Here are the top vehicles that received the highest scores:

The WRX features race car-like handling and a relatively good ride. For 2006 the updated 2.5-liter turbocharged engine adds more power and provides quick and effortless acceleration. Subaru’s well-tuned suspension offers a compliant ride, but it can easily slide its tail at its limits. The standard all-wheel drive provides secure all-season traction.

The Miata won drivers over with its balanced handling, quick and precise steering, and crispshifting six-speed manual transmission, all available at a reasonable price. The manual top can be lowered and raised with one hand from the driver’s seat, making open motoring a snap. An optional power folding hard top was introduced for 2007.

Audi’s S4 is a high-performance version of the A4. Power comes from a smooth 340-hp, 4.2-liter V8 engine that drives all four wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed automatic is optional. We found the ride stiff but not punishing, unlike the ride in other sports cars. Handling is very capable and secure. The interior is well-finished and nicely appointed. The power-operated leather Recaro racing-style seats are supportive and comfortable. Crash-test results for the sedan are excellent.

The updated G35 successfully blends sportiness and luxury. Available in rear- or all-wheel drive, it has an exuberant powertrain, agile handling, and a reasonably comfortable ride. The interior is nicely finished with much improved ergonomics.

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Indeed, the Hakaze is Mazda’s third nearly identical concept in four months, with yet another variation to be revealed at the next big show (insert groan here). This doesn’t even count last season’s Sassou, Senku, and Kabura concepts. Is it us, or is Mazda’s little peep show becoming somewhat long and tiresome? Enough with the vaudeville. It’s time to show us a real car, guys.

That said, the European-designed Mazda Hakaze is as cool as they come. Translated literally from Japanese, hakaze means “leaf-wind.” In Mazda-speak, it means “crossover concept with a roadster feel,” which Mazda expands on by invoking the sport of kite surfing as a character witness. Even more significant, perhaps, is that the sunny Hakaze is a crossover designed by and for Europeans, a sign acknowledging that segment blending is not exclusive to America.

The Hakaze’s exterior is characterized by flowing lines that mimic those found in nature, in this case those of sand dunes. Its big metallic shield-shaped bumper seems guaranteed to be a Mazda-ism, as do high-mounted mirrors leading into chrome roof elements. The huge tires and wheels complement its dune-buggy proportions, and the rearmost half of the all-glass roof is removable.

The nature-inspired lines aren’t limited to the exterior. “The basic form of the interior is like looking at sand dunes. It’s got all this movement, winds blowing,” according to Peter Birtwhistle, chief designer, Mazda Motor Europe. The super-cool instrument cluster is much like those found in the previous concepts, which is to say it sort of sprouts from the base of the windshield in what can best be described as a gauge bouquet.

The four-seat interior features an embossed leather floor, “great for bare feet right off the beach,” and is bisected by a center console that runs from the windshield all the way to the cargo area. Seats are covered in a techie wet-suit-like material. There’s even a separate compartment in the cargo floor specially designed to accommodate a kite surfboard. As for the engine, the Hakaze was conceived to handle the 2.3-liter direct-injection turbocharged four coupled to Mazda’s active-torque-split all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

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Like the Element, Scion xB and Toyota Matrix, the Micro Sport is a tall hatchback-type vehicle. Measuring in at an overall length of 156.7 inches, it is almost 20 inches shorter than the 2004 Mazda 3 five-door hatchback, but it’s nearly as wide and stands 3.3 inches taller. This, along with the upright angle of the A-pillars and side windows, opens up enough room to seat four adults comfortably, according to Mazda.

Although the Micro Sport is attractive enough on the outside, interior styling was of particular importance to Mazda. Dark tinted windows and brown-and-black leather upholstery create a shady, secluded environment. Red piping on the seats and dash gives the ensemble a classy touch, and of course, there’s plenty of metallic trim to go around.

A multifunction display in the center of the dash allows both driver and passenger to attend to the vehicle’s various processes. Rather than a key, the driver inserts a credit card into a slot at the bottom of the center stack, which not only allows her to start up the car but also contains her stored preferences for the navigation system, stereo and so on. In back, an adjustable parcel shelf provides flexibility for stowing cargo.

Power comes from the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine used in the Mazda Protégè. In the Micro Sport, it’s rated for 148 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque and paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The suspension components are rather mundane, struts in front and a torsion beam setup in back, but Mazda claims that the Micro Sport upholds the company’s reputation for lively driving dynamics. Maybe it has something to do with the 17-inch wheels fitted at each corner.

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Like its Ford counterpart, the entire Tribute lineup undergoes a significant interior and exterior freshening for 2008. Underneath the HEV’s skin, not surprisingly, is the same 133-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 70kW electric motor that pushes combined horsepower to a 155, with acceleration capable of almost matching that of the Tribute’s optional 200-hp V-6 while delivering 75 percent better fuel economy and cleaner emissions.

In the meantime, Mazda continues research on its hydrogen-powered RX-8 and hydrogen hybrid Mazda5 back in Japan, indicating that Mazda might not be as late to the hydrogen party as it was to the hybrid one.

