Small Cars with Big Engines

Who says you can’t have both power and efficiency? There are a number of small cars on the market that pack a big punch under the hood. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Ford Fiesta ST

The Ford Fiesta ST is a hot hatch that’s powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Fiesta ST a 0-60 mph time of just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph. Despite its impressive performance, the Fiesta ST still gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Engine: 1.6-liter EcoBoost
Horsepower: 197
Torque: 202 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Top speed: 144 mph
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 26 mpg city / 36 mpg highway

2. Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is another hot hatch that’s known for its performance. The GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This gives the GTI a 0-60 mph time of just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Despite its impressive performance, the GTI still gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged
Horsepower: 228
Torque: 258 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway

3. Mini Cooper S

The Mini Cooper S is a small car with a big personality. The Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Cooper S a 0-60 mph time of just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph. Despite its impressive performance, the Cooper S still gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged
Horsepower: 189
Torque: 207 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Top speed: 145 mph
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway

4. Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 Abarth is a small car with a big attitude. The Abarth is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 160 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Abarth a 0-60 mph time of just 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph. Despite its impressive performance, the Abarth still gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged
Horsepower: 160
Torque: 183 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 135 mph
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway

5. Toyota Yaris GR

The Toyota Yaris GR is a small car that’s designed for performance. The GR is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 205 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This gives the GR a 0-60 mph time of just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. Despite its impressive performance, the GR still gets an EPA-estimated