4 compact car models that still offer an enjoyable driving experience.

Follow Vietnam.vn on Looking at the bigger picture, speed enthusiasts have reason to feel nostalgic. Once-famous names like the Ford Focus RS, Honda CR-Z, Mercedes-AMG A45, Mazdaspeed3, and Audi TT are now just memories. Even Porsche, a manufacturer known for its emphasis on driving feel, has confirmed that the next-generation Cayman and Boxster will switch to a purely electric powertrain. In this context, models that maintain the formula of a compact body, low weight, suitable drivetrain, and manual transmission become even more valuable. Below are four of the most exemplary models currently available that remain steadfast in their philosophy of "direct connection between man and machine." Mazda MX-5 If you had to choose a car that represents the spirit of pure driving, the Mazda MX-5 would undoubtedly be the first name that comes to mind. The current generation MX-5 remains faithful to the formula that has made the Japanese roadster so successful: a compact body, low weight, front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, and a 6-speed manual transmission. In the US market, the 2026 MX-5 starts at $30,430 (793 million VND). It uses a Skyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. The highlight isn't the engine power, but rather how the car conveys a sense of control to the driver. Its short wheelbase, lightweight body, and rear-wheel drive system allow the MX-5 to react quickly to every steering input. Mazda understands that with a car weighing just over 1 ton, you don't need hundreds of horsepower to feel the thrill. Retaining the 6-speed manual transmission allows drivers to push the engine's limits and enjoy the joy of driving on regular city streets. In Vietnam, the Mazda MX-5 is also officially distributed in both soft-top and hard-top versions, priced from 1.339 to 1.439 billion VND, primarily targeting collectors. Volkswagen Golf GTI The Volkswagen Golf GTI laid the foundation for the concept of a "high-performance hatchback." The appeal of the Golf GTI lies in its ability to reconcile two seemingly contradictory elements: sporty performance while remaining practical enough for everyday use. Priced at $34,590 (901 million VND), the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 241 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, and features an optional DCC adaptive chassis control system. Unlike the cramped MX-5, the Golf GTI offers a spacious interior for four people and a generous cargo area. MotorTrend magazine once highly praised the DCC adaptive chassis control system of this model. When cornering sharply, the car shifts its center of gravity extremely smoothly, eliminating the extremities often seen in sports cars to provide the most controllable feel. In Vietnam, enthusiasts can access the Volkswagen Golf GTI in two versions, Lite and Performance, priced at VND 1.288 billion and VND 1.468 billion respectively. Toyota GR86/ Subaru BRZ Despite bearing different logos, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially a project sharing a superb mechanical platform. Both utilize a 2.4L naturally aspirated flat-four Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower, paired with rear-wheel drive and an optional 6-speed manual transmission. The Boxer engine's absolute advantage is its extremely low center of gravity. When behind the wheel, both feel compact, agile, responsive, and engaging to the driver, just like every other car on this list. Car and Driver magazine included both in its list of "10 best cars of 2026," highlighting that these two models are among the last vehicles weighing under 1.3 tons still being sold. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are sold in the US with starting prices of $31,400 (818 million VND) and $36,140 (942 million VND) respectively. In Vietnam, the Toyota GR86 was previously sold under the name Toyota 86 but is no longer distributed. Meanwhile, the Subaru BRZ is still officially distributed as a second-generation model with a manual transmission (MT) version priced at 1.569 billion VND and an automatic transmission (AT) version priced at 1.659 billion VND. Honda Civic Type R While the Mazda MX-5 represents gentleness, the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ lean towards balance, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI emphasizes versatility, the Honda Civic Type R takes a more aggressive approach. With a starting price of $47,395 (1.23 billion VND), the 2026 Honda Civic Type R boasts a 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine producing 315 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Many were skeptical about a high-performance car with only front-wheel drive (FWD). However, Honda has used engineering to prove them wrong. Equipped with a dual-axis front suspension system that eliminates torque steer during sudden acceleration, and a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), the Civic Type R's grip is comparable to that of all-wheel-drive vehicles. Honda also doesn't follow the formula of simply increasing power. The manual transmission, brake response, suspension, and body control are all developed to provide a direct, interactive feel with the driver. Of course, the Civic Type R is stiffer and more performance-oriented than the Golf GTI. In return, the driver gets a special feeling that fewer and fewer modern cars can offer. The Honda Civic Type R is currently being officially distributed in Vietnam at a price of approximately 2.399 billion VND. However, in October, this sports car model will officially be discontinued due to poor sales performance. Please share your opinions with VietNamNet Newspaper via email: otoxemay@vietnamnet.vn. Suitable content will be published. Thank you! Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/4-mau-xe-nho-gon-van-giu-duoc-cam-giac-lai-thu-vi-2553190.html