Detroit's automakers are finding it hard to dislodge the Asians from the top ranks of the compact sedan segment, according to a comparison test by Kelley Blue Book, the car pricing experts.

The compacts available in the United States are all significantly better, more fuel-efficient and more pleasant to drive than they were even five years ago, said KBB analyst Jack Nerad.

In a test of comparably equipped Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze sedans, the Civic and Elantra tied for first place, the Focus was third and Cruze fourth reported The Detroit News.

"If this were a beauty contest, or a price war, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra would win it hands down," KBB said Wednesday.

But the Civic matched the Elantra — with a 7.5 score out of 10 — because of its superior showing in the performance and value categories. "They pretty much got everything right — the seating position, ergonomics, fit and finish, driving dynamics and ride quality," Nerad said. "It's a very well-balanced, good package."

The Civic has been one of the top sellers in this segment for years. But the redesigned car's launch was severely disrupted by the March earthquake in Japan, and it has drawn mixed reviews, including a poor write-up of the Civic LX by Consumer Reports.

Detroit's automakers are fielding strong contenders now in the segment. The Ford Focus won praise from KBB as the most exciting car to drive of the four, while the Cruze gives passengers "the sense that they're in a larger car, when they're in a small fuel-efficient car," Nerad said.