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Top 10 Most Fun-To-Drive Cars Under $30,000

By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot, in Kianieuws van Autoguide.com

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Top 10 Fun-to-Drive Cars Under $30,000

The threat of fully autonomous driving is, realistically, decades away. We want to celebrate the fun of driving while we still can, but we also want to do it on a budget.

Luckily, this list of cars accomplishes just that. We combed through every automaker’s lineup to find the vehicles with the highest smiles-per-mile ratio. Every one of the cars below are factory-fresh funmobiles with full warranties included, so you can rest easy for years to come. 30 grand is a considerable amount of scratch, but it’s less than the average new car price of 2019.

From hot hatches to muscle cars, roadsters to rally heroes, read on for our top 10 most fun-to-drive cars under $30,000, presented in alphabetical order and including destination charges. Most of these cars aren’t volume models either, which means bigger discounts could be had at your local dealer.

Dodge Challenger SXT

2019 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus

Horsepower: 303 hp

Torque: 268 lb-ft

Weight: 3,858 lb

Cost: $29,490

The Reasoning: The Challenger is the undisputed cruiser of this group. This big boy is a whole lot of car for the money, with a curb weight not far off 4,000 lb and over 300 ponies to play with. Dodge only offers the V6 with a slushbox, but we’re okay with that. None of the other cars on this list, not even the Mustang, have this level of cool.

SEE ALSO: 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Review

The Challenger slips under the limit bone-stock, with enough leftover cash to add the cold-weather package if you’re further north. Unfortunately, the cooler visual packs, which can add stripes and larger tires, take it over the self-imposed $30,000 mark. So to do the tech packs, including the valuable Driver Convenience Group, which adds park assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Challenger is a big car, and you’ll want the extra sets of digital eyes.

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Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe

2019 Ford Mustang ecoboost premium fastback race red

Horsepower: 310 hp

Torque: 350 lb-ft

Weight: 4,089–4,155 lb

Cost: $27,865

The Reasoning: The Ford Mustang is the default pony car choice for a reason. The Blue Oval offers myriad options to tailor the big coupe to your needs, from stripped-out four-cylinder coupes to loaded V8 convertibles.

The entry price here represents the six-speed manual EcoBoost coupe. It out-muscles the Challenger, especially in the torque department, while also packing an extra 200 lb between its ample wheelbase. Despite that, it’s more sporting than its cross-town rival, even in comparable base trims.

SEE ALSO: 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High-Performance Package Review

The initial $27,865 hit to the wallet gives you access to a few choice options while still sliding in under the the 30-large bar. Well, so long as you want the three-pedal setup: switching to Ford’s 10-speed automatic is a $1,595 premium. Stick with the stick however, and you could go for the value-oriented 101A option package, which drops in SYNC 3, a nine-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control, six-way power seat, selectable driver modes, and 18-inch rims. If that’s not your cup of tea, you could pick two of the three following: the Safe and Smart Package ($1,000, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Auto High Beam headlamps, Lane-Keeping Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and rain sensing wipers); Wheel & Stripe Package ($895, stripes and 19-inch wheels); or active valve performance exhaust ($895). Like we said, plenty of choices.

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Honda Civic Si

2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe

Horsepower: 205 hp

Torque: 192 lb-ft

Weight: 2,889–2,906 lb

Cost: $26,155

The Reasoning: Did you know the Civic Si coupe is now in a class by itself? It’s true: the only other quick, smallish front-drive rides are all hatchbacks now, not coupes. We love the practicality of a hatch, but it’s a shame, really.

For the $26,155 Honda asks for a Civic Si, you can get either a coupe or sedan. With a weight difference best measured in tiny dog, there’s no performance penalty when opting for the second set of doors. Both Si models get the same torquey, turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, with the only transmission choice Honda’s slick-shifting six-speed manual.

SEE ALSO: 2020 Honda Civic Si Gets New Looks, Technology

There aren’t a lot of options to drive the price up more here. You could opt for the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) pack, but its $4k price tag puts the Civic over the limit, and it’s pricy for what it offers. Add the wireless mobile charger or engine block heater if you’re so inclined and pocket the change, comfortable in the knowledge you have one of the best front-drive all-rounders out there.

