IRVINE, CA – Kelley Blue Book (KBB) announced the test results of the organization’s all-new 2011/2012 Compact Sedan Comparison Test. KBB tested four new compact sedans tested, including the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra.

In the list, the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra tied for first place, with scores of 7.5 out of 10. KBB said the Elantra did well in its style and design ratings, whereas the Civic scored well in KBB’s performance and value categories. The lowest score was 6.7, only 0.8 points less than the highest score.

Here are the write-ups from KBB on the vehicle tests:

The Winners, 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited and 2012 Honda Civic EX-L Navi:

Overall Kbb.com Editors' Rating:  7.5 out of 10
Synopsis: The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is the fashionista of this test.
“The most anticipated major redesign among small-car fans and auto-show enthusiasts belongs to the 2011 Hyundai Elantra,” KBB stated. “After what seemed like permanent also-ran status, Hyundai scored back-to-back styling and value wins with its new Genesis and Sonata four-doors, but what about the small sedan that needed to be a numbers car for the Korean carmaker?  If this were a beauty contest or a price war, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra would win it hands down.  Instead, this story has a second act...”

Synopsis: A superb example of balance, value and pedigree.
“Also new this year, the 2012 Honda Civic bears a lot of responsibility as the next generation of a wildly popular car,” KBB stated. “With every player in the compact-sedan segment getting stronger overall, Honda had to decide: Does it take a risk, or does it stand firm with a proven formula?  The 2012 Honda Civic stands firm...”

Third Place:  2012 Ford Focus SEL

Overall Kbb.com Editors' Rating: 6.9 out of 10
Synopsis: The Ford Focus SEL is the athlete of the bunch.
“New for 2012, the Ford Focus is a ‘world car’ with European sensibilities trying to find a home in America,” KBB stated. “Riding on a new platform, running with new engines and staring at itself in the mirror with new sheet metal, the 2012 Focus is a more substantial small sedan than the car it replaces...”

Fourth Place:  2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ

Overall Kbb.com Editors' Rating:  6.7 out of 10
Synopsis: Best at providing big-car virtues in a smaller package.
“The 2011 Chevy Cruze is a new face in this field, with many advocates pointing to it as the weather vane for the coming era in American cars,” KBB stated. “Recent sales and strong consumer interest in the Cruze, despite on-again/off-again economic forecasts, point to a healthy wind blowing in...”