5 Cars We Love That Defy Categorization

Automakers are realizing that even though millions buy mainstream cars like the Toyota Corolla and Chevy Malibu, there's a burgeoning market for spicier alternatives. But unlike the well-defined segments such as midsize sedans where all the players are closely matched in size, basic shape, and even engine power, the "not sedans" follow a much looser formula. And so we have a growing group of cars that defy categorization.

The Nissan Juke resembles a mini SUV, while the new Hyundai Veloster has a coupe-like profile but three doors. We matched those two with three other cars from outside the mainstream?the Mini Cooper, the Scion tC, and the newly restyled VW Beetle. The only links among the five are a base price around 20 grand, quirky styling, over 30 highway mpg, and the promise that when the road curves, they won't simply be ready, they'll be willing.

We took these cars on a three-day romp from Detroit to the curvy back roads of southeast Ohio, and we think they may represent an automotive sweet spot. These rides are economical yet spunky?eliciting grins as if they were high-dollar sports cars. Since they're all so varied, we didn't rank them from best to worst. Instead, we've included the usual test measurements and subjective opinions, then highlighted the strengths of these five funsters.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/comparisons/5-cars-we-love-that-defy-categorization?src=rss

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