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Hyundai Veloster N

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Horsepower: 250 hp

Torque: 260 lb-ft

Weight: 3,036–3,106 lb

Cost: $28,555

The Reasoning: Want a more overtly sporty front-driver than the Civic? The only option at this price is the loveable Hyundai Veloster N. This funky little four-door—yes, the hatchback keeps the second door on the passenger side only—sits closer in spirit to the pricier Type R than the mid-range Si. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces a healthy 250 hp in base trim, with a stout 260 lb-ft of torque backing it up. The only transmission option is a six-speed manual, which is a joy to row through.

The Veloster’s impressive dynamics are thanks to a team led by Albert Biermann, the former head of BMW’s M division. The steering is direct and engaging, the handling balance is lively, and best of all, the N manages to feel special at legal speeds.

SEE ALSO: 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Review

There’s just one small catch. At $28,555 including destination, there isn’t enough wiggle room to add the $2,100 Performance Package. Not only does that bump horsepower to 275, it adds an electronic LSD, 19-inch wheels with 235/35 Pirelli P Zero tires, an active exhaust valve and bigger brakes. We consider it pretty much essential, but, well, we set the price limit. No exceptions!

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Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo

Kia Soul GT-Line

Horsepower: 201 hp

Torque: 195 lb-ft

Weight: 3,036 lb

Cost: $28,610

The Reasoning: The Kia Soul entered its third generation for the 2020 model year, keeping its iconic boxy shape while adding some extra attitude. Nowhere is that more on display than the top-shelf GT-Line Turbo model. Opting for this $28,610 model doesn’t leave much room in the way of options. Luckily, outside of some small dealer-installed ones, there really aren’t any to add.

A 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder does duty here, familiar from many other Kias and Hyundais (including the Veloster). A seven-speed dual-clutch auto sends the power to the front wheels. Performance can best be described as “warm”, not hot, but the Soul’s rectilinear silhouette means it offers comparative acres of storage in this company.

SEE ALSO: 2020 Kia Soul Review

Standard kit is generous, with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon sound system, customizable interior lighting, smart cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more.

If it made the cut, we’d almost rather recommend the Soul EV, which recently won the 2020 World Urban Car of the Year award.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Horsepower: 181 hp

Torque: 151 lb-ft

Weight: 2,341–2,403 lb

Cost: $27,525–$28,875

The Reasoning: Mazda’s evergreen MX-5 is once again the cheapest way into a convertible in the US market. In its own way it’s a bit of a bargain: it may have less horsepower than anything else on this list, but it’s also lighter and the only dedicated two-seat sports car.

SEE ALSO: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Mazda increased the engine’s pony count last year, bringing the free-revving 2.0-liter’s total to 181. For less than $30,000 your only option is the entry-level Sport trim, in either six-speed manual or automatic form. You’ll find standard LED head and taillights, a six-speaker sound system and Mazda’s 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. On the safety front, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and emergency braking are all standard.

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MINI Cooper S

2019 Mini Cooper S 3 Door

Horsepower: 189 hp

Torque: 207 lb-ft

Weight: 2,862 lb

Cost: $28,250

Reasoning: MINI’s smallest model might not be so small anymore, but that shouldn’t count against it. It’s still our pick of the range, and in $28,250 Cooper S 2 Door form, is still a reasonably priced bit of fun.

One MINI tradition that persists is an expensive options list however. Even our listed entry price comes with an asterisk: you better like Moonwalk Grey, because it’s the only one of the four paint options that doesn’t come with a $500 charge. The others are red, white and black too: hardly adventurous.

SEE ALSO: 2019 MINI Cooper S Convertible Review

Standard kit includes faux-leather seating (though a real-leather steering wheel), selectable driver modes and a six-speed automatic transmission. Yes, we were surprised at the lack of row-your-own option too. Heated front seats are an extra $500.

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Subaru WRX

2020 Subaru WRX

Horsepower: 268 hp

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Weight: 3,294 lb

Cost: $28,395

Reasoning: The WRX is unique amongst the whole lineup here as the only all-wheel drive entry. There are other AWD models out there for less than 30 large, but none come close to the fun Subaru’s rally hooligan provides.

Subaru’s boxer engine sits low under the WRX’s nose, with a turbo helping it produce a healthy 268 hp. Sorry, those who want their WRX to shift for itself: the CVT breaches the price limit. Not that we’d recommend it anyway, as it robs the boxer four of its sense of urgency. That power and the all-power traction makes the WRX one of the fastest straight-line options here, and it places second for power-to-weight ratio, just behind the Veloster.

SEE ALSO: 2019 Subaru WRX Raiu Review

The WRX’ interior is spartan and lacking in quality, but we imagine most buyers aren’t getting into it for a cushy ride. The lack of safety features, like Subaru’s well-received EyeSight suite, is a harder pill to swallow. Still, we’re happy that here in 2020 the WRX even exists at all.

