The best deals on compact cars with full-size incentives

The popularity of new SUVs, crossovers and pickups is showing no signs of slowing down.

Nearly 1.4 million of them were sold in 2017, representing an 8.7 per cent year-over-year increase. As a comparison, approximately 640,000 new passenger cars were sold in 2017, representing a 3.4 per cent decline.

In a year of many new milestones, over two million new vehicles were sold for the first time in Canadian history. Fifteen out of the 26 major auto makers achieved all-time sales records, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, with the bulk of that growth being driven by robust offerings of SUVs and crossovers.

While compact and sub-compact cars continue to face headwinds with changing consumer preferences, there are still attractive offers to be found in the segment for those seeking a combination of quality, practicality and affordability.

We've featured some of our favourite offers this week on compact cars. If you don't find an offer that suits you, be sure to check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest incentives and discounts on any new car, truck or SUV.

2018 Kia Forte EX Automatic

Equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, the 2018 Kia Forte achieves an output of up to 164 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque with a six-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission on most trims. Standard features on the EX trim include a seven-inch infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, push-button engine ignition with smart key, a rearview camera and dual-zone climate control. Its exterior features solar-absorbing glass, a windshield wiper de-icing system and projection headlights.

The Kia Niro would be an alternative to consider as a compact crossover hybrid marketed for urban living.

• MSRP: $21,995
• Manufacturer cash incentive: $2,500
• Estimated dealer discount: $500
• Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,700
• Cash purchase price before tax: $20,695
• Finance for 84 months at zero per cent interest for $305 per month including tax, which includes a $500 manufacturer incentive (as compared to no incentive in December) and assumes zero down payment
• Lease for 48 months at 1.99 per cent interest for $345 per month including tax, which includes a $1,000 manufacturer incentive (as compared to $500 in December) and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment

Get Local Price on Globe Drive

2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GT CVT

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GT is highly fuel-efficient with its 1.2-litre, three-cylinder MIVEC engine consuming only a combined 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres while delivering 78 horsepower and 74 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats and LED daytime running lights. All 2018 Mirage trims are backed by Mitsubishi's industry-leading warranty, which includes 10-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain coverage, 5-year/100,000-kilometre basic coverage and 5-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.

If your heart is set on an SUV or crossover, Mitsubishi will soon be adding another model to its lineup with the impending launch of the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The car maker is currently offering a limited supply Diamond Edition trim of the Eclipse Cross exclusively via online preorder on its website. The Diamond Edition features a custom metallic red paint, custom red detailing, 18-inch black alloy wheels, limited edition badging and a sportier body kit.

• MSRP: $18,498
• Manufacturer cash incentive: $1,200 (applied after tax)
• Estimated dealer discount: $250
• Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,590
• Cash purchase price before tax: $18,776
• Finance for 84 months at zero per cent interest for $267 per month including tax and assumes zero down payment
• Lease for 48 months at zero per cent interest for $320 per month including tax, which includes an $800 manufacturer incentive and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment

Get Local Price on Globe Drive

2018 Toyota Corolla CE CVT

The 2018 Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine that generates 132 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft. of torque, while achieving combined fuel economy of 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres. All trims feature a 6.1-inch infotainment system with voice recognition and backup camera, Bluetooth compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, a multi-information display in the instrument cluster and solar-absorbing window glass. All trims also come standard with Toyota Safety Sense active safety technology, which includes features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure alert with steering assist.

As an alternative, you may also consider the 2018 Toyota C-HR compact crossover, which was introduced to Canada last year.

• MSRP: $20,155
• Manufacturer cash incentive: $750 (applied after tax)
• Estimated dealer discount: $500
• Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,755
• Cash purchase price before tax: $20,746
• Finance for 60 months at 1.99 per cent interest (as compared to 2.49 per cent in December) for $411 per month including tax, which includes a $750 manufacturer incentive (applied after tax) and assumes zero down payment
• Lease for 48 months at 1.49 per cent interest (as compared to 1.99 per cent in December) for $277 per month including tax, which includes a $750 manufacturer incentive (applied after tax) and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment

Get Local Price on Globe Drive

2018 Hyundai Elantra GL SE Automatic

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra features a 2.0-litre Atkinson four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque, achieving a fuel economy of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The GL SE trim is equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a rearview camera, a six-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch in-cluster driver information display and keyless push-button engine ignition. Active safety technology on the GL SE trim includes blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and an electronic stability control system with traction control.

Hyundai is also taking steps to reinforce its model lineup with the addition of its first compact SUV, the Hyundai Kona, which will be made available in Canada later this year.

• MSRP: $21,349
• Manufacturer cash incentive: $1,000
• Estimated dealer discount: $250
• Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,845
• Cash purchase price before tax: $21,944
• Finance for 60 months at zero per cent interest for $432 per month including tax and assumes zero down payment
• Lease for 48 months at zero per cent interest for $318 per month including tax and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment

Get Local Price on Globe Drive

Andrew Tai is CEO of Unhaggle. Follow on Twitter @ahytai

Manufacturer incentives and pricing calculations are based on Ontario customers and subject to availability of inventory. Dealer discounts shown are estimates for illustrative purposes only, may vary by region and are given at the discretion of individual dealers. Please note that while every effort is made to ensure the information above is accurate at the time of publication, pricing, incentives and discounts are subject to change or discontinuation at any time. Vehicle images may not represent the exact model featured in the pricing provided. Consult your local dealership for details.