[2] The "compact executive car" description is not often used in the United States, but it describes certain models imported from Europe.
Before the ATS, a heavily badge engineered version of the Saab 9-3 was sold in Europe as the Cadillac BLS (2005–2009).
Cadillac's previous attempt at a compact executive car for the US market was the Cimarron manufactured in between 1981–1988.
[10] Alfa Romeo's models 75 and 155 are considered compact executive cars in the United Kingdom.
From earlier models also the larger DS 5 (sold until 2018) could be considered a compact executive car.
The current DS 3 Crossback differs from the earlier model substantially, as it is a small crossover SUV.
Most of the petrol engines were turbocharged and supported the use of ethanol fuel, which were both relatively uncommon features for a mass production car in the 00's.
[22] The first Japanese compact executive car to be successful in overseas markets is the 1998 Lexus IS / Toyota Altezza.
[23][24] Other Japanese compact executive cars include the Infiniti Q50 (by Nissan),[25] Acura TLX (by Honda)[26][27][28] and Mazda Xedos 6.