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Toyota 86 (or Subaru BRZ)

2020_Toyota_86_TRD_001-679x453.jpg

Horsepower: 200–205 hp

Torque: 151–156 lb-ft

Weight: 2,776–2817 lb

Cost: $28,395–$29,745

Reasoning: The Toyobaru twins are some of the oldest models in this list, first debuting way back in 2012. Despite the age they still offer a unique experience, being relatively lightweight rear-drive sports coupes with naturally-aspirated engines.

A light facelift a few years ago unlocked an extra five ponies for manual-transmission cars, totalling 205. The six-speed auto stays at 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, also down five from the row-your-own. The slushbox option is just $720 more on the Toyota 86; the BRZ requires $1,100, breaching the limit.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Toyota 86 Road Trip Review

These aren’t straight-line warriors, instead putting an emphasis on a pure, rear-led handling experience. The 86/BRZ is a lesson in balance and perseverance, requiring high revs to extract performance. Both are nearly identical in terms of spec, with the biggest interior differentiator being heated front seats and mirrors, plus automatic climate control as standard in the Subaru. We’ll miss them when they’re gone: a recent leak suggests next year’s replacement will arrive with a new turbocharged heart.

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Volkswagen Golf GTI

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Horsepower: 228 hp

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Weight: 3,124 lb

Cost: $29,515

Reasoning: Often billed as the consummate all-rounder, Volkswagen’s GTI is the People’s Hot Hatch. It has a decent but not irresponsible amount of power, it has just enough visual upgrades to separate it from regular Golfs, and it trades zero practicality for either.

The baseline S trim just slides under the limit here at $29,515 including destination. That price gets you the classic GTI touches like the tartan seats and dimpled golf-ball shifter. Yes, like many models on this list, only the manual transmission, a six-speed item—is available under $30,000. The DSG auto, while a great example of the type, is too rich for our blood.

SEE ALSO: 2019 Volkswagen GTI Review

Other standard features include the VAQ electronic LSD, selectable drive modes, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and 18-inch wheels. It might miss out on niceties like a panoramic sunroof or the larger infotainment screen, but we’d argue simpler is better in the GTI’s case. The hard thing will be finding one: this is the Mk7.5’s last model year, with the newer, 242 hp Mk8 Golf GTI arriving in 2021.

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The post Top 10 Most Fun-To-Drive Cars Under $30,000 appeared first on AutoGuide.com.

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      Top 10 Manufacturers for Initial Quality: J.D. Power 2020
      By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
      J.D. Power overhauls its Initial Quality Study for 2020, resulting in a shake-up that sees domestic brands having their best showing in years.

      Give it up for the local talent. J.D. Power has released its annual Initial Quality Study for 2020, and numerous domestic automakers have surged ahead this year. No less than half of the top 10 manufacturers are American, and one ties for the top spot overall.
      First, a note for anybody comparing 2019’s results to this: the vastly higher average number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) isn’t due to reduced reliability. “The higher problem levels we see in this year’s study don’t mean vehicle quality has worsened,” said Dave Sargent, VP of vehicle quality at J.D. Power, “rather, the redesigned study asks additional questions that allow owners to cite more of the problems that they are experiencing.”
      The IQ Study polls owners on various issues and problems they encounter in the first 90 days of new-car ownership. J.D. Power found infotainment to be the biggest hurdle across the board. Nearly 25 percent of all problems cited were due to things like smartphone connectivity, touchscreens, voice recognition, and navigation systems.
      With that out of the way, let’s get to those top makes, in ascending order.
      10. Hyundai

      PP100: 153
      SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Review
      We start with the largest Korean automaker. As a parent company (including Kia and Genesis) Hyundai scored the most segment-level wins with seven individual model awards. H-branded models to top their segment include the sporty Veloster and the compact Tucson crossover.
      Loading … 09. Volkswagen

      PP100: 152
      SEE ALSO: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport First Drive Review
      The rebalanced 2020 IQS sees Volkswagen move from the bottom 10 to the top 10. The German brand didn’t score any outright segment wins, but the Jetta did slide onto the podium in the compact car class. Consider this a show of support for VW’s straight-forward infotainment systems.
      Loading … 08. GMC

