Face off: Compact sports sedans

Your practical side knows you need a car for kids, clients, and life. But your spirited side yearns to thread along a curvy back road. Modern sports sedans can satisfy both sides, while wrapping you in a luxurious, feature-laden environment.

Here, we showcase five models with distinctly different personalities, some with a performance-car attitude and others more luxury-focused. But all deliver impressive driving dynamics, rich interiors, and reasonable proportions that make them easy to maneuver and roomy for five adults.

Best of all, they are recommended by Consumer Reports, which means they did well in more than 50 tests at our track and on the road, their reliability has been good, and they performed adequately if crash tested.

The sport sedans are featured below in ratings order, starting with the top-rated model in this group.

It's right if: You want it all in one compact package—sporty handling, good fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and a variety of powertrains to choose from.

Long one of our favorite compact sports sedans, the BMW 3 Series pretty much invented the category and has continually occupied a spot at the top of our Ratings. A 2012 redesign stuck closely to the winning formula, but brought some welcome improvements including a bit more rear seat room and better fuel mileage.

We recorded 28 mpg overall with the turbocharged four-cylinder in our 328i sedan. Combined with an incredibly smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, that powertrain provides plenty of punch while you're cruising past the gas pump. All-wheel drive is available with some engines, along with a six-speed manual transmission. Other engine choices include the base turbo fourcylinder and a 300-hp turbo six-cylinder, along with hybrid and diesel powertrains. High performance M models get a 414-hp V8. You can even get an all-wheel-drive wagon version that offers the turbocharged four-cylinder gas and diesel engines.

The well-finished cabin is relatively airy, spacious, and quiet, with plenty of leg and headroom up front. Rear seat room has improved, but is still somewhat snug.

But the real appeal of the 3 comes when you slide behind the wheel. Its handling is taut and agile, and it corners with little body lean and quick steering response. It comes alive when pushed hard, and proved secure and very enjoyable at our track.

Not all was good with the update, however. The electric power steering has lost much of the feedback that made the previous model a joy to drive. Engine idle is rougher and less refined than you'd expect at this price, and it is exacerbated by the new fuel-saving stop start feature. We did see a 1-mpg improvement on our city driving cycle, but the tradeoff is an annoying shake throughout the car when the engine fires back up.

Other gripes we had with previous versions remain, mostly involving controls that are unintuitive and needlessly complicated. But you can get used to those over time, and none of these drawbacks are enough to take away from the overall goodness of the 3.

Best version to get: The 328i sedan with the turbocharged four-cylinder is the way to go. That provides the best combination of performance, comfort, and fuel economy. It'll also save you a bundle over more upmarket variations. Go for all-wheel drive for extra grip in bad weather.

It's right if: Your idea of a sports sedan is one that veers towards comfort, fuel economy, and interior appointments rather than at-the-limit performance and handling.

Considering the TSX is based on the European version of the Honda Accord, it isn't a surprise that this is a solid, capable car. What is surprising is that it isn't nearly as sporty as one would expect from a car with European roots. It's not even as sporty as the larger, U.S.-built Honda Accord.

Handling is nimble, but the TSX doesn't excel in the fun-to-drive factor. The somewhat numb steering has translated into a loss of handling finesse that made the previous generation car so much fun. While the firm ride smooths out most bumps, it's jittery on almost all roads. This combination makes the car fatiguing on long trips, but lacking in excitement on daily drives.

The TSX's fuel economy of 25 mpg overall is pretty good, but it doesn't stand out in this class. A stronger 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is also available, but all-wheel-drive isn't. A six-speed
manual is available on the base sedan, but the automatic is still a five-speed, in a class populated with six-, seven-, and even eight speed gearboxes.

Inside is where the Acura shines. The cabin is crafted of high-quality materials, with large and well-shaped front seats that have excellent back support. Rear-seat occupants suffer a bit, with limited head and knee room, and little toe space.

