 2009.
FORD FIESTA

On sale March 2010 Ford of Europe’s sporty five-door hatchback or four-door sedan comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 119 horsepower. Ford says the subcompact Fiesta returns 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway when paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual also is available.

Like the forthcoming Mazda 2 and Chevrolet Spark, the Ford Fiesta is designed to battle the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. The subcompact features electronic stability control, side and head-protecting air bags, keyless entry, push-button start and leather trim.

DAVID McNEW/GETTY IMAGESThe new Hyundai Tucson is displayed during press preview days at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 3, 2009.
HYUNDAI TUCSON

On sale December 2009 Crossover SUVs, such as the car-based Hyundai Tucson, are finding favor with buyers downsizing from larger, truck-based SUVs. Because they’re based on cars, they return better fuel economy. Consider the Tucson, just 173 inches long. It gets 31 mpg on the highway from its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Designed in Germany, the Tucson offers two features that assist in low-traction situations: "Downhill Brake Control" and "Hillstart Assist Control." Options include a panoramic sunroof, touch-screen navigation and a Bluetooth hands-free phone.

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/GETTYThe Mazda 2 is displayed during the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2, 2009.
MAZDA 2

On sale summer 2010 Known for its models with "zoom zoom," Mazda is adding a dose of fuel efficiency in the form of the Mazda 2, which has been sold in Japan, Australia and Europe since 2007. The company says it will be the most fuel-efficient Mazda when it goes on sale, but didn’t disclose fuel economy or performance ratings.

Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda 2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta. It was named 2008 World Car of the Year at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

Chevrolet Cruze Price UK

Keeping an eye on money has never been more topical, and the good news for Chevrolet customers is that the all-new Cruze will be true to the brand’s traditional value-for-money ethics despite its premium styling and build quality.

The newcomer, which has the stance of a four-door coupe, will start from just £11,545 on-the-road, and will arrive at UK Chevrolet retailers in July.

It will be offered with a choice of four engines – 1.6 (113PS) and 1.8-litre (141PS) petrols featuring variable valve timing for maximum performance and efficiency, plus two diesels, both 2.0-litres and with a choice of 125PS or 150PS power outputs. Automatic transmission will be offered on the petrol models.

The range will kick off with the 1.6 S, which enjoys a comprehensive list of standard equipment despite its value price tag. As well as remote central locking, the model features follow-me-home lighting, a feature normally reserved for premium cars, a quality CD-radio system, electric front windows, a fully-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, six airbags, ESC, upmarket soft-touch cabin materials, and premium blue-backlit dashboard dials. The 1.6S A/C model, at £11,995, also adds air conditioning.

The LS model, expected to be the best-seller in the range, starts at only £12,595 for the 1.6 manual variant and includes air conditioning as standard, plus other upmarket features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome edged radiator grille, front fog lights and reverse parking sensors.

Flagship of the range will be the LT, which comes in 1.8 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel guise, starting at £13,595. For that, you get a list of specification that’s truly befitting of a luxury car, including cruise control, climate control, an automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, an upgraded high-output stereo, electric rear windows, chrome detailing and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus the option of an integrated satellite navigation system.

The Cruze will also spearhead Chevrolet’s campaign in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship, which kicked off on March 8 in Curitiba, Brazil. The UK round of the WTCC takes place at Brands Hatch on July 19 – just in time to coincide with the car’s UK introduction.

full list of prices follows below:

Model On-the-road price
1.6 S £11,545
1.6 S A/C £11,995
2.0 VCDi S A/C 125PS £13,495
1.6 LS £12,595
1.6 LS auto £13,695
2.0 VCDi LS 125PS £14,095
1.8 LT £13,595
1.8 LT auto £14,695
2.0 VCDi LT 150PS £15,195