The incredible happened when Toyota redid the Corolla Hatchback for 2019: it turned into something of a driver’s car. The improvement over previous Corollas was immediately noticed during our 2019 Car of the Year tests. Even with 168 hp and 151 lb-ft on tap from its 2.0-liter I-4, our judges mostly agreed that “this is the best-driving Corolla in a long time.” On our test track, “the solid and responsive chassis kept asking for more.” Chalk that up to this generation’s independent suspension at each corner and stiffer body structure. Even though the available six-speed manual isn’t one of our favorites, it’s far better than the CVT. Rumor has it a hotter GR version of the Corolla is in the pipeline, which will (hopefully) have more than 200 hp.
Mazda Miata
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No surprise the perennially fun Miata makes this list. For 2019, however, it’s more muscular than before: Revised internals bump power up to 181 hp and 151 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter I-4 that now spins to 7,500 rpm. “Finally, the ND Miata got the engine it’s been begging for the last three years,” we wrote in our review. Brilliant handling remains unchanged, other than the option of a GT-S package, which sharpens things with new shocks and suspension tuning, a front strut tower brace, and a limited-slip differential. If any car proves you can have a great time with low power, it is—and always will be—the Miata.
Audi A3
The entry-level Audi A3 features luxury appointments at an approachable price. Even without Quattro all-wheel drive, the front-drive A3 2.0T offers a premium feel and a good amount of driving fun. The engine delivers 190 hp and 221 lb-ft and will spin the tires without much effort. In our review we wrote that the way the power is delivered “might be considered part of the A3’s character. The larger A4 feels more relaxed compared to the moderately sensitive brakes and throttle of the front-drive A3 2.0T.” It seems that for this A3, then, entry-level doesn’t mean boring to drive, especially compared to its more expensive larger siblings.
Mazda3
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For 2019 the Mazda3 is all new, with our First Drive revealing, “The night-and-day difference between the old car and the new is immediately apparent after just a few miles of driving.” It’s a huge step forward in terms of style and substance, and, like previous generations, it “remains remarkably engaging to drive. The Mazda3’s steering is direct and progressive, with a hint of lightness to it that brings the Miata to mind.” The 2.5-liter I-4 makes an even 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, delivered in a free-revving, “peppy” way. As before, the Mazda3 can be had in sedan or hatchback form, but only the latter is available with a six-speed manual.
Volvo XC40
We could argue that fun begins as you walk toward a car, before you ever get inside. In that sense, the Volvo XC40 is entertaining just sitting still. It’s a great-looking crossover, with a creased, angled body and an optional contrast-tone roof. Once you’re driving, the XC40 still provides fun. It was one of our 2019 SUV of the Year finalists, and we praised its suspension for “deliver[ing] a spirited ride and steering without being darty.” In basic spec, the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 makes 187 hp and 221 lb-ft. That’s not a lot, but it’s enough to back up the fun styling.
Mercedes-Benz A 220
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The least expensive Mercedes-Benz is anything but cheap. New to North America for 2019, the A-Class looks like a shrunken version of the brand’s more expensive models, but it still pushes the envelope for technology and features. A 188-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 powers the entry-level A 220, and our First Drive found it “has plenty of pep for everyday driving,” as well as a nice sound. In terms of fun, the all-wheel-drive version we sampled “impressed us with surprisingly sporty handling for a non-performance car. On winding back roads, the car had plenty of grip and a suspension that kept body roll well under control.” If that isn’t enough for you, don’t worry—AMG variants are coming soon, though you can expect output to be north of 200 hp.
Mini Hardtop/Convertible S
We’re devoting this section to the 189-hp, 207-lb-ft Hartop and Convertible S models, but really, any of Mini’s vehicles (apart from the John Cooper Works variants) are eligible for this list. The 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 in the S can be had in every Mini body style, but it’s not really necessary—the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged I-3 (yes, inline-three) with 134 hp and 162 lb-ft still lets the cars’ fun, tossable handling shine. In our review of the current-gen Convertible, we said that “whichever you choose, the Mini has not lost its signature go-kart handling. Cornering is gleeful and the turning radius is ridiculously small.” Minis aren’t as mini as they once were, but they stay true to their fun-to-drive ethos no matter which engine is under the hood.
Subaru BRZ
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Subaru’s BRZ is built specifically for fun, but it just barely makes it onto this list. Its 2.0-liter flat-four makes 200 hp and 151 lb-ft, the very maximum to qualify—but only with an automatic transmission. Opting for the six-speed manual bumps power up to 205. So is the automatic BRZ still any good? “Toss a few corners the BRZ auto’s way, and you’ll find that the car still handles beautifully,” we said in our First Test. “Feel like drifting? Just turn off traction control and it’s ready. Want more violent shifts? Put the transmission in Sport mode.” It’s still a fun car even without a third pedal, and although we’ll always prefer the manual, the automatic BRZ is good enough for this list.
Chevrolet Bolt
We won’t pretend that the Chevrolet Bolt is a sports car or even a driver’s car. But it is electric, and with that comes the addicting response of instant torque whenever you put your foot down. What’s more, one-pedal driving with regenerative braking presents its own fun appeal—it makes a driver rethink everything they know. In an update on our long-term Bolt, our tester said of one-pedal driving, “I also enjoy the challenge of it. Getting my timing just right so I don’t have to modulate the regen but let it slow me down exactly as much as needed is rewarding in its own little way. I also like to use it when I’m driving quickly. Because I’d be modulating the brake pedal the same way I am the regenerative braking, I can use it to slow precisely as much as needed for a corner while also extending my range.” Such a new, unique involvement adds a degree of fun no gas-powered car can provide.