Compact snaps: Five speedy compact cars

Automakers, recognizing some buyers’ need for speed, oblige by tuning up their inexpensive compact models, delivering more power and better handling. At the same time, most of these cars retain their basic practicality, whether it is the stylish and easily parked Fiat 500 Abarth or the cargo-friendly hatchback design of the Focus ST. Not only do these cars cost less than top performance models, they can also work as your only car, good for the daily commute, a road trip, and maybe even a track day.

Here are five cars designed to perform.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth The standard Fiat 500 is a cool looking little city car, but its 1.4-liter engine doesn’t exactly roar. For the Abarth version, Fiat straps a bit turbocharger to the engine and tunes the suspension for more aggressive handling. Even more impressive is the loud exhaust note, unexpected from a little Italian car.

Base price: $ 22,000 Horsepower: 160 Torque: 170 pound-feet

2013 Ford Focus ST Ford’s newest Focu… [Read more]

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