Edmunds: Fun-to-drive New Cars For A Quarter-life Crisis
You鈥檙e likely familiar with the stereotype of a middle-aged person who impulsively splurges on an expensive new car. But there鈥檚 also a similar experience at a different life stage: buying a flashy and fun vehicle right after you get your first well-paying job. You might call it a quarter-life crisis car. Most financial experts would argue that the last thing these young people need right now is a big loan. 30,000 that deliver driving excitement without breaking the bank. All of the listed manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) include destination fees. The Mustang has long provided sleek styling. What you might not know is how good the rest of the car has gotten recently. Despite representing the bottom rung of Mustangdom, the EcoBoost is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes a stout 310 horsepower. This entry-level Mustang also comes standard with a surprising amount of racy hardware, including a limited-slip rear differential for improved traction and an electronic line-lock to facilitate burnouts (at the track only, of course). Honda offers a variety of Civic models, but the Si is the one that will get you through a quarter-life crisis.
Available as a coupe or sedan, the Si comes with a 205-horsepower engine that provides quick acceleration. A lot of the enjoyment also comes from shifting your gears via the standard six-speed manual transmission. Compared to a regular Civic, you also get an adaptive suspension that enhances both handling and ride comfort, stronger brakes, a unique rear spoiler, Si-branded sport seats, an upgraded 10-speaker stereo, and a unique instrument panel. The Kona is one of the best subcompact crossover SUVs on the market. When equipped with its optional 175-horsepower turbocharged engine, it gets up to speed quicker than just about everything else in the class. It鈥檚 also fun to drive around turns thanks to its sporty handling. On top of that, you get a lot for your money. Even a base Kona comes with a decent set of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Our pick, the Limited, has the upgraded engine plus extras such as leather upholstery and a premium sound system. Here鈥檚 what you don鈥檛 get with the Wrangler: a quiet cabin, a cushy ride quality and lots of standard features.
But it鈥檚 easy to overlook that when you鈥檙e getting iconic styling and an SUV that can be a capable off-roader or a rugged-looking boulevard cruiser. It鈥檚 still the only SUV available that has a removable roof and doors, too. 30K limit, but it鈥檚 missing features you might expect from a vehicle made in 2019, such as air conditioning. You鈥檒l need to spend a little more to get them. The Miata is a two-seat roadster that prioritizes thrills over frills. You won鈥檛 find expansive elbow room, high-tech features or generous trunk space here. But the Miata鈥檚 small size and nimble handling contributes to the fun. Its simple fabric top that can be lowered in just a few seconds. A bevy of upgrades for 2019 makes the Miata enticing, including a revised 181-horsepower engine that gives the Miata quick acceleration. The Golf GTI blends a user-friendly interior, practicality and performance for an attainable price. VW鈥檚 formula is to take the humble Golf hatchback and transform it with a more powerful engine (228 horsepower for 2019), a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and subtle enhancements such as bigger wheels and sport seats. For 2019, the limited-edition Rabbit trim level is an intriguing pick. It slots right above the base S trim and adds extras such as adaptive LED headlights and special exterior paint colors. EDMUNDS SAYS: It鈥檚 OK to splurge a little and replace your old hand-me-down car with a new ride. The cars on this list should help keep your budget intact. Additionally, many of our picks are available used and are within the same vehicle generation, which means that you鈥檒l retain all the features of their new counterparts but for far less money. This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Ronald Montoya is a senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Essentially this is an extension of the electronic limited-slip differential and helps to eliminate understeer by anticipating conditions where one front wheel is likely to break free and then preventatively applies braking force. As a result, the GTI has fantastic road manners and really does handle well, even when pushed to the limits, the ESP brings everything under control in a smooth and efficient manner. Feedback from the steering is positive and provides a good feel for the road, although turn-in is sharper than expected and took us a bit of time to get used to. We couldn't help feel that the efficiency of the DSG took some of the fun out of the drive. It can't provide the connection to the engine and wheels like a manual gearbox can and in a hot-hatch that is part of the fun. Being responsible for the co-ordination of steering, brakes, throttle and gears is what a driver's car is all about. It's a rewarding feeling when you get it right and the reason why driving is so exciting for most.
Among the current hot-hatch line-up (think R26, OPC, and ST) the new GTI is still the least powerful and the figures don't stir up excitement. Power continues to come from VW's 2,0-litre 16-valve turbocharged 'EA-888鈥?motor. Now in it's second stage of development, VW engineers have not simply added new or upgraded ECU software. The engine has received new components such as modified pistons and piston rings, a regulated oil pump, a new vacuum pump, a new high-pressure fuel pump and a new mass airflow sensor. The result is 155 kW at 5 300 rpm and 280 N.m of torque from 1 700 rpm to 5 200 rpm. Driving the new Golf GTI the additional 7 kW over the previous model are noticeable. This GTI feels quick. Coupled with the DSG box, VW claim zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 238 km/h, ensuring the GTI can run with the pack. A flat torque curve gives the GTI great all round drive ability. Whether dawdling around town, overtaking on the open road, or racing between corners, the lump of torque is always at your disposal and ensures swift progress. New face of the VW range and rear diffuser add a stylish edge to the GTI. Well balanced chassis and handling provides quick and exciting driving. Enough power, comfort and space to carry four people, or leave them at home and burn rubber. A new set of 18-inch wheels to match the rest of the styling changes. We'd spec a few optional extras for luxury and convenience, but overall the GTI remains the best all-round hot-hatch - for now.
