Mazda

This Great Little Car’s forbears would be proud.

Pros: Upscale interior with contrasting materials, sprightly handling, intricate exterior design.

Cons: Fuel economy takes a backseat to competitors, disappointing noodle of a shifter, uplevel 2.3-liter motor doesn’t have enough power to justify the added expense.

The Mazda GLC’s ingredients — power, space, and style — were passed down to cars named 323 and Protege. The name has changed yet again, but Mazda’s compact car still has what it takes to impress car connoissseurs — and first time buyers, too.