Every summer, a slew of new vehicles hit the market with much fanfare. Most consumers are interested in cars that retail around the $30,000 mark (preferably under it). Fortunately for all of us, there’s rarely a shortage of compelling cars from respected brands like Honda, Subaru or Ford worthy of consideration. The best picks in that price range are usually the updated versions of popular standbys that feature a few new twists. This is why you’ll find so many familiar names on our list. Here are ten stellar 2016 performance cars that deliver above average ratings at an attractive price.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Photo by IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
Clocking in at an MSRP of $29,565, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a sporty bundle of joy for drivers of all ages. Whether you opt for the Sport, Club or Grand Touring trim level, every MX-5 Miata comes with a lean but peppy 2.0-liter engine that packs 155 HP and 148 foot-pounds of torque. Capable of hitting 60 MPH in under 6.5 seconds, this nimble two-seat roadster’s 6-speed manual transmission makes shifting gears on the open road a blast.
Ford Focus ST Hatchback
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Much like the popular Honda Civic SI, the Ford Focus ST Hatchback is a fleet-footed firecracker with across-the-board appeal. Its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine puts out an astonishing 252 HP and 270 foot-pounds of torque while achieving 32 MPG at highway speeds. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, the Focus ST can ramp up to 60 MPH in a mere 6.3 seconds. As sporty as it is, the Focus ST Hatchback provides comfortable seating for up to five people.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Coupe
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While most consumers rarely use the words “Mustang” and “economical” in the same sentence, the Mustang EcoBoost Premium Coupe proves that even muscle cars can be lean and efficient. With an MSRP of only $27,725, the 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost still manages up to 31 MPG on the highway while producing 310 HP and 320 foot-pounds of torque from a 2.3- liter engine. With its 12.5″ front brake rotors, independent rear suspension and 18″ wheels, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Coupe guarantees responsive handling and grip on any surface.
Subaru Forester
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Like with every Subaru on the road, the primary goals of the Forester are utility, good looks, and safety. Regardless, the all-new Forester delivers exciting performance for its size due to a flat-four engine capable of 170 horsepower and 174 foot-pounds of torque. It can even tow up to 1,500 pounds if you’re in the hauling mood. This particular crossover combines a roomy 147.5 cubic feet of interior space with convenient features like rear-view backup cameras to provide a top notch experience for just over $27,000.
Honda Accord Sport
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When a car has been around for as long as the Honda Accord, you know they’re doing something right. The Accord Sport’s 2.4 liter inline-four engine delivers 185 HP and 181 foot-pounds of torque while achieving 34 MPG under cruising conditions. Its 119 cubic feet of interior spaces ensures that a family of four or even five can comfortably travel to any event in style. For $25,900, Accord Sport buyers get next-level refinement and performance at a fraction of the cost.
Subaru Impreza
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If you like all-wheel-drive sedans with plenty of pep and don’t want to take out a second mortgage, the $21,264 Subaru Impreza merits a look. Its 2.0 liter DOHC flat four kicks out 148 HP and 145 foot-pounds of torque while getting up to 34 MPG on the highway. Despite its impressive 34.8-foot turning circle, the Impreza has 108.9 cubic feet of interior space. Unlike some earlier Imprezas, the latest model boasts a cushy ride under even the most challenging road conditions.
Mazda 3
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In a nutshell, the Mazda 3 is spacious and packs more horsepower and a surprising bump in fuel economy than earlier models. The magic comes from the Mazda 3’s four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G motor, which is good for 184 HP. It somehow manages up to 41 MPG on the freeway while ramping up to 60 MPH in just under 7 seconds. Better still, the intuitive driver controls and integrated infotainment options make it seem much more expensive despite its affordable $21,000 MSRP.
Honda Civic
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More than any other car, the Honda Civic represents cautious but meaningful evolution. The available DOHC 2.0 liter inline-four produces 158 HP and 138 foot-pounds of torque at the top of the power curve. The latest model gives buyers the choice between either a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, the latter of which can get up to 40 MPG under the right conditions. 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, zone-based climate control and 160-watt stereo output round out the passenger experience nicely.
Ford Fiesta ST
Photo by David Villarreal Fernández / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Ford Fiesta ST is a complete revamp of the original. This would-be pocket racer has a 1.6 liter engine that puts out 120 HP and 112 foot-pounds of torque. Paired with a curb weight of just 2,578 pounds and a 5-speed gearbox, it’s capable of hitting 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds while getting up to 36 MPG. On top of that, the new Fiesta ST has the best interior of any car under $18,000.
Honda Fit Hatchback
Photo by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
For a vehicle with a 1.5 liter engine, the humble Honda Fit manages impressive performance thanks to its 130 HP and 114 foot-pounds of torque. While that may not seem like a lot of muscle, the Honda Fit has a curb weight of 2,500 pounds. Its unique split-folding rear seat configuration makes for plenty of real-world usability for the average passenger. The Honda Fit’s hatchback setup is perfect for young singles that want an economical vehicle for under $18,000.
Finding the Right Rubber for the Road
Any of the vehicles profiled here will work for the typical consumer who wants a sub-$30K auto good for a decade or more of usage. Some are sporty and some are handy. Quite a few are both at the same time. All are terrific values for the money. At the end of the day, you only need to ask yourself one question: which of these fine models would you like drive out of the lot?
The post Best New Cars of 2016 under $30K: Speed, Agility, and Performance Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune appeared first on Proctor Cars Magazine.