First post... considering a 2016

There are several things to consider when looking at a 2016 model year

• Do you care if there’s a spare tire?
• Do you want TSS-P? (AEB, radar cruise, auto high beam and lane departure alert)
• Do you want a blind spot monitor?
• Ride/handling versus max mpg?

The 2016 came in several flavours. The base Two has all the usual modcons like one-touch power windows, power heated mirrors and power door locks with remote keyless entry and driver’s side Smakrt Key Entry (proximity entry). Automatic climate control is also standard. Some nice touches are Bi-LED headlights (so low and high beam), 6.1” display audio with Bluetooth music streaming and USB/iPod integration, Siri EyesFree and a double wishbone rear suspension for better ride comfort and slightly better handling. 54/50/52 are the city/hwy/combined numbers.

From there, you can side step to the max mpg model of the Two Eco. It swaps the NiMH battery for a lighter Li-Ion battery, removes the rear wiper for aerodynamics and removes the spare tire for less weight. It also has a special heat-reflecting windshield. It comes in at 58/53/56mpg.

Back to the Two, you can go up to a Three which adds TSS-P, 3-door Smart Key, automatic headlights, integrated navigation and Qi wireless phone charging. Entune App Suite is included (no subscription) as well as an upgrade to a 7” LCD screen. There is one option package called the Advanced Technology which adds a power moonroof ans a colour Head Up Display. The Three swaps the NiMH battery for Li-Ion.

A Four adds SofTex trimmed seats, 10-way power driver’s seat (including 2-way lumbar support), blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. It also adds acoustic front door window glass for a quieter interior. The Four replaces the spare tire with a tire repair kit but as a bonus, you get more cargo space as the floor is lowered 1-2”.

Two options include the AT package with the moonroof and HUD but also adds Intelligent Clearance Sonar and Intelligent Parking Assist. ICS helps with low speed collision detection and avoidance. IPA is the one that can park the car and assist in exiting a parallel parking spot. The Four has one more package called the Premium Convenience Package which adds a JBL GreenEdge audio system with 8-speakers in 6 locations and Safety Connect (like OnStar).

Both Three and Four can come in “Touring” form which adds 17” alloys, LED fog lights, LED clearance lights, LED “boomerang” parking light (replaces the front turn signal as the parking light), sport tuned suspension, SofTex seats with blue contrast stitching and blue vent accent trim, rear “Touring” style lower valence. The Three Touring has a spare tire. The Four Touring has a tire repair kit.

Summary

Spare tire? Stick with Two, Three or Three Touring.
Max mpg above all else? Two Eco
Sportier drive and looks? Three Touring or Four Touring
BSM and RCTA? Four or Four Touring
Cloth seats? Two, Two Eco and Three

Leather is not available.

When the car was new, the Three was the sweet spot between price, safety (TSS-P) and features (3-dr SKS, nav, nicer screen, wireless phone charging and a slightly quieter interior. The Two is missing some sound insulation for weight and cost measures)