Most controls are easy to use, and the gauges are clear and easy to read. Our main gripe is the low-mounted climate controls. Cabin storage is moderate, but the trunk is large and expands by folding the seats down.

Best version to get: To ring up a bit of sportiness, look for a version with the manual. The base car is well-equipped, but to get a back-up camera you need to opt for the Technology Package, a $2,000 upgrade.

It's right if: You are looking for a Euro-tuned sedan with a domestic badge, but find the Cadillac ATS too small.

Before Cadillac built its homegrown ATS small sports sedan, the Regal held the honor of fighting Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. And why not: it's based on the Opel Astra, from GM's European subsidiary.

As such, the Buick conveys a typical European driving experience, with a supple, well-controlled ride and absorbent suspension that does a great job of limiting body roll. At the same time, bumps are well dampened on nearly all but the roughest roads.

This is an agile and responsive sedan, rewarding the driver with confidence-inspiring handling up to its impressively high limits of grip. The steering provides good feedback, but it's a bit light for a sports sedan, and is better weighted in the non-turbo version.

We weren't particularly impressed with the performance of our 220-hp Regal, but that engine has been dropped in favor of a 259-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo that powers nearly all versions. GM's 182-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder eAssist mild hybrid is an option. All versions of the Regal use a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic, although the performance GS trim can be had with a six-speed manual. All-wheel drive is available on versions with the turbo engine.

The interior is a comfortable place to spend time, with good room and firm, supportive   seats. However, even shorter drivers found the seat cushions too short, and the high hood, rear deck, and beltline compromise visibility. The rear seat is tight, but habitable, for two adults. You wouldn't want to get stuck in the middle seat, however.

Most controls are easy to use, and the gauges are relatively easy to read. A freshening for 2014 has brought a new instrument cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen that controls GM's good infotainment system. The trunk can hold four large suitcases and a duffle bag, and expands by folding the seats.

Best version to get: The base car with the 2.0 turbo comes with plenty of desirable features, including a backup camera, but if you want a power passenger seat and rear park assist, go for the Premium I package.

It's right if: Your ideal sports sedan puts an emphasis on safety along with agile compliant ride, comfortable front seats, a quiet cabin, and excellent fit and finish.

Most car buyers won't associate Volvo with sporty sedans. Ask them who builds a safe and crash-worthy sedan and you can bet Volvo is a top response. But with the S60, Volvo has done more than just dabble in the funhouse. This is truly an enjoyable car to drive, with a comfortable ride, decent fuel economy, and many available safety features.

The S60 does a good job of keeping pavement ruts, seams, and frost heaves from entering the cabin and upsetting the ride. Whether on a twisty two-lane road or cruising down the interstate, the S60 feels composed and steady. The linear, well-weighted steering does a good job of transmitting to the driver exactly where the wheels are pointed, and the result is handling that feels taut and tied down.

Two different engines are available. Our T5 has a 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic, the only gearbox offered. For more power, a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive is offered; AWD is optional on the base T5.

The five-cylinder provided plenty of power, with particularly strong midrange thrust. We got 23 mpg overall on regular fuel. While the six-speed doesn't stand out in a class populated with seven- and eight-speed automatics, it's smooth and responsive.

Inside is a comfortable, well-appointed cabin with front seats that are plush, comfortable, and well-padded. But the awkward-to-use manual lumbar control should be powered.  Rear-seat occupants have limited head and leg room and a low cushion that doesn't give much support.

Most controls are easy to use. But the audio-system menu structure is a maze, and  accessing an iPod menu can get frustrating. Cabin storage is modest at best and the trunk is small even for this class.

Best version to get: Go for a T5 Premier with the Technology package plus the blind spot and park assist systems. Toss in AWD if you need winter traction.

It's right if: You want a stylish domestic sedan with handling and an interior that's on par with European nameplates, but can put up with a snug interior and frustrating control interface.

With the launch of the ATS, Cadillac delivered on its promise of a sedan that would ride, handle, and perform every bit as well as competing European models. The problem is they also cooked up the Cadillac User Interface, or CUE, which uses touch-sensitive switches and a touch screen that's so confusing and annoying it makes BMW's iDrive look like a straightforward design.