      PP100: 151
      SEE ALSO: 2020 GMC Acadia Denali Review
      General Motors’ truck-and-SUV brand slots into eighth place with a PP100 score of 151, or 15 higher than the industry average. The GMC Sierra is the brand’s best-performing model; it actually out-performed its platform-mate, the Chevrolet Silverado.
      Loading … 07. Buick

      PP100: 150
      SEE ALSO: 2019 Buick Envision Review and First Drive
      With news that it’s cancelling its cars, Buick will join GMC as the other car-free General Motors brand. The near-luxury brand is now all crossovers, all the time. Buick will continue to focus on the high-riders this year, with the introduction of the slightly-larger Encore GX and a revised Envision on the way for 2021.
      Loading … 06. Mitsubishi

      PP100: 148
      SEE ALSO: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review
      Here’s a surprise: Mitsubishi is the lone Japanese brand in the top 10 this year. Just three brands from the country scored above the industry average: the other two were Nissan (161 PP100) and Lexus (159). Even more surprising: Mitsubishi ranked third-last in 2019! Chalk up this year’s result to the brand’s no-frills approach to motoring, with straight-forward infotainment and high ease of use.
      Loading … 05. Genesis

      PP100: 142
      SEE ALSO: 2020 Genesis G70 Review
      The Korean brand held onto its title as the top luxury model in the IQS for 2020. That’s even more impressive when we consider Genesis has done that since it debuted in 2017. The real test will come in the next 12 months: the brand is debuting the new G80 and, more importantly, the GV80, its first SUV. Both will come with a reimagined infotainment system—how well customers take to it will determine the brand’s 2021 ranking.
      Loading … 03 (Tie). Ram

      SEE ALSO: 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Review
      PP100: 141
      FCA scores two podium finishes this year, with its Ram truck division tying for third. The American manufacturer completely re-did the 1500 for the 2019 model year, introducing more mature styling, mild-hybrid systems, and including the return of a light-duty diesel option. A big ol’ infotainment system sits right in the middle of the center console—in portrait orientation no less—but FCA’s Uconnect system is one of the best in the business.
      Loading … 03 (Tie). Chevrolet

      PP100: 141
      SEE ALSO: 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review
      The Bowtie brand shares third place with Ram for 2020. Chevrolet benefitted from two segment leaders: the mid-size Malibu sedan and the sub-compact Sonic. What’s more, the Sonic was the best-rated car overall, scoring just 103 PP100. Chevy’s crossover and SUV lineup also performed well, with segment podium spots for models including the Trax, Equinox, Blazer, and Tahoe.
      Loading … 01 (Tie). Kia

      PP100: 136
      SEE ALSO: 2020 Kia Forte GT Review
      Some things don’t change. For the sixth year in a row, Kia is the highest-ranked mass market brand in the IQS. With four segment winners—the Forte, Sedona, Sorento, and Soul—it’s hardly surprising. Customers have flocked to the Korean brand for years because of its high perceived value. More recently the brand has ladled on style and tech without any reliability worries, and this year’s results bear that out.
      Loading … 01 (Tie). Dodge

      PP100: 136
      SEE ALSO: 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Review
      In a first for any domestic brand, Dodge tops the charts in J.D. Power’s IQS. It ties Kia with just 136 problems reported per 100 cars. Dodge has a two-pronged advantage here: it uses FCA’s intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, and most of its models, such as the Challenger, Charger, and Journey, have been in production for a long, long time. It’s given the American automaker plenty of time to target and fix any issues, and judging by this win, its work has paid off.
      Loading … The post Top 10 Manufacturers for Initial Quality: J.D. Power 2020 appeared first on AutoGuide.com.
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    • Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
      Top 9 Cheapest Electric Cars To Buy
      By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
      Despite the polarizing opinions about its owner, we can credit Tesla with giving the electric car industry the boost it desperately needed.

      Yes, the electric car still remains an aspiration for many due to the high initial price. And you can’t really keep it as your only means of transportation especially if there are interstate miles involved. But the recent advancements in battery technology have enabled manufacturers to make electric cars more accessible, so buying an electric car on a budget is now possible. Here are the seven cheapest electric cars you can buy in 2020.
      Also note, if you’re in the market to buy an electric car, make sure you check your local dealer and government websites for incentives you might be eligible for. The federal government is offering tax credit up to $7,500 that you can claim as a part of your tax return. But there are state-level benefits as well, ranging from additional discounts to free parking.
      BMW i3

