As technology and engineering advance with each passing year, cars are being sold more as lifestyle choices than as modes of transportation. But all those extras we pack into our car choices can get expensive, and most of the time we just want to get where we’re going.
Ironically, most of the cheapest new cars still have all the infotainment and safety features we’ve come to expect. Along with top-of-the-line fuel efficiency.
So, when you parse a car down to its most essential function, which automobiles are worth their weight in gold? These are the cheapest new cars of 2024.
Nissan Versa
Starting Price: $16,130
The discontinuation of the Chevrolet Spark, which has reigned as the cheapest car for several years, means there’s a new king in town. With a starting price of $16,130, the Nissan Versa is the cheapest new car of 2024 for the second year in a row.
The Versa was completely redesigned in 2020, creating a much-improved vehicle. (No more manually operated crank windows.) The car now comes with more legroom than one would expect, plenty of cargo room and a 122-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that’s more than adequate.
Safety is addressed with a host of features including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beams. The entry-level Versa S sedan retains Bluetooth functionality, but lacks the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration you can find in higher trims.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Starting Price: $16,695
The Mirage’s engine provides an impressive fuel economy of 36 mpg city / 43 mpg highway, but don’t expect much power out of it. Mustering a lowly 78 horsepower, the Mirage is the least powerful car on the market.
That doesn’t mean this compact vehicle has nothing to offer. It comes standard with several safety features – forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning and automatic high beam. The model also features an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible 7.0-inch display.
For 2024, Mitsubishi is offering the Black Edition Mirage, with black trim, standard 15-inch black alloy wheels, a black roof spoiler and black side mirror caps.
The Mitsubishi Mirage may not be the most fun car to drive, but if you’re running errands or commuting around the city, it may be the best cheapest new car of 2024 for you.
Kia Forte
Starting Price: $20,915
The lower-end 2024 Kia Forte models have a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, with 147 horsepower and 132-pound-ft of torque. The only transmission available is CVT. The base model has 15-inch steelies, an 8-inch infotainment screen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Also included is an engine immobilize to deter thefts. As for to entertainment features. owners get a four-speaker sound system, although the LX still includes forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, rear occupant detection alert and driver attention warning.
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