These award-winning small sporty cars are sure to please enthusiasts with their nimble handling, high-revving engines, and fun driving characteristics. These 2- and 4-passenger vehicles don’t leave luxury on the table either—many are as richly finished as a premium car.
This 2009 Small Sporty Cars Buyer’s Guide is a compiled list of the top-performing small sporty cars from J.D. Power and Associates three key automotive studies. The studies include the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, we have also noted any models in the guide that have earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or have been chosen as “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
2009 Audi TT
Arriving on the scene in 2000, the compact Audi TT 2+2 Coupe was radical in design, and innovative in technology. Developed as a concept car in the mid-1990s, the TT changed little before its production debut. Now in its second generation (new for 2006), the Audi TT is available in coupe and convertible body styles (the convertible seats two, while the coupe offers very small seats in the back). Buyers are offered a choice between front-wheel drive and Audi’s permanent quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The choice of powerplants includes a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, or a 6-cylinder engine. The TT is available with a 6-speed manual or Audi’s “S-tronic” automatic transmission. The EPA has rated the Audi TT Coupe at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway in its fuel economy testing (with the automatic transmission). In our 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, designed to measure consumer delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles, the Audi TT ranked among the top three models in its segment. Audi is raising the performance level of its TT for 2009 with the addition of the high-performance Audi TT-S. It offers a tweaked 272-hp turbocharged engine under the hood, and other sporty enhancements. Standard quattro AWD and a specially-tuned suspension will keep enthusiasts very pleased.
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2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Luxurious and sporty, the CLK-Class replaced the outgoing E-Class coupe in the late-1990s. On sale in the United States starting in 1998, the CLK retained most of the styling and luxury amenities from the E-Class coupe, making the car even more popular among consumers. Now in its second generation (last redesigned for 2004), the rear-wheel-drive CLK-Class is available in coupe or convertible body styles, and with a choice of 6- or 8-cylinder engines. The CLK350 with an automatic transmission is the most efficient CLK model—the EPA has assigned it fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, and 25 mpg highway. In our 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, designed to measure consumer delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class earned a top three ranking in its segment. It also performed admirably in our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. In that study, the CLK ranked highest in its segment. For 2009, the CLK receives standard heated seats and a 6-disc CD player. A limited-edition model has also been introduced for the new model year.
Get more information on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
2009 Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is unique among sports cars in that its engine is mounted behind the rear wheels. In the 1960s, when the 911 arrived on the scene, this arrangement made the car both challenging and rewarding to drive. Over the years, enthusiasts have embraced this unique driving character while Porsche has tamed it with continuous suspension upgrades and sophisticated electronics. It is now considered one of the best sports cars in the world. The current generation (Type 997) was introduced in 2005. For 2009, consumers are offered a choice between two 6-cylinder engines, and rear- or all-wheel drive. Porsche also offers a turbocharged model, and two ultra-high-performance derivatives called the GT2 and GT3. With an automatic transmission, the 911 Carrera (rear-wheel drive) earns EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. In our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles, the Porsche 911 ranked among the top three models in its segment. In addition to offering sporty appeal, the 911 also offers top-notch quality, as evidenced by its industry-leading performance in our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). For 2009, the engines receive direct injection for more power and efficiency, and a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
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2009 Porsche Cayman
Launched in 2006, the Porsche Cayman is based on the Porsche Boxster platform, but is equipped with a fixed steel roof offering nearly double the chassis rigidity, the automaker says. The 2-seat Cayman mirrors the mid-engine mechanicals and excellent handling found in its Boxster sibling. There are two versions: Cayman and Cayman S. Each model features a different size 6-cylinder engine (2.7-liter and 3.4-liter) powering the rear wheels, and the S model receives unique performance enhancements. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with Porsche’s Tiptronic automatic optional. The standard Cayman with the Tiptronic automatic earned 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in EPA testing. In our 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, designed to measure consumer delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles, the Cayman coupe ranked highest in its segment. Its initial reliability also earned it an award in our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership, in which the Porsche ranked among the top three models in its segment. New for 2009 is a limited-edition Cayman S Sport model with special interior and exterior enhancements.
Get more information on the 2009 Porsche Cayman
2009 Subaru Impreza
All-new for 2008, the Subaru Impreza is now in its third generation. Available in 4- or 5-door versions, the standard models all share the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with an automatic transmission). The Impreza WRX is a race-bred version, with a turbocharged engine and much higher performance limits. The top-of-the line model is the 305-hp Impreza WRX STI. Regardless of which Impreza consumers choose, all offer permanent all-wheel drive and award-winning safety as exhibited by their “Top Safety Pick” designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the perennial industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership, the Subaru Impreza ranked among the top three models in its segment. Even though it was all-new for 2008, the Impreza WRX receives a significant boost in horsepower and suspension revisions for 2009. In addition, the optional Aero package is now standard equipment.
Get more information on the 2009 Subaru Impreza
2009 Subaru Outback Sport
The Subaru Outback Sport was introduced in 1995 as a crossover, off-road, all-weather 4-door hatchback based on the Subaru Impreza. Now in its third generation (new for 2008), the Outback Sport features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel drive. Subaru offers a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission (EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the automatic transmission). In keeping with its rugged persona, all Outback Sports are equipped with standard roof-rack base carriers, and off-road protection under the front and rear bumpers. In our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), measuring problems experienced during the previous 12 months by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles, the Subaru Outback Sport ranked among the top three models in its segment. In another accolade, government crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Subaru Outback/Legacy with “5-star” crash test scores. There haven’t been any announced changes for the Subaru Outback Sport for 2009.
Get more information on the 2009 Subaru Outback Sport
2009 Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI has been on American roads since 1983. As one of the first sporty hatchbacks designed to serve as more than just an economy car, many consider the original GTI to be the first official “hot hatch” that initiated a trend which continues today. Today’s Volkswagen GTI/R32 is the fifth generation of the platform. Taking many of its styling cues from Audi (they are both subsidiaries of Volkswagen Group), the hatchback also receives many upscale interior appointments from the same relationship. Available with 2 or 4 doors, the standard GTI is front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (EPA fuel economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission). The range-leading R32 receives a 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. Consumers are fond of the GTI/R32, as evident in our 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The study, designed to measure consumer delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles, found the GTI/R32 ranked highest in its segment. With a new, sixth-generation GTI just around the corner, there are no major changes to the GTI for 2009 while the limited-edition R32 may be discontinued.
