What сars are perfect for new drivers? Here is Carrrs.com rating.
EV — Chevrolet Spark
2015 Chevrolet Spark © General Motors
- Starting at $12,660 MSRP
The first generation of Daewoo Matiz was launched in 1998 by General Motors’ South Korean division GM Korea, previously known as Daewoo Motors, replacing the Daewoo Tico. After the General Motors company took control over Daewoo Motors in 2002, it has increasingly been marketed under the Chevrolet badge. The second generation model was introduced in 2005, with the third generation launched in 2010.
In North America, the all-new Spark (the second generation of Spark to be sold in the North American market) will be available in three distinct models: the base 1LS, the midrange 1LT, and the top-of-the-line 2LT. All Sparks include an array of standard features:
- Chevrolet MyLink seven-inch (7″) diagonal touch-screen infotainment system w/ A/M-F/M radio, Apple CarPlay w/ Siri Eyes-Free, Android Auto, iPod/USB input jacks, Bluetooth hands-free calling w/ wireless A2DP stereo audio streaming capabilities, SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/ three-month (3mo.) trial subscription, Bringo GPS navigation via compatible smartphones, pinch-and-zoom gesture capabilities, and full voice command via smartphone
- OnStar in-vehicle telematics system w/ OnStar 4G LTE and 1-year (1yr.) trial subscription (three-month/3mo. trial subscription or three gigabytes (3GB) trial of OnStar 4G LTE subscription included)
- Front SRS and front and rear SRS side-impact airbags
- Air conditioning
- Traction control, stability control, and anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Micro Car — Honda Fit
2016 Honda Fit © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Starting at $15,790 MSRP
The Honda Fit, also marketed as the Honda Jazz, is a four-door, front-engine, front-wheel drive subcompact car manufactured and marketed by Honda since 2001 and now in its third generation. Marketed worldwide and manufactured at ten plants in eight countries, sales have reached almost 5 million by mid 2013.
The third generation Fit retains the overall design concept of previous generations, notably the center-located fuel tank and multi-configuration interior concept, marketed as Magic Seating. The U.S. model debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in June as a 2015 model year vehicle.
The U.S. model of third generation debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in June as a 2015 model year vehicle. The third generation model replaces the previous SOHC engine with an all-new 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine featuring direct injection and an intake cam using continuously variable cam phasing with a variable lift dual cam lobe profile. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT) with available paddle shifters adopted from the Civic. Fuel mileage ratings for automatic models are 33/41/36 mpg (LX model, city/highway/combined) or 32/38/35 mpg (EX and EX-L trim levels).
All Fits trim levels include a multi-angle rear-view backup camera; higher trims include dynamic guidelines. Honda’s LaneWatch passenger side-view mirror camera is also optional.
Sedan/Hatchback — Mazda 3
2016 Mazda3 © Mazda Motor Corporation
- Starting at $17,845 MSRP
Mazda 3 was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, replacing the Familia/323/Protegé. A performance-oriented version of the Mazda3 is marketed as the Mazdaspeed3 in North America, Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan and the Mazda3 MPS in Europe.
The current third generation was introduced in mid-2013 as a 2014 model.
The third generation 2014 Mazda3 was revealed in Australia on 26 June 2013. It now sits atop the new Skyactiv chassis, no longer sharing the Ford C1 platform. It is the third vehicle to sport the Mazda’s ‘KODO: Soul of Motion’ design language, after the CX-5 and Mazda6.
It has a low drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.26 for the sedan, slightly higher for the hatchback. Combined with the SkyActive technology, this produces a rating from the U.S. EPA of 30 mpg-US (36 mpg-imp; 7.8 L/100 km) city and 41 mpg-US (49 mpg-imp; 5.7 L/100 km) highway for the 2 liter sedan, and one less mpg highway for the 5-door hatchback.
Two SkyActiv engines are offered in North American markets, the 2.0l (with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque) and the 2.5l (with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque). The 2014 Mazda3 equipped with a 2.5 liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission accelerates to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds at 95 mph. The 2.0 liter engine reaches 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and finishes the quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds. Initially the 6-speed manual gearbox was only for the 2.0 liter cars, and automatic transmission was standard on the 2.5, or available for the 2.0. In its first-drive review of the 2014 Mazda 3, the auto enthusiast weblog Jalopnik stated that “once the 2.5 comes with a manual transmission, there is really no reason to buy anything else in this class.” For 2015 model year, the 2.5 liter cars are also offered with manual gearbox.
Coupe — Kia Forte Koup
2015 Kia Forte Koup © Kia Motors Corporation
- Starting at $18,590 MSRP
The base EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder I4 engine, and the SX comes with a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque for a compact car.
The base Forte Koup EX comes with an impressive list of standard features including 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth®, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, tilt and telescoping steering column, FlexSteer®, power windows and LED positioning headlights with fog lights.
Hybrid — Toyota Prius c
2016 Toyota Prius c © Toyota Motor Corporation
- Starting at $19,560 MSRP
The Prius c is the third member of the Prius family, and combines the features of a Yaris-sized car with a hybrid powertrain. The Prius c is priced lower than the conventional Prius and has a higher fuel economy in city driving under United States Environmental Protection Agency test cycles. The Prius c is ranked by the EPA as the 2012 most fuel efficient compact car when plug-in electric vehicles are excluded.
The production version of the Prius c was unveiled in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The production Prius c was introduced in the U.S. at the January 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
A facelifted version was presented at the November 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new model has a revised front bumper and headlights, with a more aggressive and aerodynamic look. The taillights are also modified, now incorporating black plastic segments towards the leading edge. The interior features metallic HVAC vents, as well as a redesigned climate control cluster.
