What cars are cheap enough and won’t disappoint you at the same time? Carrrs.com has collected most interesting of them.
10. Honda Fit
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $15,890
The 2016 Honda Fit is the third generation of Honda’s versatile 5-door subcompact hatchback. First introduced to the U.S. in 2006 as a 2007 model, the Fit was named a Car and Driver “10-Best” vehicle for seven straight years. This and the many other accolades earned by Fit speak to its practicality, fuel efficiency and affordability, but also its feature richness, high-quality interior and driving enjoyment. For the completely redesigned 2016 Fit, the unique combination of these traits and the functionality, fun and refinement they provide have been further enhanced with even greater versatility, fresh styling, a more dynamic and refined driving experience, and substantially upgraded technology and luxury features.
The versatility of the 2016 Fit is fundamental to its design. With class-leading interior space and versatility, courtesy of its center-mounted fuel tank and ingenious Magic Seat®, the Fit epitomizes smart functionality with spacious and comfortable seating for five and the ability to carry voluminous cargo, including long and tall items. The larger interior features a remarkable 4.9 cubic feet increase in passenger volume and a 4.8-inch increase in rear seat leg room, all the more remarkable considering its even more compact exterior footprint, including a1.6-inch decrease in overall length.
A highly space-efficient new body structure pairs with an all-new chassis to make up a completely new, more rigid and lighter global subcompact platform featuring numerous improvements to front and rear suspension and steering systems that improve overall driving dynamics. The new platform is also lighter yet more rigid and features a longer wheelbase than the previous Fit. The net effect of these improvements is more settled and stable yet nimble and sporty ride and handling along with a steering linearity that gives the driver a sense of oneness with the vehicle. Many of these upgrades have the additional benefit of improving ride comfort and quietness, while the adoption of a new frame structure, including Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, benefits safety performance by targeting the highest-available crash-safety ratings of both the U.S. government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
9. Kia Soul
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $15,800
The extremely popular Soul ups its “wow” factor for the 2016 model year with a host of new style and convenience features, some of which actually debuted on the K900 luxury sedan. In addition, owners can further express their unique individualism through a new Designer Collection that plays up the Soul’s fun-loving attitude with a two-tone paint scheme.
Three unique trim levels (Base, Plus, and Exclaim) remain, and each one adds new features for the 2016 model year. Alloy wheels now come standard across all models. Meanwhile, Base models equipped with the Convenience Package add a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM®2 satellite radio, and integrated Rear Camera Display3.
The standard features list grows for the Plus model, which now gets gloss black bumper “tusks,” fog lights, and integrated Rear Camera Display3. A new Designer Collection package, inspired by its all-electric sibling, brings new style with two visually striking two-toned color combinations: white with a red roof, or red with a black roof. In addition, the Designer Collection also adds 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. The Exclaim now comes standard with leather-trimmed seats.
Also new to Exclaim is the Premium Package, which elevates the driving experience with desirable convenience features including Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)1 and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)1, both of which are new to the Soul. The camera-based LDWS helps to monitor the Soul’s position and provides visual and auditory warnings to the driver when the vehicle begins to drift too close to the lane markers. Other creature comforts that come as part of the Premium Package include navigation4, an upgraded Infinity®5audio system, string-LED front speaker surround mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front driver and passenger seats, seat heaters for all four outboard positions, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.
8. Toyota Yaris
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $14,895
Fun, functionality and frugality come together in the Toyota Yaris. The smooth-revving 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) produces 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The broad torque curve makes those numbers seem even bigger when you’re driving the Yaris, which offers snappy response with either transmission.
A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, made smoother by a hydraulic clutch, is standard on the L grade. An available four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features a compact, lightweight design and low friction for high fuel efficiency. EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg with a manual transmission is 30/37/33 and 30/36/32 for models equipped with the automatic.
The more rigid body structure, together with retuned suspension, provide for a smoother, more confident ride. The Yaris rides on front MacPherson-strut and rear torsion-beam suspension systems. Sport-tuned electric power steering helps make the Yaris nimble and easy to park on crowded city streets, and there’s no hydraulic fluid to ever check or replace. The Yaris L rides on 15-inch steel wheels and the LE comes with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard.
7. Hyundai Accent
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $14,745
For the 2016 model year, Accent gets minor changes, including more consistent trim-level naming and some packaging updates. 2016 Accent arrives in dealerships this month at a starting price of $14,745.
Accent Sedan and Accent Hatchback are the vehicle’s two distinct models. For naming consistency, Accent GLS and Accent GS have been renamed to Accent SE Sedan and Accent SE Hatchback, respectively, for the 2016 model year. Accent Hatchback continues to offer a Sport trim, with sportier visual cues and driving dynamics over the SE trim.
Since launch, Accent’s product success has garnered attention from automotive and industry experts, being awarded various coveted awards and accolades. Last month, for the second year in a row, Accent earned the highest honor in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for the small-car segment. In 2014, Accent also received “Most Appealing Small Car” in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. This marked the first time a nameplate has ranked highest among non-premium brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year.
6. Smart ForTwo Pure
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $14,650
The smart fortwo pure is exactly what it sounds like. The turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and optional 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are sure to pack a punch, while added details like LED daytime running lights and Bluetooth connectivity make it pure fun, all the time.
Engineered with Mercedes-Benz, every smart must meet the strongest industry standards. The patented Tridion Safety Cell uses reinforced high-strength steel to act as a barrier between you and anything else on the road. Steel doors with spot-welded reinforcements offer protection in the case of side-on impact, and Crosswind Assist helps you compensate for strong gusts of wind with ESP® sensors that automatically trigger your brakes.
