Today’s Ask is a tough one for me, because I find all new cars to be interesting. Some more interesting than others, of course, but even the cheapest models (which some, I assume, consider to be “least interesting” by default) I find to be very interesting, for two reasons. First and foremost, cheap cars are where my new-car budget is, and it’s only natural to be more interested in cars one can actually afford. That doesn’t mean I’m disinterested in the many, so many cars I can’t afford, but I’m not going to bother configuring cars with a base price twice what I can afford or poring over hypercar specs.
Second, cheap cars are interesting because the designers and engineers are so much more constrained, and every penny is pinched with a hydraulic press. I’m fascinated by where and how a little extra is spent and where corners were cut to make up for it. I recall my old Honda Civic DX’s glove compartment was a single piece of plastic with molded-in nubs that popped into holes to serve as the hinge points. Just a spectacularly cheap design, but hey, that allowed for a little extra cash to be applied to more important parts of the car.
That said, and with no research beyond a quick brain-racking, I’d say the cheap new cars I find most interesting are …
Chevy Trax. Every time I see a Trax, I think “those look good.”
Another “those look good:” the Kia K4 hatchback.
I just rented a Mazda 3 sedan in Hawaii and enjoyed it a lot, so it’s definitely on the list (and it would be even if I hadn’t, TBH. Give it to me in Soul Red Crystal with a hatch.
How about you? What cheap cars do you find most interesting?
None, basically all new cars suck. Not interested in any mentioned. There are no cheap ones. My cheapest car cost $100 total!
The new Toyota Corolla hybrid.
https://www.toyota.ca/en/build-price/corolla/?year=2026
It’s a basic, reliable, durable car that is a hybrid but only costs just over CAD$30,000
If you need a daily commuter, you could do a lot worse than a Corolla hybrid.
that Slate truck has my attention, not my deposit, but my attention.
Topolino!
I like the recent Opel Astra. Apart from Kia and Hyundai it’s the most interesting current styling out there, I find.
I was going to say Mazda 3, but upon researching i found you need to option up to the $30k model for a manual, so maybe not. I guess it’s just the Slate Truck for me.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
Chevy Bolt
With the enormous caveat that it’s been CVT-only for a few years, I believe the Impreza hatchback is the cheapest thing that’s able and willing to get its tail out in the snow with just steering and throttle. Even with the electronic nannies on, it’ll let you have at least a second or two of low-speed rotation before it decides you’re having too much fun.
Is it interesting in any other way, besides its AWD, lowish center of gravity, and odd engine layout? Well, no, not really. Will it do it when the road (parking lot, etc.) isn’t slippery? Well, no, but then you want a used Mustang.
The Kia K4 Sedan! It has one of the oddest C-pillar/rear roof lines, how they intersect is so odd and very CAD, It also has a beveled roof! My bar for Interesting is maybe a bit low.
As a Canadian, it’s gotta be the new Chinese EVs we’re getting soon. Even for those unlikely to buy one, (including myself) this is undeniably the interesting affordable car story of the year.
Confirmed & expected models:
https://china-ev.ca/chinese-evs-canada
Most of these are boring AF, but the BYD Seagull at $22,000 CAD is not. That’s bound to find some urban buyers. Nothing is going to beat that value for a cheap car if you have access to a charger.
The Shark PHEV pickup truck may not be “affordable” per se, but at $55,000 CAD it will redefine value, features and fuel economy in one of the most desirable vehicle categories.
Honorable mention goes to the new Ford affordable electric vehicles. I think they are on their right track, and it will be interesting to see what they are working on. The Slate EV is also very interesting, even if I think it’s kind of silly.
The Trax is just another boring FWD crossover for boomers to buy lol.
Cheapest interesting car on sale here in the US is probably the Miata, honorable mention for the Civic Si.
Agreed! Other than the kinda-wagon-like shape, I see zero appeal with the
Trashtrax. Especially the trouble-prone 3-cylinder. Take the badges off and I couldn’t tell you if it was a Nissan, Hyundai, or some other brand.Miata Is Always The Answer.
I’d say the Envista has my attention still, and I think they’re genuinely pretty good little cars. Much better looking than the trax IMO.
I’ll go Peugeot 208….we don’t have them here in the states, but Peugeot has been on a great design spree for a while. The 208 starts at 25k USD equivalent, and looks fantastic. I had a 308 rental not too long ago and damn it looked great. Built horribly, but looked great at least. The new Renault 5 is awesome too.
Interesting beyond looks – The new 2CV and the Renault Twingo.
So basically a bunch of shit from Europe. Frankly, they’re not going to compete with the Chinese on budget, so they might as well go for total style. I’m here for it! Just wish we had them here int he states.
You can have a 208 from $19,900 (VAT and registration tax included).
If you must absolutely have a Stellantis car, I would recommend the Opel equivalent (Corsa in this case). It is less irritating.
Not to yuck your yum, but really? The car that looks like a startled blobfish with brake lights in the bumper looks good? Also, the 1.2L I3 in them had been problematic at best. These seem to be made for folks whose credit worthiness has run out at Nissan and kia/Hyundai but they’re desperate for a new car, so gm welcomes them with open arms.
Not seeing any of those things in the 208 but ok.
I was talking about the envista
I don’t know if $39k is “cheap” but the Ford Bronco 2 door base model with the stick makes my wife and I both go “we don’t have a use for it but that looks fun to have.”
Chevy Bolt.
Slate truck, OF COURSE.
Slate EV. It’s targets a niche and I’m happy it exists.
Might not be cheap once you option it to your liking, but you can’t accuse it of being boring.
It would be the Slate now.
1- i m not buying anything from korea-not refined and or durable.
2- no china either. No $ for a bad c0untry.
points 1 and 2 are inviolable.
3-the 3 cars pictured have huge d pillars and cut off windows and high belt. I like seeing outward.
I think you missed the assignment….What cheap cars do you find most interesting?
none. i consider only buyable cars sir.
ooh edgy! You’re not interesting.
What’s cheap now? They killed all the cheap little cars I liked. I had a Corolla as a rental last year and liked it, but they are like $30k cars. I’m not really an EV person, but maybe the Slate.
Corolla Hybrid AWD!
I would be interested in a Soul red Mazda 3 hatch with a manual.
This is a very good anwer.
In the US market?? Almost nothing. Crossovers are inherently boring and I can’t be convinced otherwise, and that’s all anyone really sells. I consider sub 30k to be cheap these days. I’d say the Slate or a manual transmission Versa.
The Slate truck is interesting to me, although I will likely never own one. To me trucks are tools, not passenger vehicles, I only want two doors, and the passenger seat is optional. I need utility, not luxury or convenience.
There is not a single SUV currently on the market that is interesting to me in the slightest, at any price point. If Chevy would revive a full-size two-door K5 Blazer they would have my attention.
I dunno. Honda Civic SI maybe? Is that a cheap car? Maybe a Toyota GR? I don’t even know what the cheap models are and most of them are crossovers and I’d rather walk.