So you want a new fun car to drive every day or on the weekends, but you don’t want to break the bank. Here are 15 cars that offer plenty of kicks behind the wheel and are within reach for the not-so-super-rich. None of these cars will bore you, and in fact, a couple even offer you world-class performance that not many in their price range can match.
Nissan Juke Nismo RS
Base Price: $28,920
Despite its age, the Nissan Juke Nismo RS remains a spunky little crossover to toss around on winding mountain roads. An uprated 1.6-liter turbo-four with 215 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel-drive models packs a punch, and the standard six-speed manual keeps you connected to the car and the fun times going.
Dodge Challenger
Base Price: $27,990
No, you can’t get a Dodge Challenger Hellcat for less than $35,000, but you can get an SXT or SXT Plus with a 305-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. Even with the base powertrain combination, the Challenger is plenty fun especially with the Super Track Pak, which adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a lower axle ratio, an upgraded suspension, and performance-tuned steering.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Base Price: $27,740
Love the Golf GTI but hate hatchbacks? Well, Volkswagen has a solution for you in the form of the Jetta GLI. Powering the GLI is a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four that can be paired a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. You’ll have more than enough power for chasing GTIs on the canyons.
Subaru WRX
Base Price: $27,390
For well under $35,000, you can pretend like you’re a rally hero piloting the Subaru WRX. With the WRX’s 268-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four, a standard six-speed manual, and all-wheel drive, you’ll be able to carve up canyons with ease and even tackle dirt roads should you decide to get muddy and test this Subbie’s true capabilities.
Chevrolet Camaro
Base Price: $26,695
A ponycar and a full-blooded sports car blended into one, the Chevrolet Camaro offers exceptional driving dynamics in a retro-chic package. For under $35,000 you can take your pick between a 275-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four or a 335-hp, 3.6-liter V-6, both of which will let you unleash the fun on winding roads.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Base Price: $26,545
Forget the V-6-powered base Ford Mustang and go straight for the 310-hp EcoBoost model. When equipped with the Performance package, you’ll get a unique sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, larger brakes, a bigger radiator, a 3.55 limited-slip rear axle, an upsized sway bar, and specially tuned electronic assistance systems.
Subaru BRZ
Base Price: $26,190
Making the driver grin from ear to ear is the Subaru BRZ’s main mission, and it succeeds thanks to its impeccable balance. Sure, the BRZ might have only 200 hp, but its light weight means it’s plenty quick once you step on it. The car’s standard six-speed manual is also a joy to row, making it a pleasure to drive every single day.
Scion FR-S (Toyota 86)
Base Price: $26,100 (2016 model)
The Scion FR-S, which will be renamed the Toyota 86 for 2017, is the Subaru BRZ’s twin, and it offers the same exceptional balance, light weight, and handling. This means you’ll be able to have plenty of good times on winding roads, allowing you to take corners much quicker than many cars out there.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Base Price: $25,815
As the inventor of the hot hatch segment, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a jack-of-all-trades vehicle that offers you practicality and good times behind the wheel. When equipped with the available Performance package, you’ll get upgraded brakes, the VAQ differential, and a 10-hp boost bringing the 2.0-liter turbo-four’s output up to 220 hp.
Ford Focus ST
Base Price: $25,300
Don’t have the budget for the bonkers Focus RS? Then Ford has you covered in the form of the Focus ST, which comes with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo-four producing 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most front-drive hot hatches, the Focus ST has a tendency to be a little tail happy, meaning with the traction and stability controls off, you can essentially drift it on the track.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Base Price: $25,735
One of the purest sports cars available today, the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers impeccable balance, agility, and lightness wrapped in a sexy package. Go for the Club trim, and you’ll get an even more exhilarating driving experience with a standard sport suspension, strut tower brace, Bilstein shocks, and a limited-slip differential that’ll help you go sideways anytime.
Mini Hardtop Cooper S (Two-Door)
Base Price: $24,950
Quirkiness remains the Mini Hardtop Cooper S’ defining trait, but like many hot hatches, this little munchkin knows how to have a good time. You’ll be able to carve up the esses with ease thanks to the car’s tight handling, and you’ll look stylish doing it as well. Go for the standard six-speed manual so you can extract the most out of the car’s 189-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four and maximize the smile on your face.
Fiat 500 Abarth
Base Price: $23,570
You’ll never mistake a Fiat 500 Abarth for anything else thanks to its exhaust note that sounds like a swarm of angry hornets ready to attack. Despite the 1.4-liter turbo-four’s output of 160 hp and 170 lb-ft, the 500 Abarth is plenty quick. And when the four is combined with its sport-tuned suspension, you’ll be able to run through the canyons and cause all kinds of shenanigans.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Base Price: $23,435
Hyundai’s first attempt at a hot hatch, the Veloster Turbo, is a solid one that offers a good balance of power and agility. What sets the car apart, however, is its asymmetrical design. With one door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger’s side, the Veloster Turbo is two cars in one.
Ford Fiesta ST
Base Price: $21,845
Perhaps the hot hatch bargain of decade, the rowdy Ford Fiesta ST comes standard with a 197-hp, 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo-four paired exclusively to a six-speed manual. When combined with a performance-tuned suspension, the Fiesta ST becomes a total hooligan than loves to hang its tail out in corners and provide all the thrills you could ever want.
The post Cheap Speed: 15 Fun Cars for Under $35,000 appeared first on Motor Trend.
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