We can't all afford an executive limo, but that doesn't mean we should miss out on the bells and whistles. The best affordable cars cost well under $40,000, yet offer their owners similar convenience and driving tech as the big executive rollers.
1.2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most well-rounded sporty cars you can buy today. As fun as it is functional, the GTI is the kind of hot hatchback you can wring out on the weekend but happily drive on the daily. For my money, I can't think of a new car under $30,000 I'd rather buy.
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI gets a new Rabbit trim that adds more features and performance to the already solid base model. Many comfort and convenience features are only available on higher trim levels, and the seventh-generation Golf is beginning to feel old inside. For enthusiasts on a budget, the fun, frugal, functional Golf GTI is one of the most well-rounded sports cars you can buy for under $30,000.
Plaid seats and lots of space
The seventh-generation Golf has been on sale in the US since late 2014, and if there's one place where it's starting to show its age, it's inside. Don't get me wrong, the overall build quality and fit-and-finish are still great -- better than most other compact hatches, in fact -- but the overall design is starting to look a bit drab. The uninspired center stack is covered in fingerprint-ready piano black trim, and the rest of the dash and door panels are all the same shade of German raincloud gray.
On the other hand, I applaud Volkswagen for continuing to offer the GTI with its iconic "Clark" plaid seats. These comfortable, cloth chairs are super-supportive, and the front thrones are heated, too. More expensive GTI models come with leather seats, which are fine. But come on: Don't be that guy who buys a GTI without plaid seats.
Rear-seat accommodations are slightly more generous here than they are in other small hatchbacks, and the plaid fabric carries over to the bench's outboard positions. Behind the back seats, you'll find 22.8 cubic feet of space -- plenty for a pair of carry-on suitcases and accompanying backpacks. Fold the bench flat, however, and the GTI's cargo hold expands to 52.7 cubic feet, which is more space than you get in the hatchback versions of the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla. Only the Elantra GT N-Line is more capacious, with 55.1 cubic-feet of junk-in-your-trunk space.
Base trims get basic tech
The GTI's infotainment technology is a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, Volkswagen's MIB II multimedia system has a robust set of features, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims. But on the S and Rabbit models, you're stuck with a small, 6.5-inch display. Stepping up to the GTI SE gets you a higher-resolution, 8-inch touchscreen, and if you opt for the range-topping Autobahn, you get embedded navigation.
The base system works well enough, but does feel somewhat rudimentary compared to the more-modern infotainment interfaces offered elsewhere in the compact class. All GTIs have a small, low-res display in the gauge cluster, too -- if you're hoping to get Volkswagen's excellent Digital Cockpit, you'll have to buy a Jetta instead. Oh, and have fun cramming your hand into the storage space just ahead of the shifter to plug a cord into the GTI's single, hard-to-reach USB Type-A outlet.
2.2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Clas
The A-Class is a great entry point into the Mercedes-Benz brand. This little sedan punches way above its weight with premium materials, a peppy turbocharged engine and plenty of technology.
Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system comes on an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, and brings natural voice recognition to the table. Plus, I love the augmented reality overlay that's available on the navigation. It displays navigation directions directly on top of the real-time video display from the front camera, ensuring you'll never miss a turn.
The four-cylinder turbocharged engine puts out 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, which is more than adequate in the A220 sedan. A Sport mode can dial up the transmission and throttle response, while Comfort is great for daily driving. Power goes down to the front wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, although all-wheel drive is available for those in colder climates.
Overall, the A-Class is a truly premium car -- far more so than the last-generation CLA250 ever was.
3.2020 Genesis G70
The compact sport sedan segment has long been my jam, and the most compelling entry in that field is the 2020 Genesis G70 -- it even won Roadshow's Shift Award for Vehicle of the Year. Any way you slice it, the smallest Genesis (so far) is a solid consideration with a starting price of $38,475 (including $1,025 for destination).
The compact, rear-wheel-drive Genesis comes standard with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, connected to an eight-speed automatic or an optional six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is optional. A 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 is available, but places the G70's price north of $40,000. Besides, most Roadshow staffers prefer the 2.0T anyway.
You still get heaps of tech and driver-assistance features with the base car, including an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic high-beams. If you want that level of advanced driver assistance from BMW, Mercedes or Audi, you'll have to pay closer to $50,000.
4.2020 Audi Q3
The 2020 Audi Q3 is on sale, packing some major improvements, and I believe that'll give this diminutive German the edge over its competitors, many of which are very compelling.
Having sampled the Q3 last year, I can attest to its prowess in the handling department. Wielding the same 228-hp turbo I4 as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, it should also provide enough hustle to back up an on-road demeanor that begs you to have a little fun behind the wheel.
The Q3's starting price of $35,695 including destination nets you some solid standard equipment, including a 10.25-inch gauge cluster display, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, two rows of USB ports and automatic emergency braking.
5.2020 Toyota RAV4
Toyota's RAV4 has been one of the world's best-selling small SUVs for a reason. It's simple, stout, well-built and priced appropriately. And it looks good, too.
The drivetrain options on the 2020 RAV4 may not be the most exciting in the world, but they are efficient and shouldn't give you many problems going forward. Optional hybrid power in a compact SUV is a great selling point, too.
The RAV4, particularly in Adventure trim, is a handsome SUV that begins to look a little like its more off-road capable siblings without forcing those vehicles' compromises on its owner. It's a great crossover, and is more appealing than ever before.
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