Best Selling Hatchbacks: August 2010

August 2010 Sales: 952
Change vs. August 2009: Down 81.5
MSRP: $13,990 - $20,440

The Nissan cube looks like nothing else on the road today; it boasts fun and whimsical styling, excellent fuel efficiency and space for five people in its comfortable, yet quirky interior. The front-wheel drive cube is powered by a 122-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, bolted to either a six-speed manual or Xtronic CVT. There are four trim levels available, 1.8, 1.8S, 18SL and 1.8 Krom.

August 2010 Sales: 955
Change vs. August 2009: Down 67.5%
MSRP: $14,900 - $14,900
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The xD is powered by a 128-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with either a standard five-speed manual or an available four-speed automatic transmission. Every xD is equipped with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning and cruise control, as well as power windows, exterior mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry; a satellite-compatible 160-watt Pioneer audio system features MP3 capability, USB connectivity and an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music devices. The rear seats are split 60/40, and can be folded down flat for increased cargo carrying capacity; they can also be reclined up to ten degrees, as well as moved fore or aft up to six inches for increased leg room. Safety features include a vehicle stability control system with integrated traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, a tire pressure monitor, and dual front, front side-impact and overhead curtain airbags.

August 2010 Sales: 1,965
Change vs. August 2009: Down 55.5%
MSRP: $16,000 - $16,000
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City

The xB is powered by a 158-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is optional, and both gearboxes are controlled through a high-mounted shifter, which falls easily into the driver's hand. Every xB is equipped with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, power mirrors and windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, a satellite-compatible 160-watt Pioneer audio system with MP3 capability, an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music devices and USB connectivity; a rear liftgate provides access to a generous cargo area with approximately 70 cubic feet of capacity. Safety features include a vehicle stability control system with traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, a tire pressure monitor, and dual front, front side-impact and overhead curtain airbags.

August 2010 Sales: 2,030
Change vs. August 2009: Down 50%
MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300
Fuel Economy: 43 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

The Insight is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, which is a combination of a 1.3-liter gas engine and a 13-hp electric motor, all attached to a continuously variable transmission. The engine and motor combined generate 98-hp and 123-lb.ft of torque, and provide 40-plus mpg fuel economy.

August 2010 Sales: 2,376
Change vs. August 2009: Down 55.5%
MSRP: $17,620 - $22,760
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City

The Volkswagen Golf is back! The fun to drive compact German hatchback has returned with a new look and a new/old name to replace the Rabbit (a name that was revived in North America back in 2006 for the then new MkV hatchback version of the Jetta). The MkVI Golf is available in two-door and four-door bodystyles and can be powered by either a 170-hp 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gas engine, or a new 140-hp 2.0-liter TDI clean-diesel engine.

August 2010 Sales: 2,900
Change vs. August 2009: Down 37.1%
MSRP: $12,605 - $13,365
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 29 mpg City

The Toyota Yaris manages to combine a well-tailored, roomy interior with agile performance and a fuel efficient engine in an entry-level car. The front-wheel drive Yaris is available as a hatchback (three-door or five-door) or a four-door sedan; all are offered in a Base trim. The Yaris is powered by a 106 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional.

August 2010 Sales: 3,315
Change vs. August 2009: N/A
MSRP: $13,320 - $17,120
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City

The Fiesta hatchback is offered as either SE or SES trims, while the sedan can be had in S, SE, or SEL form. Power comes from a 119-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. An advanced six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission is optional. Standard features on all models include air-conditioning, capless fuel filler system, power body-colored mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, aux audio input jack and electronic power-assisted steering. Higher trim levels include cruise control, keyless entry, satellite radio, alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, and SYNC hands-free communications and entertainment system. Optional features include heated seats, a passive entry/passive start system, power moonroof, and leather seats; also offered is a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package for those commuters seeking maximum efficiency. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, seven airbags including a driver knee airbag, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

August 2010 Sales: 3,801
Change vs. August 2009: Down 40%
MSRP: $17,995
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 20 mpg City

The Subaru Impreza offers all-weather capability at a reasonable price. The Impreza is available either as a sedan or hatchback with seating for five. All Impreza's feature Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Impreza 2.5i trim features a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

August 2010 Sales: 3,844
Change vs. August 2009: Down 60.4%
MSRP: $9,970 - $16,195
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Hyundai Accent sedan and hatchback are exceptional economy cars that offer attractive looks and outstanding value in a price-sensitive market segment. The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter double overhead-cam engine that produces 110 horsepower, and features variable valve timing. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The environmentally friendly Accent has an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II rating.

