Talking About Automobiles

Living in a city makes the search for an ideal vehicle a bit crucial, as you have to consider several additional factors, of which comprise those that provide convenience and practicality.

According to Patrick Olsen, Cars.com managing editor, “There is a reason why insurance premiums are higher for city dwellers.” “Parking on city streets, driving on less-than-perfect roads and navigating through traffic can be a risky proposition. However, with the right car, city driving can be a little more enjoyable,” he continued.

And so, Cars.com auto experts compiled a list of the best urban cars, after considering the size, performance, ride quality and cabin comfort. They have looked over highly useful features such as parking sensors and backup cameras. They have also analyzed turning circles and stop-and-go gas mileage.

Since Cars.com is a well reliable site and most comprehensive destination for new and used car buyers and sellers, I have always looked forward on checking out their top ten lists of cars. It will be great if you would also be aware of the list so I opt to share the latest with you.

Here is the complete list of urban cars featured in Cars.com:

1. 2007 Mini Cooper
It didn't take long for us to decide on the ultimate urban car: At just over 12 feet long, the Mini Cooper was the shortest car in contention. Add in a reasonably tight turning circle, and the Cooper can take parking spaces everyone else passes up. For good measure, Mini also offers parking sensors for the rear bumper. The Cooper is our ultimate car for what it gives as well as for what it doesn't give up. Despite its size, the cabin can seat four adults and is outfitted with six airbags, and the hatch design and folding backseat provide a surprisingly roomy cargo space. Front-wheel drive and traction control mean winter driving in this stylish car is no problem. The pricier S model gives excellent power and braking on city streets, and you can even get a convertible version.

2. 2008 BMW 328i wagon
The latest generation of BMW's venerable 3 Series is arguably its best yet. Once radical in the styling department, its sharp edges have become the norm in today's modern urban design. A much faster twin-turbo engine is available in the 335i, but the wagon - which packs 35 percent more cargo room than the sedan without incurring any extra length - comes only in 328i guise. Plus, it has all those BMW attributes at a price that's easier to digest. The steering may be a bit heavy for some, but that's the tradeoff for owning an "ultimate driving machine" in the city.

3. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
City dwellers know what a nightmare traffic can be. Ford's Escape Hybrid brings a little relief to city air quality thanks to its low CO2 emissions - and it offers a break for your wallet, too. According to the EPA, the Escape Hybrid is the most efficient SUV on the market. Besides the fact that the gas engine automatically turns off when stopped - so you don't have to waste precious fuel in rush hour - the hybrid can also cruise in near-silence on electric power at slow speeds. Now there's a surefire way to impress your friends.

4. 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
Even though Honda's futuristically styled Civic Hybrid looks much like the mainstream Civic, it has lower emissions and uses a lot less fuel. A small turning circle means enhanced maneuverability in tight spots, and the optional navigation system has more than 7 million points of interest, so you'll be sure to find that new tapas joint or blues lounge you're looking for. Stellar crash-test scores for front, side and rear impacts are also reassuring and set the Civic apart from most of its competitors. An impeccably finished cabin adds to the car's appeal.

5. 2008 Honda CR-V
Loft-dwelling bohemian types might be the only ones to appreciate the CR-V's quirky styling at first, but other downtown denizens should warm up to it over time. What the SUV lacks in turning radius and seating flexibility - folding the second row is a real drag - it makes up for in features, with sturdy plastic bumpers and a cargo-area storage shelf on which you can stack 20 pounds of groceries. Gas mileage is respectable for an SUV, and the ride is comfortable enough for bumpy streets. The large rear window makes for good visibility, and an optional backup camera means you can ace that back-alley parking.

6. 2008 Honda Fit
Pay a slight premium for the Honda nameplate, and you get a friendly-looking hatchback that's a cut above most economy cars. The Fit has just enough zip for stop-and-go duties, and gas mileage is predictably thrifty given that the car weighs just three-fourths of a Toyota Camry. It's small enough to squeeze between garbage trucks and buses, and its tall windows and large mirrors take the guesswork out of tight maneuvers. The front and rear seats can fold flat for a makeshift bed - not the most comfortable place to sleep, but it will do in a pinch if you need a lunch-hour snooze.

7. 2008 Land Rover LR2
If you want an SUV to use in the city, you'll be best off with a small one. Most premium and luxury SUVs are larger, but there are a few that qualify as compact. The best choice for tackling city life is the handsome Land Rover LR2. For ease in maneuvering and parking, it's shorter from bumper to bumper than the Acura RDX and BMW X3, and it has a tighter turning circle. Even so, its headroom and front-seat legroom are better than either competitor. Standard parking sensors on the rear bumper and optional approach and puddle lights are also great to have.

8. 2008 Mazda5
There aren't many minivans that scream "city-friendly," but the Mazda5 takes the family-hauler concept and shrinks it to a manageable size that still has room for six. The 2008 model sports a fresh look but retains its distinct Japanese edginess. Even though it's 20 inches shorter than a Honda Odyssey, the Mazda5 is still substantial, coming in at almost exactly the same length as a Toyota RAV4. Steering is sharp for tight parking maneuvers, and the ride is relatively smooth. Just be prepared for your friends to call you for help when they move.

9. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata isn't the shortest car on our list, but it has the smallest turning circle - 4 feet tighter than the Mini's. This makes it most adept at hanging U-turns, and its nose swings sharply into parallel parking spaces, which are easy to navigate when the top is down. It slips through congestion where most cars are gridlocked - and you look so good, who could hold it against you? Alas, when the weather turns bad, so does the Miata's viability as a city car: Top-up visibility and rear-wheel drive aren't great, and potholes start to look (and feel) mighty big.

10. 2008 Scion xB
If you're looking for an affordable car that sets you apart from the crowd, Scion's xB is an easy way to go. The xB delivers on the promise of its boxy shape by offering loads of cargo room in a compact package - up to 69.9 cubic feet, to be exact - which makes it ideal for carting your belongings around. Engaging steering response and the tight turning radius are a boon for narrow streets, too.

That’s from the experts; so if you seek for the best, make sure it is one of those!