Compact sedans today, especially in the luxury segment, have largely morphed into a single, homogenized template: similar overall dimensions, a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood, and an interior defined by a couple of digital screens. Across brands, the cars often feel interchangeable, their personalities dialed down in favor of efficiency, tech, and broad appeal. It’s a far cry from an era when automakers occasionally took chances to make their entries stand out.
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