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The three-way partnership bewtween Mazda, Ford and Changan has been developing fast over the past two years. The three parties are jointly building a brand new vehicle assembly plant in Nanjing, the second manufacturing base of CFMA, which is able to produce both Mazda and Ford brand cars. The operation of the Nanjing assembly plant is expected in 2007, with an initial annual capacity of 160,000 units.

The three parties are also expanding the capacity of the Chongqing plant, which now claims an annual capacity of 150,000 units, and will be further expanded to 200,000 units by May this year. Part of the expanded capacity in Chongqing is being used for the production of Mazda3. The joint venture is also constructing Changan Ford Mazda Engine which will be operational in 2007.

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All new for 2006, the Mazdaspeed 6 is the fastest accelerating, best handling and most advanced sport sedan Mazda has ever built. The heart of the Mazdaspeed 6 is the MZR 2.3 Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) Turbo engine. Taking advantage of the inherent cooling and efficiency of direct gasoline injection, Mazda applied a fast-spooling single-scroll turbo to supply up to 15 psi of boost, resulting in 280 lb-ft of torque at only 3,000 rpm.

To accommodate the more powerful engine, a new Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system was developed, capable of delivering up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. Not only will the Mazdaspeed 6 corner faster and flatter, but it has a slightly lower, more athletic stance. Stopping power is also enhanced with 12.6-inch ventilated discs up front and 12.4-inch solid discs in back. Combining this technology with standard Dynamic Stability Control and ABS makes the Mazdaspeed 6 highly capable in numerous driving applications.

From the outside, the Mazdaspeed 6 is easily distinguished from Mazda 6 Sedans due to extensive use of unique body panels, including front fenders, front and rear fascias, hood, grille, rear spoiler and side sills. Once inside the cockpit drivers will find exclusive sport bucket front seats, a standard BOSE audio system, scuff plates with stainless-steel inserts and aluminum pedals. Even starting the vehicle will be a new experience with an available Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System that allows vehicle entry and ignition without handling of the key fob.

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There’s nothing austere, basic or cheap about it. For 2007, Mazda has upgraded the appearance of its s-model sedan and s-model five-door hatchback with a body-color grille, a redesigned front bumper with square foglights, and a new look for both the 16- and 17-inch, cast-aluminum wheels.

Detail changes also improve interior appearance, and leather is now optional for all s-models, both sedan and five-door hatchback. An auxiliary audio input with 12-volt power outlet is now standard for all models, making them iPod-friendly.

Upgrades for 2007 also include some changes to improve the driving personality of the Mazda3. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been retuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer, while the dampers of the multi-link rear suspension also have been retuned to match.

Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist are standard equipment for all s-models and optional for the i-model sedan. Traction control and stability control are now available for both the s-model sedan and five-door. All models are front-wheel drive.

The Mazdaspeed3 joins the model lineup for 2007. A true high-performance car featuring a 263-hp, turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the Mazdaspeed3 joins a group of extreme sports sedans that includes the Honda Civic Type S, Mitsubishi Evo MK IX, and Subaru Impreza WRX.

It was built in Japan, yet beneath the skin you’ll find evidence of engineering from around the world. Volvo developed the body. Ford contributed the suspension design and sophisticated electronics. And Mazda engineered the four-cylinder engines and then tuned the complete car at its test track in Japan.

The sedan and hatchback versions look quite different. The sedan has the traditional appearance of a four-door, five-passenger car. The five-door hatchback is like the high-fashion station wagons from European manufacturers, offering the practicality of the five-door configuration with an emphasis on a premium driving experience, which means plenty of luxury features plus plenty of driving enjoyment.

The Mazda3 sedan comes with three levels of available equipment: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The entry-level i-model is available with a fuel-efficient, 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the sporty s-model is equipped with a sophisticated 156-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The Mazda3 five-door hatchback comes standard with the 156-hp 2.3-liter engine. The five-door also comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim.

The Mazda3i Sport sedan ($14,390) comes with the 2.0-liter engine with five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. It comes with 195/65HR-15 all-season tires. It does not come with power windows or power door locks, yet it includes audio controls mounted on the steering wheel for the standard AM/FM/CD audio system.[NewCar]

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But the Tribute, a thinly-disguised version of the Ford Escape, never really did much for the Asian marque, never really fit into the sporty niche Mazda has been carving out for itself any more than the boxy MPV minivan. The CX-7 along with the CX-9, the big brother due out early next year – make up another breed entirely.

As chief designer Moray Callum is quick to admit, there are limits to what you can do with the shape of a sport-utility vehicle or crossover – at least if you intend to provide any usable headroom for the folks in the back seats. Nonetheless, you know, at first glance, there’s something different about the CX-7.

Sure, at 69 inches, the crossover stands a lot taller than a Miata or RX-8, but the flowing shape captures the sporty theme that now runs through the expanding Mazda lineup. There are the bold, honeycomb grille, the steeply raked windshield, and muscular wheel arches.

