Ford Focus vs Honda Civic Hatchback

For as red-hot and competitive as the economy-car segment is, success in this corner of the market is based on some pretty mundane variables. It comes down to things like fuel economy, price, number and location of cupholders, ride quality, and other items. It basically has to be economical, reliable transportation for the everyday commute. There are other nuances, such as the ease of use of its controls, but success in this segment requires automotive pragmatism at its best.

It's through this lens that we consider the 2016 Ford Focus. This 4-door, 5-passenger small car has been refreshed for this model year, building off the success of the third-generation car, which debuted in 2011. That was the first car under the “One Ford” plan, under which one car is sold on multiple continents in multiple markets with minimal changes.

The result of the plan was a car that was much more refined than the two generations before it and positioned the Focus for the past several years as the best American Small Car. That accolade is as much about the Focus’ refinement as it is about the deficiencies of American-made competitors, including the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. A second-generation Cruze has recently been unveiled, but it’s still too early for us to render a verdict on that car. It is import rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, that pose the greatest threat to the new-look Focus.

The popular Honda Civic went through a major redesign for 2016. Both the coupe and sedan got a new look, new technology, and a new turbocharged engine option.

This year, there’s a new model in the mix, and it’s the first Civic Hatchback Honda has sold in the U.S. since 2005. With its extra cargo space and sport-oriented tweaks, it’s aimed squarely at the stereotypical Civic buyer: someone who wants a practical, fun-to-drive compact car.

I spent a week putting a Civic Hatchback Sport through it’s paces—from stop-and-go commuting to a highway slog with a hatch full of cargo—and enjoyed every minute. While any Civic is a safe bet, the Hatchback offers even more to love.