      Starting price: $45,445
      We start off with the most expensive and arguably the most innovative car on the list, the BMW i3. Yes, there is a Tesla on the list and yet we call the BMW the most innovative. That’s due to its body is made out of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a concept introduced in 2013 that carmakers still shy away from. In addition, the car also uses recycled materials extensively during the manufacturing process to reduce its environmental impact.
      The i3 comes in two distinct versions, the i3 and the i3s, and both are available with and without range extenders. It makes 168 hp of max power and 184 lb-ft of peak torque in the i3 and 181 hp and 199 lb-ft in the i3s. Both are rear-drive only. The range extender is a 647 cc twin-cylinder engine that never powers the wheels directly but helps charge the battery.
      SEE ALSO: 2019 BMW i3 REx Review
      On a full charge, both the i3 and i3s will be good for 153 miles. With the range extender, the range increases to 200 miles. Interestingly, the i3 only comes with a 42 kWh battery pack. But thanks to being so lightweight (around 3,000 lb without occupants), it can go a lot further. Plus, being light also translates to lesser inertia, which doesn’t require massive brakes or extra wide tires, thereby keeping the mechanicals simple, easier to repair, and the body rust free.
      In the cabin you get things like three-stage heated front seats as standard along with an automatic climate control system, fully adjustable steering, and eDrive system with Apple CarPlay as standard. It also gets adaptive cruise control and automatic collision notification. A standard wall-mounted charger for your home can charge the battery up to 80 percent in less than five hours. If you use public fast chargers, the same percentage takes about 40 minutes.
      Loading … Kia Niro EV

      Starting Price: $40,290
      The combination of “second-most expensive” and “Kia” don’t really sound right together. But in this instant they are, as the Kia Niro EV is the second-most expensive electric car on the list. Don’t furrow your brow as it is far from the most expensive in the market. Unlike the 2018 MY car, the Niro now utilizes a single powertrain: the 201 hp, 291 lb-ft electric motor with a 64 kWh battery pack.
      SEE ALSO: 2019 Kia Niro EV Review
      Thanks to the large battery, it can do 239 miles on a single full charge but takes about 9.5 hours to charge from a power wall socket. Use a DC fast charger however and the task takes 90 minutes. In the cabin, you get climate control as standard along with an eight-inch touch-screen infotainment screen that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Other standard features include 10-way power-adjustable driver’s perch and driver assistance systems like collision mitigation, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control and lane following assist. Upgrading to the EX Premium ($45,585) trim fetches you heated and ventilated front seats, a powered moonroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system and a wireless charger. All features except the touchscreen are available as options on the EX trim.
      Loading … Hyundai Kona Electric

      Starting Price: $38,330
      Although the Hyundai Kona shares its platform and powertrain with the Kia Niro EV, it is cheaper by almost $2,000. The Kona is slightly smaller compared to the Niro however, but that isn’t necessarily an awful thing. Despite the same 201 hp motor paired to a 64kWh battery pack, the Kona can do 258 miles on a single charge compared to the 239-mile range of the Niro. The equipment distribution for the two cars is similar too. But where the Niro is available in two trims, the Kona comes with three.
      SEE ALSO: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Review
      The base SEL trim is on the spartan side but yet offers automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Although there is no power adjustable driver’s seat or a moonroof, you do get the safety suite including the forward collision avoidance and blind-spot detection. The moonroof and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is available on the Limited trim ($43,240). Features like ventilated front seats, a 10,25-inch touchscreen system, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display are available on the top Ultimate trim ($46,540) only.
      Loading … Tesla Model 3

      Starting price: $37,990
      A Tesla for less than $40,000 should be too good to be true and even if it is legit, it should have some caveat, no? We thought so too, but actually going through the builder on Tesla’s website proves otherwise.
      What you see is what you get here. The Model 3 is the most affordable Tesla and yes, if you want the “Full Self-Driving Capability”—which isn’t an accurate name, we’re must remind—you have to shell out an extra $7,000. But in the base Standard Plus trim you get power-adjustable front seats, heated seats front and rear, and the Autopilot system. The Model 3 has a 250-mile range on a full-charge and finding a supercharger in and around the bigger cities is rarely a problem in the US. Plus, it is pretty good to drive as well. From that standpoint, the Model 3 comes across as a balanced package as it not only looks cool but drives well and offers great convenience equipment as well. Yes, the cabin does look like it was robbed but minimalism has always been a part of Tesla’s appeal.
      SEE ALSO: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Review
      The Long Range version ($46,990) claims 322-mile range on a full charge while the Performance trim ($54,990) is, well, built for performance and comes with a dual-motor setup and AWD.
      However, buying a Tesla is a leap of faith. Being a relatively new carmaker, its reliability and quality record isn’t flawless. And the Model 3 was prone to problems soon after purchase. But Tesla has claimed that it has made significant improvements to the Model 3. Plus, Tesla also has a return policy which states that you can return the vehicle for a full refund if it is no more than 1,000 miles old and doesn’t have abnormal wear and tear. The company offers a comprehensive warranty as well.
      Loading … Chevrolet Bolt

