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Low-Cost New Cars Also Low On Frills

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By LARRY PRINTZ The Virginian-Pilot

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 26, 2008

Even if you're unaffected by the current economic downturn, you're probably

watching your wallet. With that in mind, here are the least-expensive cars

on the market, and the key items they feature or lack.

Hyundai Accent GS

Base price: $10,665

Drivetrain: 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, five-speed manual

EPA rating (city/highway): 26/35

The bottom line: Yes, this is as cheap as it gets for a new set of wheels in 2009. For those of you who won't miss air conditioning, power windows or a radio, your car has arrived.

Nissan Versa 1.6

Base price: $10,865

Drivetrain: 107-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, five-speed manual

EPA rating (city/highway): 26/34

The bottom line: Spartan driving at its finest. Want to stay cool? Park in the shade. Want some tunes? Try humming. Want options or more horsepower? Cough up some dough. It will cost you.

Kia Rio

Base price: $12,145

Drivetrain: 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, five-speed manual

EPA rating (city/highway): 27/32

The bottom line: Yes, it's inexpensive, yet has an AM/FM/CD audio system. Features such as air conditioning and antilock brakes aren't available on the base model.

Chevrolet Aveo5 LS

Base price: $12,625

Drivetrain: 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, five-speed manual

EPA rating (city/highway): 27/35

The bottom line: GM's cheapest car is a five-door hatchback with a tilt wheel and an AM/FM radio. Air conditioning is courtesy of Mother Nature. Antilock brakes aren't available.

Smart For Two Pure

Base price: $12,635

Drivetrain: 70-horsepower, 1-liter, three-cylinder, CVT transmission

EPA rating (city/highway): 33 / 41

The bottom line: It's cute. And this firm riding two-seater has antilock brakes, an automatic transmission, stability control and side airbags. But there's no radio or air conditioning.

Toyota Yaris

Base price: $12,925

Drivetrain: 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, five-speed manual

EPA rating (city/highway): 29/35

The bottom line: Toyota's three-door cheapie has standard air conditioning - a rarity in this class. A radio is optional; a tilt wheel is standard, along with six airbags.

Larry Printz, The Virginian-Pilot

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