August 2010 Sales: 3,895
Change vs. August 2009: Down 6.2%
MSRP: $18,800 - $24,250
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City

The MINI Cooper provides the driving enthusiast with a combination of fun-to-drive performance, engineering and unconventional attitude. The two-door hatchback and convertible Cooper feature a 118-hp 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS, traction control and stability control.

August 2010 Sales: 4,019
Change vs. August 2009: Down 67.2%
MSRP: $12,115
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Chevrolet Aveo sedan and Aveo 5 hatchback combine a fuel efficient engine, seating for five, ample cargo space and a host of optional features. The front-wheel drive Aveo and Aveo 5 are available in three trims. All trims come standard with a 108-hp 1.6-liter engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Safety features include front driver and passenger airbags with dual-stage deployment and seat-mounted side airbags for the front row occupants.

August 2010 Sales: 5,347
Change vs. August 2009: Up 37.7%
MSRP: $16,880 - $19,995
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 23 mpg City

The Dodge Caliber is a fun, well-rounded package, combining the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the value and fuel-efficiency of a compact car. The front-wheel drive Caliber is currently available in one Mainstreet "lifestyle" trim, outfitted with a 158-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

August 2010 Sales: 6,363
Change vs. August 2009: Down 51.3%
MSRP: $14,900 - $16,410
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Honda Fit distinguishes itself from all other subcompacts with its impressive practicality thanks to four-door hatchback versatility and ingenious interior packaging. The Fit offers five-passenger seating and a unique second-row "Magic Seat" that either folds flat with the cargo floor, or flips up to carry tall items behind the first row of seats. The Fit is available in two trim levels, base and Sport.

August 2010 Sales: 7,021
Change vs. August 2009: Up 27%
MSRP: $13,300 - $17,195
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Kia Soul is a trendy five-door "urban crossover vehicle" based on the Kia Rio. The styling, standard equipment, value price, and overall usefulness, all contribute to make the Soul very appealing, especially to the youth market. The Soul is available in four trims, Soul (base), Soul +, Soul ! (exclaim), and Soul sport.

August 2010 Sales: 7,453
Change vs. August 2009: Down 58.3%
MSRP: $13,520
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Versa is available as a hatchback or sedan, with two four-cylinder engine choices on the sedan, a 107-hp 1.6-liter or a 122-hp 1.8-liter, while the hatchback is available exclusively with the 1.8. The 1.6 is can be equipped with either a five-speed manual, or four-speed automatic transmission, the 1.8 gets a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.8SL hatchback offers an optional Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) rather than the four-speed auto. Safety comes from six standard airbags, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock brakes (optional on 1.6, standard on 1.8S and SL) and electronic stability control (optional on 1.8S, standard on 1.8SL).

August 2010 Sales: 9,063
Change vs. August 2009: Down 35.5%
MSRP: $19,685
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City

The Mazda3 is a premium compact car, exciting to drive and look at, and equipped with unexpected luxury and technology features not typically found in its class. The Mazda3 comes with four levels of equipment: SV (sedan only), Sport, Touring (sedan only) and Grand Touring. The entry-level i-model (sedan only) is available with a 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the sporty s-model (sedan and hatchback) is equipped with a new 167-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder borrowed from the Mazda6.

August 2010 Sales: 11,799
Change vs. August 2009: Down 35%
MSRP: $21,000 - $27,270
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City

The Toyota Prius is a gas-electric hybrid that sets the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation. This front-wheel drive, five-door liftback delivers comfort, value and a smooth ride, as well as impressive fuel economy and low emissions. The Prius is available in four trim levels - Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V - with a base Prius I trim scheduled to arrive later in the model year. All trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology.