August issue road tests: Wagons & hatchbacks

For our August issue test group, we tested hatchbacks and wagons. These vehicles are good alternatives to small SUVs. They offer better fuel economy, have a sedan-like ride, and flexible cargo-carrying capabilities.

The full road tests from the magazine (available to subscribers), have been posted online, along with videos of some of the models hosted by our automotive experts. These videos highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicles, bringing the road tests to life.

For this month’s group, we looked at the Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Elantra Touring, Kia Soul, Mazda3, Pontiac Vibe, and Volkswagen Jetta. Plus, we also feature the newly introduced Honda Insight hybrid, which gets 38 mpg overall.

In the September issue we’ll report on family sedans, including the Kia Optima and Ford Fusion and Fusion hybrid.

Ratings for all of the hatchbacks and wagons we have tested can be found with our dynamic New Car Selector tool.

Comments

[Steve Bier]

You're re-testing the Kia Optima? I thought CR stopped re-testing cars unless they underwent a major redesign or powertrain upgrade.

So, let's see...Optima, Fusion....what are the other cars in this test group? I'm guessing that the Taurus would be in here, as well as the new LaCrosse and the LeSabre...

[Derrick G]

Steve,

The Optima did get powertrain upgrades for 2009. I don't think the Taurus or LaCrosse are out yet. And unless I missed something, there's no LeSabre. The Legacy might have made it in time, but I'm not sure. One other candidate: the Camry got a new engine for 2010 and it's been out long enough to make it I think.

[Brady Holt]

Steve, the 2009 Optima got powertrain updates.

[coolcar]

Why aren't there video reviews on CR's video page of the Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Vibe, and Hyundai Elantra Touring, as well as last month's Chevrolet Traverse and Kia Borrego?