The hybrid powertrain weighs around 40 kg (88 lb) less than that of the standard Prius Liftback. The 1NZ-FXE engine produces 54 kW (73 hp) and the HSD motor is rated at 45 kW (60 hp). Total output is rated at 74 kW (99 hp).
The body of the Prius c is smaller than the traditional Prius, with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm (100.4 in) it is 150 mm (5.9 in) narrower between the axles, and with an overall length of 4,000 mm (157.3 in) the Prius c is 490 mm (19.1 in) shorter than the standard Prius Liftback. This places the Prius c in the American subcompact class.
Uncategorized — Nissan Juke
2015 Nissan Juke © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
- Starting at $20,250 MSRP
Since its launch for the 2011 model year, the Nissan JUKE has stood out from the crowd with its fiercely sculpted headlights and hood, muscular lines, hidden rear door handles and fluid rear hatchback design. Just last year, JUKE’s bold style was enhanced with new front and rear fascias that further push the boundaries of its signature premium and sporty performance cues.
Inside, the distinctive JUKE interior continues to combine bold design with traditional hatchback functionality. The sporty front bucket seats – available in a choice of fabric or leather appointments – frame the unique motorcycle tank-inspired center console. In the rear is a 60/40-split fold-down bench seat.
New for 2016 is standard Siri™ Eyes Free, which makes it easy to make and receive calls, read and send text messages and emails, select and play music from a compatible device, read notifications, request directions and more.
The 2016 Nissan JUKE is offered in a range of five exciting models – S, SV, SL, NISMO and NISMO RS. Each grade level is available in All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.
Pickup — Toyota Tacoma
2016 Toyota Tacoma © Toyota Motor Corporation
- Starting at $20,965 MSRP
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured in the U.S. by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first generation Tacoma, model years 1995½ through 2004, was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation was classified as mid-size. The Tacoma was Motor Trend Magazine’s Truck of the Year for 2005.
The third generation of Tacoma was officially unveiled at the January 2015 Detroit Auto Show with United States sales following in September 2015.
The truck has a new exterior profile taking styling cues from the 2014 model year 4Runner SUV and the 2014 model year Tundra pickup and features a much more aggressive and macho look, with a larger grill and new projector beam headlamps. The tailgate and bed were redesigned and featured a debossed Tacoma logo as well as an infused spoiler. New character lines were also observed on the truck as well as an air dam in front of the vehicle – these new features will likely assist in added fuel economy.
Under the hood Toyota will offer a 2.7 Liter I4 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission or the existing 5-speed manual and a 3.5-liter V6 which runs Toyota’s D-4S system switching from port to direct injection based on driving conditions and runs on the Atkinson cycle using VVT-iW variable valve timing. This engine will be offered in both a 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions. EPA-estimated city/highway/combined mpg for the 4×2 automatic is 19/24/21 and 18/23/20 for the 4×4 automatic. Based on the SAE J2807 tow guidelines the Tacoma can trailer up to 6,800 lb (3,100 kg).
SUV — Subaru Forester
2016 Subaru Forester © Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- Starting at $22,395 MSRP
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover manufactured since 1997 by Subaru. Available in Japan from 1997, the Forester shares its platform with the Impreza. It was introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover wagon. It has been crowned Motor Trend’s 2009 and 2014 SUV of the Year and The Car Connection’s Best Car To Buy 2014.
US models of fourth-generation went on sale in March 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles. Early models include 2.5i in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions; 2.0XT (253PS) in Premium and Touring versions. Base and Premium model 2014 Foresters can be equipped with the manual 6-speed transmission or the Lineartronic CVT. All other models are equipped with the Lineartronic CVT. An option on Limited/Touring 2.5i and Premium/Touring 2.0XT is new X-Mode control and Hill Descent Control(HDC) features. These are not available on other models.
Sports Car — Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda MX-5 Miata © Mazda Motor Corporation
- Starting at $24,915 MSRP
The Mazda MX-5, released as the Mazda MX-5 Miata in North America and as the Eunos Roadster in Japan, is a lightweight two-seater roadster with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Manufactured by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, the model debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. The MX-5 was conceived as a small roadster – with light weight and minimal mechanical complexity limited only by legal and safety requirements, while being technologically modern and reliable. The MX-5 is conceptually an evolution of small sports roadsters of the 1960s, such as the Triumph Spitfire, Datsun 2000, Alfa Romeo Spider, and particularly the Lotus Elan.
The second generation MX-5 (NB) was launched in 1998 (for the 1999 model year), the third generation (NC) model was launched in 2005 (for the 2006 model year), and a fourth generation (ND) was released in 2015 (for the 2016 model year). It continues to be the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history and by July 2014 over 940,000 MX-5s had been built and sold around the world. Production of the MX-5 fell by 2013 to below 14,000 units, due to the world finance crisis in 2008, and the pre-announcement in 2012 of the coming ND model.
The fourth generation MX-5 is 105 mm (4.1 in) shorter and 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than its predecessor, putting the vehicle’s estimated curb weight somewhere around just 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). The car will be based on the Mazda SKYACTIV technology. There will be 2 direct-injection petrol engines without turbo-chargers. The base model will have a 1.5 L 129 bhp engine, and the North American (USA & Canada) version will have a 2.0 L 155 bhp (116 kW) engine.
A manual shift transmission as well as an automatic transmission will be offered, both with 6 gears. The cockpit, steering wheel, and infotainment system are very similar to the 2014 Mazda3. The fabric roof is manually operated and can be opened/closed within a few seconds.
