What is the definition of a compact car?
2 Answers
Compact cars, also known as Class A cars, are the most common family vehicles, with a wheelbase typically ranging between 2.5-2.7 meters and engine displacement around 1.6-2.0 liters. They currently dominate the domestic car purchase market. More details about compact cars are as follows: 1. In China, compact cars include models from domestic brands, joint ventures, and purely imported ones; 2. For the domestic market, the top 10 best-selling compact car models currently are the Volkswagen Sagitar, Kia K3, Ford Focus, Dongfeng Peugeot 308s, Chevrolet Cruze, Lavida, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, and the Excelle.
My understanding of compact cars is that they are a category of vehicles with moderate size and economical practicality. These are cars with wheelbases ranging from 2500mm to 2700mm and lengths typically between 4.2 to 4.6 meters, such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla—classic models that fall into this category. When driving these cars, I find them exceptionally well-suited for urban life: parking spots are easier to find, and fuel consumption is impressively low at 5-7 liters per 100 kilometers, making them both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Though compact in design, they feature clever space utilization—the rear seats can comfortably accommodate three people, and the trunk is sufficient for everyday shopping. Many choose them for their high cost-performance ratio, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 yuan, along with straightforward maintenance. To me, this defines the essence of compact cars: nimble maneuverability on crowded streets, a balance between comfort and affordability, making them an ideal choice for commuting and family short trips.