2011 New Car Under $20,000

1. Ford Fiesta, $19,520

Fiesta is a “global” car, made and sold locally around the world; ours come from Mexico. It’s powered by a 1.6 L four-cylinder with six-speed automatic, which helps give it the best fuel economy numbers in the category. There’s also a driver’s knee airbag, voice activation for audio and phone functions, and Ford’s brilliant capless gas-filling system. The interior is handsomely designed, but Mazda’s flat rear-seat head restraints provide significantly better visibility.

2. Mazda2, $19,295

This is the car I thought should have won. Mazda2’s 1.5 L four-cylinder isn’t as powerful as Fiesta’s 1.6 L, but the Mazda weighs much less and is tuned for sportier handling. It’s slower off the line but actually feels peppier, and it’s far more fun to drive.

3. Volkswagen Jetta, $18,950

The larger Jetta sedan dwarfs its subcompact competitors, but its price put it in the category. Timeless styling and comfy roominess are nice, but its 2.0 L engine feels gutless and its base interior seems Spartan.

4. Scion xD, $18,100

Scion’s entry-level hatchback is cargo-friendly and filled with features, but its 1.8 L four-cylinder growls and its steering doesn’t feel smooth. It’s also the thirstiest of the five.

5. Scion xB, $19,290

The oddball styling isn’t nearly as fun and funky as the last-generation model sold in the U.S. Based on the Matrix, it’s spacious and handles better than expected for a tall wagon.

Conclusion: The Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 share the same basic architecture, but have different engines, styling and driving characteristics. Scion is Toyota’s entry-level, youth-oriented brand, while Volkswagen’s Jetta is a redesign of its popular compact sedan.