      Starting Price: $37,890
      Chevrolet’s sole electric offering received a significant update to its range for the 2020 model year. The battery pack is up to 66 kWh and the Bolt now offers 259 miles on a full charge which is significantly more than the Niro and about nine miles more than the Standard Plus Model 3 trim. It makes 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque which should be adequate for both city traffic and short highway hauls as well. The only challenge is the recharging which without a level 3 DC charger can take up to six hours to recuperate completely from an empty battery. But you need a 240-volt level 2 charger for that too.
      SEE ALSO: 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review
      Chevrolet offers the Bolt in two trims, LT and Premier. Both get climate control and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. But keeping up with the Chevrolet tradition, many driver assistance systems standard on its competition are optional on the Bolt. That includes auto-emergency braking, forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. The rear traffic alert and rear park assist are standard on the Premier and optional on the LT trim.
      Loading … Hyundai Ioniq Electric

      Starting Price: $34,020
      Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric is the affordable electric hatch from Hyundai that is almost strictly a city car owing to its smaller 38.3 kWh battery and a maximum range of 170 miles. The electric motor makes 134 hp of max power and 218 lb-ft of peak torque. The Ioniq Electric is available in two trims, SE and Limited. The equipment distribution is similar to that on the Kona but unlike the Kona, Ioniq gets a bigger 8.0-inch touchscreen system as standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard and so is the automatic climate control and heated front seats. Only the driver’s perch is power-adjustable on the Ioniq and on the Limited trim only.
      SEE ALSO: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Review
      Other features limited to the top trim is the blind-spot detection system, highway drive assist, power moonroof, and the 10.25-inch infotainment system. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist are all standard.
      Loading … Nissan Leaf

      Starting Price: $32,525
      The Nissan Leaf is the only car on the list that predates Tesla’s entry into the mainstream markets. It debuted in its current form back in 2018 with a significantly bigger battery pack, more power, and range. The updates made the Nissan Leaf relevant again and today it is the most affordable electric car you can buy.
      It is available in two versions. One comes with a 40 kWh battery pack and makes 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain comes with the S ($32,525) and SV ($40,675) trims and is good for 149 miles on a full charge. The other comes with a 62 kWh battery pack and can do 226 miles on a single charge. It also makes 214 hp and 250 lb-ft which is significantly more than the 40 kWh version.
      SEE ALSO:2019 Nissan Leaf Plus Review
      The second powertrain is available with the S Plus ($39,125), SV Plus($40,675), and SL Plus ($44,825) trims. In terms of features too, the Nissan Leaf is quite well-equipped. It gets blind-spot detection as standard along with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The 360-degree surround camera view though is reserved for the SL Plus only. And though SL Plus gets the ProPilot assist as standard, it is available as part of the Technology Package. As for the infotainment, an 8.0-inch system is standard and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You do miss the moonroof entirely though.
      Loading … Upcoming
      Mini Cooper SE

      Starting Price: $29,900 (estimated)
      To say that BMW is treading lightly in the all-electric car market would be putting it mildly. After the revolutionary i3 failed to take off and the i8 hybrid was only moderately successful, BMW has taken the once-bitten-twice-shy approach with MINI. The Cooper SE will feature the same powertrain as the i3 and offer just 110 miles per full charge which is half of what you get from its competitors. One thing is certain: it will stick to the city limits. It will likely come with all convenience and safety features as standard but will not be your sole mode of transportation. What it is, is a funky looking city runabout car that will help you pose yet be environmentally responsible.
      Kia Soul EV
      Starting price: $38,100 (estimated)
      The Kia Soul EV is already on sale in Canada and is available in two trims. The lower trim employs a smaller battery pack that only offers 155 miles on a full charge and makes 134 hp. The other powertrain is the same as on the Niro and makes 201hp and offers 243 miles of range on a full charge. Also, it is hooked up to a 64 kWh battery pack. In the US however, it will probably be available with the higher range version only.
      The post Top 9 Cheapest Electric Cars To Buy appeared first on AutoGuide.com.
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