The smart fortwo was designed to act small, but feel big. By widening the base, we added stability and space, so when you sit in a smart, it has the feel of a sedan. It also features a twin-section tailgate, which facilitates loading and unloading, and provides maximum storage.
5. Chevrolet Sonic
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $14,345
Chevrolet Sonic continues to bring new customers to Chevrolet every day with its youthful design, efficiency and the latest connectivity features.
Sonic remains on the leading edge of technology in its segment, offering OnStar with 4G LTE and a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the car is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial.
Sonic customers can choose between two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback in LS, LT, LTZ and RS models.
Sonic RS sedan and a Dusk Package for LTZ sedan provide options for high-style, performance-oriented features. The RS sedan delivers all of the performance-oriented features of the hatchback, while the Dusk package brings a higher level of sophistication with distinctive exterior features and premium interior appointments.
4. Nissan Versa Note
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $14,230
The Nissan Versa Note continues to accumulate accolades for its versatility, value, technology and style – being named to lists such as Autotrader’s “Best Cars for Recent College Graduates” (2015), and Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com “10 Tech-Savviest Cars Under $20,000” (2015), “10 Best Back-to-School Cars” (2015) and “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” (2014).
The companion vehicle to the popular Versa sedan, Versa Note celebrates the unique qualities of its 5-door hatchback design. It shares its advanced platform and drivetrain with the Versa sedan, yet Versa Note has its own distinctive look and feel inside and out.
As Versa Note enters its third year of production for 2016, it adds two new exterior colors, Cayenne Red and Gun Metallic, and greatly enhanced standard content for the Versa Note SV grade – including NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps, 5.0-inch color display, Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor and Divide-N-Hide® Adjustable Floor.
The 2016 Versa Note is offered in a range of five well-equipped models: S, S Plus, SV, SR and SL. Each is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. Versa Note S features a 5-speed manual transmission. The S Plus, SV, SR and SL models are equipped with a next-generation Nissan Xtronic transmission, helping them achieve 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy.
3. Kia Rio
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $14,165
Making its global debut alongside the previously introduced Rio 5-Door (Paris, 2014), these two modern and dynamic subcompacts are the entry points into KMA’s ever-expanding lineup of award-winning cars and CUVs. Refreshed inside and out for the 2016 model year, the pair offer sporty European design cues and generous interior accommodations while providing fuel efficiency. Both Sedan and 5-Door are expected to go on sale in the first quarter.
“The Rio signifies everything the Kia brand has evolved into since coming to the U.S. market more than 20 years ago,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning. “And like the brand, the Rio has grown up as it enters the 2016 model year. Its sophisticated design has been refreshed and both models continue to offer a long list of standard features, making the Sedan and 5-Door standouts in an otherwise pedestrian subcompact segment.”
Most visible of the Rio’s updates are the new-for-2016 front and rear fascias. Designed to add visual width and stronger presence, the revised grille insert incorporates the now-familiar geometric pattern found on other Kia vehicles such as Optima and Soul. New fog light surrounds include strong horizontal satin-finish bezels that house projector lenses. The lights have been repositioned inward for a more aggressive appearance. Likewise, the lower front valance integrates strong horizontal planes that echo a similar treatment at the rear. The rear reflectors have been redesigned and repositioned to the far corners of the car, and the Rio’s color palette has been enhanced with two new colors: Urban Blue and Digital Yellow.
2. Ford Fiesta
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $14,090
With either the standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder or available three-time International Engine of the Year 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine*, Ford Fiesta offers outstanding efficiency** to complement its personalization features that let drivers create a Fiesta that suits their individual style.
Ford continues to improve and refine Fiesta. “Customers want cars that are expressive and fun,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “Fiesta delivers all the excitement drivers are looking for in a car we believe raises the bar even higher for small cars in North America.”
New color choices, new look. Fiesta offers four new colors for 2016 – Shadow Black, Electric Spice, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat and Kona Blue.
The SE Black Package offers unique and aggressive styling for customers looking for more personality in their Fiesta. The package includes 16-inch eight-spoke machined aluminum wheels, a black grille, black dual power/heated exterior mirrors and fog lamps with carbon black painted bezels.
Fiesta sees the addition of the new SYNC® 3 enhanced voice recognition communications and entertainment system. This includes available 6.5-inch center LCD touch screen with swiping and navigation with pinch-to-zoom capabilities, AppLink™ and 911 Assist®. New standard equipment for 2016 includes remote keyless entry and perimeter alarm on S trim levels.
1. Chevrolet Spark
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $12,660
The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Spark is a completely redesigned version of itself, strengthening its exceptional reputation as a mini-car with a great deal to offer. From new available safety features that help protect those inside to a more efficient powertrain, the Spark gives customers features and technology that aren’t typically offered in its segment.
The Spark is sold in more than 40 markets around the world, with global sales of more than 1 million.
The new Spark has a sleeker appearance, thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase, and an overall height that’s about 1.6 inches (40 mm) lower than the previous model. The lower profile reduces aerodynamic drag to help improve efficiency and interior changes maintain the Spark’s traditionally generous headroom.
It is also built on an all-new, more robust architecture that serves as the foundation for its more sophisticated driving experience. The stronger body structure enables engineers to tune ride and handling more precisely, for greater feelings of control and refinement, while fostering a quieter ride.