Beyond CUE, the ATS has a lot going for it. The interior is a standout, with material quality and finish that is among the best in the class and sets a new standard for GM. Handling is excellent, and the ride is quiet, taut, and controlled without being harsh. The 272-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder pumps out plenty of power to the rear wheels, and acceleration is quick, although power delivery isn't as smooth and refined as some competitors. We recorded a disappointing 23 mpg overall with the six-speed automatic.

A more refined choice is the powerful 321-hp, 3.6-liter V6, but it lacks the sound and feel of competing six-cylinders. Base models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that doesn't deliver much performance and is the only version not available with AWD.

Drivers will find adequate head and leg room, and front seats offer good support for the long  haul. But the cabin is tight, particularly in the rear where there's not much head or leg room. Don't even think of putting an adult in the middle of the back seat.

Best version to get: The ideal ATS would be a V6 model without CUE. Unfortunately, that car frolics with unicorns in the land of dreams. Only the base Standard trim, with the lackluster 2.5-liter four-cylinder, lacks CUE. So look for the Luxury trim level, which comes well equipped and competitively priced. But spend some time with CUE before you sign the papers and powerslide your way out of the dealership and on the way home.

If you hold certain qualities more important than others, here's some help to narrow down your selection.

Handling/Fun-to-drive While all of these are quite sporty to drive, the standout on the street and the track is the Cadillac ATS. It is pure fun no matter where you find the twisties, with lithe, agile handling and a sharp steering. In terms of steering feedback alone, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes the cake, with the Sport trim version having a bit more grip than the Luxury trim. The BMW is taut and agile, but the current generation has lost much of its terrific tactile steering feedback.

Ride comfort The Mercedes C-Class stands out here with an absorbent and controlled ride, while the BMW comes in as a close second. Don't skip over the Volkswagen CC, however. It's the last of the old-school Volkswagens with a taut, controlled ride that makes you think Autobahn instead of Home Depot parking lot. The Audi A4 and Cadillac stray over the line to the firm side. The S60 has a good mix of tautness while still filtering out the bumps and ruts you might encounter.

Performance The most potent acceleration comes from the BMW's 240-hp engine and excellent 8-speed automatic, zipping off a 0-60 mph run in 6.3 seconds. The ATS isn't far behind with its 272-hp turbo four hitting 60 in 6.5 seconds, with the Volvo S60 right on its heels at 6.7 seconds. For an all-wheel-drive car, the Audi's 7.2 second run isn't too shabby. On the other hand, the slowpoke of the class is the Lexus CT 200h, coming in at a turtlelike 11.0 seconds.

Interior room In a category of smaller cars, there are still concert halls and bandboxes.  The 3 Series is the roomiest car in the group, with good space front and rear. If you are only worried about the driver and passenger, then you should also consider the Acura ILX, the S60, and the A4. Both the Lexus IS and Cadillac ATS are extremely snug, with the compact Mercedes-Benz C-Class a bit less confining.

Fit and finish Cabins in all these models are meticulously finished but at an as-tested price of $32,800, you can get just as nice a cabin in the VW for a lot less money. On the other hand, the Lexus IS is the biggest let-down, skimping on soft touch materials.

Fuel economy While it is the least exciting sports sedan and gives up the most in driving dynamics, the Lexus CT 200h's 40 mpg overall blows away all comers in this category. The ILX and the 328i ring up 28 mpg overall, tops for the non-hybrids, followed by the four-cylinder CC's 26 mpg. The TSX and the AWD A4 get 25 mpg, but the Regal, S60, and ATS return a disappointing 23 mpg overall.

Controls None of these cars are standouts for easy to use or intuitive controls. While the Mercedes and Lexus are marginally better than the others, Cadillac's CUE is the worst—confusing and distracting. Take a look at the Acura ILX, which has the best controls among luxury sport sedans.