Best Compact SUVs of March 2009

The Outlander is the only Japanese compact SUV on the block now, allowing the American Dodge Caliber to join the fray (even though it's not a true SUV but then again, there aren't many *real* ones left nowadays...)

#1 Hyundai Tucson

Base Model Estimated Price: $22,990

Pros:

• Cheap


• Alarm standard


• Alloy wheels standard/li>
  
• Full-size spare

Cons:

• None

#2 Dodge Caliber SX Petrol

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,680

Pros:

• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• No full size spare tyre

#3 Mitsubishi Outlander

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Alloy wheel standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• Space Saver spare

Best Medium Cars of March 2009

The Magentis is once again ridiculously priced and now the Holden Epica enters the fray with the Camry out of the competition for now.

#1 Kia Magentis

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,190

Pros:

• Ridiculously low price


• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Kia's poor resale value

#2 Holden Epica CDX Diesel

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,770

Pros:

• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard


• Includes alloys


• Economical diesel engine

Cons:

• Epica may too have poor resale values

#3 Mazda 6

Base Model Estimated Price: $30,830

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• ESP standard


• Full size spare


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Alloy wheels extra

Best Compact Cars of March 2009

The Ritmo is now on sale again and has returned to replace the Volkswagen Golf as a new model has now been released.

#1 Hyundai i30

Base Model Estimated Price: $22,972

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Alarm standard


• Great warranty

Cons:

• Metallic Paint extra


• No alloys standard

#2 Subaru Impreza

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,680

Pros:

• Subaru resale value


• Metallic paint standard


• All-wheel drive


• Great warranty


• Made in Japan

Cons:

• Space Saver spare


• Poor fuel economy


• No alloy wheels standard


• No alarm standard

#3 Fiat Ritmo

Base Model Estimated Price: $25,990

Pros:

• Alloy wheels standard


• Economical diesel engine

Cons:

• No full-size spare


• Metallic Paint extra


• No alarm standard

Best Light Cars of March 2009

With the introduction of the new Ford Fiesta, the price isn't as competitive anymore and as such, the Toyota Yaris is back in the top three.

#1 Toyota Yaris

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,397

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Full-size spare

Cons:

• None

#2 Fiat Punto

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,590

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Safe

Cons:

• None

#2 Mazda 2

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,500

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Extra year warranty

Cons:

• No full-size spare