The tail tapers gently, just enough to gel the visual theme, but without cramping cargo and passenger space or crimping rear visibility. Use the easy-to-reach latches and you get a full 70 inches of flat floor space with the rear seats down.

One of Kawasaki ’s key goals was to make the CX-7 look a lot more lavish than the $23,750 base price might suggest. Outside and in, Mazda worked up some elegant touches, including the refined piano black accent pieces (which first appeared on the much more expensive RX-8). That said, the automaker did cut a few corners, here and there, with some chintzier plastic pieces, but they tend to show up in out-of-the-way corners.

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Taking the standard 192ps version of Mazda RX-8 with leather and a five-speed transmission as its foundation, the Nemesis has several unique exterior and interior features. A choice of two exclusive colours (Copper Red Mica and Stormy Blue Mica) is offered, and each Nemesis comes with a polished aluminium Rotary crest on the front air dam, polished aluminium side air-outlet trims behind the front wheel arches, special B-pillar trims with a Rotary crest and ‘Nemesis’ badging.

Inside, these special edition models feature unique stone leather seat trim, plus Nemesis branded luxury carpet mats and Mazda RX-8 branded aluminium door scuff plates.

Like other standard 192ps RX-8s, the Nemesis has front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically-operated driver’s seat, climate control air-conditioning, nine-speaker BOSE premium audio system with 6-CD auto-changer, plus a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. Every Mazda RX-8 is fitted with six airbags.

The comprehensive active safety package on RX-8 ensures that the Nemesis is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS) and a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).

The revolutionary design of the Mazda RX-8 – with its rare blend of high performance, rotary engine power, sports car dynamics with rear-wheel drive and generous interior space (thanks to the 2700 mm wheelbase and skilful packaging) – make it a truly practical four‑seater, four-door sports coupé. The Nemesis has a top speed of 139 mph and accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.

This special edition is an extremely attractive model as it offers unique styling at the highly affordable price of £22,995 on-the-road – £330 less than the same price of a standard Mazda RX-8 192ps model with leather trim. Customer benefits encompass the interior upgrade, free Mica paint (worth £325), plus £620 worth of accessories – at no extra cost. Each Nemesis buyer will also qualify for a complimentary Prodrive experience day to learn how to get maximum enjoyment from their new car, while driving safely and responsibly.

As well as delivering great performance and top value, the Mazda RX-8 Nemesis also brings customers a touch of exclusivity. Just 350 examples (200 in Copper Red and 150 in Stormy Blue) of this special edition will be available in the UK.

The Mazda RX-8 Nemesis is powered by a twin 1.3-litre 192ps rotary engine providing Zoom‑Zoom performance to complement the stylish look of this special edition. RX-8 Nemesis is set to build on the tremendous success of the Mazda RX-8, voted ‘Best Coupé 2006′ by the influential What Car? magazine for the third consecutive year. Since launch, more than 20,000 RX-8s have been delivered to customers in the UK.

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So without further delay, here’s what they came up with. They’re listed them from lowest to highest base price:

• Nissan Versa – $12, 450
• Scion xA – $12, 780
• Dodge Caliber – $13,425
• Ford Focus – $13,450
• Mazda 3 -$13, 710
• Honda Fit – $13,850
• Kia Sportage – $15,900

More Details are:

The fuel economy kings are the Versa (30/34 mpg), Scion (31/38 mpg) and Fit (33/38), and in terms of value, all seven cars bring some good things to the table.

While the Honda Fit is a very attractive candidate, Honda has acknowledged that it’s having trouble keeping up with the demand, so it may not necessarily be easy to find one.

The Focus looks a little dated compared to some of the newer vehicles listed above, but as CNN points out, it’s also available as a sporty wagon (base price, $16,735), which is a really nice thing for a student who has to haul his or her life to and from school a couple of times a year.

The Scion is a nice deal, but its 1.5L engine only makes 105 horsepower. Still, the low entry price leaves the buyer with some extra dough that can be used to accessorize the car.

The Sportage is pretty cool as small SUVs go, but its entry price doesn’t include A/C. Plus, if you want 4WD, the number immediately jumps to $20K. Unless you absolutely must have the SUV body style, you’ll likely get more bang for the buck from the other cars on the list (if you stick to the $16,000 budget, that is).

The Mazda3 sports 150 ponies underhood, stylish bodywork (though we wish the car at this price point was the hatchback and not the sedan), and can also be upgraded to include PW/PDL while still sneaking in under $16,000.

The Versa boasts decent power (122-hp) from its 1.8L, looks good on the road, and gets great gas mileage. While it doesn’t come with power windows or door locks at the price shown above, buyers can upgrade to the better-equipped SL trim and still stay well below the $16,000 threshold CNNMoney set for the list.

Finally, Caliber brings bulldog-tough looks and a highly versatile interior to the party, though CNNMoney advises that you wait until you can get a manual transmission to go with the 2.4L four.

No matter how you cut it, there are a number of new, interesting, stylish, and frugal small cars out there for the budget-minded. The list is geared toward students and new grads, but you needn’t be either one to appreciate the value the list highlights.

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