Safe, fuel efficient, small-enough cars are best for urban driving and for young people (in fact, all people) on a budget. Moreover, most good compact cars now come with great safety features and refinements that were earlier found only in expensive, bigger cars - for eexample, connected entertainment systems, and advanced safety features.

Compact cars with hatchbacks cost arounmd $500 extra, helping somewhwat with more boot space.

Basically, hatchbacks (pull up the back door) are more versatile than sedans (basic “car shape,” engine in front, trunk in back).

The best compact car: Honda Civic EX (safe, fuel efficient, forward-collision warning system with automatic braking and a lane-departure warning system with automatic assist)

The second best compact car:  Mazda3 i Sport 

The best sporty compact car:  Volkswagen Golf 1.8T S

The best great price compact car:  Toyota Corolla LE Eco

The best full-featured compact car:  Honda Civic Touring

The best compact car with all-wheel drive:  Subaru Impreza 2.0i