As the year is really coming to an end, we searched high and low for the best cars in town; all for the purpose of giving car enthusiasts the exhilaration they get from driving the cars.
With about 150 new car models in the market today (with not really distinguishable features from one another), it’s a little tricky in analyzing them one by one. But fret not, as this guide intends to deliver just that; the 10 best cars that through a rare combination of strengths, stand apart. What’s worthy to know is that they all cost less than $80,000, they excel at delivering value for money, they have a strong mastery of their segment, and graceful in motion nevertheless. So, take a scroll down below and see if any of these 10 will enlighten the enthusiast inside of you.
1. BMW M235i
Although this car is a throwback (designed as a successor to the 2002 series) in that it reverts to the same general plan as the E46 M3 of the early 2000s, it undoubtedly has advanced technology. With a turbocharger to maximize horsepower, and advanced tire technology which stops shorter and corners harder than the old M car, this M235i is what we’ll like to call it: quick, confident and sexy.
2. Cadillac CTS
The third-generation CTS can optimize mass efficiency and achieving a (near) 50-50-weight distribution, as well as having aluminum specifications for most of the front components, and it’s generally lighter than that of the BMW’s current 5-series. But the highlight of the car is undoubtedly the electronically controlled magnetorheological (MR) dampers that help to maintain the car’s composure in the event of any severe road inputs. With all the necessary subtle refinements made to the car, it’s no surprise in how they’ve made it to the list.
3. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
It comes as no surprise as this handsome Corvette comes with 6.2-litres and makes 460 horsepower as well as 465-pound of torque when paired with the performance exhaust or Z51 packages. This engine is claimed to be close to sentient; a living, breathing entity that shuts down half its cylinders to conserve fuel. Bottom line is that the powerful engine will inevitably stealing the limelight, despite having designs that look transplanted from childhood fantasy: an interstellar dragon.
4. Ford Mustang GT
With the supposedly wrong move of swapping out the old solid rear axle for an independent one, the Mustang proved to be even more refined and it’s truly unprecedented in its own way. Despite having an increase of about 150 pounds in curb weight and bigger brakes, the Mustang certainly doesn’t feel fat. And the body is also lighter and stiffer than the outgoing one; having a charming design too, if one should say. Also, thanks to the stiffened front end, you’ll feel twitches in your hands on the steering wheel: communicating textures, undulations and grip levels as you drive on the open roads. It’s something very nostalgic, but also something that grownups would enjoy.
5. Honda Accord
There certainly is more than meets the eye for the Accord, apart from being a highly dependable, fuel-efficient and delivering on its family-car promise, they are also subtle in seduction and have the ability to transcend. The former being able to combine thousands of parts into a one-piece device, and the latter can fade from attention on dull drives but reappearing when you’re fully engaged in the car. Sounds like a chameleon, no? Maybe that’s why the Accord is proof that millions can be served, and still be served, the best.
6. Mazda 3
With clever detailing and the hidden ability to illustrate the difference between style and design, stop guessing, as it is a truly magnificent car. The Mazda 3’s interior is designed to manage distractions visual, cognitive and manual: by placing its information array in the driver’s existing sight picture, causing a minimizing time required to refocus and readjust the eyes. It all seems very thoughtful from the automaker, and it really is. It’s a car that makes full use of its engines and makes the orderly coordination of tasks a priority, not a luxury. What more can we ask for?
7. Mazda 6
Mazda has done it once again; it’s in the list again. The 6 looks lean and lithe, and has successfully pulled off the form-and-function double with a mid-sized sedan. The perfection is reflected in the accuracy of the 6’s steering, the solidity of its brakes, and throttle response that’s sharp. Also, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder is tuned for torque and mileage more than excitement but still, it’s very fuel-efficient. All hail Mazda.
8. Porsche Boxster/Cayman
These mid-engined Porsche twins have an advantage: a matter of physics. When you take something heavy from either end of the car and move it to the middle, you’ll indefinitely increase the car’s willingness to change direction. It has the ability to initiate and to halt rotation quickens, its reflexes sharpen. Also worthy to mention is that the steering in the Boxster and Cayman are equally exceptional. With that being said, they both demonstrate immense mutability too, where they can be considered daily drivers, luxury coupes and even sports cars. Cue an applause for these magnificent twins.
9. Tesla Model S 60
We got to give props to the car’s battery, for offering so much capacity and high energy density and it just contributes perfectly to the car’s structure in a way that serves as an asset to handling. Being lightweight serves as its advantage too, as it allows the car to run softer springs while still preserving good roll control, thus, delivering a relaxing ride. All in all, it’s amazing how Tesla can manufacture a car this good, given only a few years removed from startup. And we’re proud to have them on the list.
10. Volkswagen Golf/GTI
The Golf is the kind of car that will take your money no matter what your preferences in price, practicality and performance may be, and it certainly makes full use of the mechanical functions and technology neatly. In terms of design and the feel from driving, they’re completely neutral, but that’s still fine too. It’s the Golf, after all. Also worthy to note would be the steering remains light, shift efforts are light too, and the body is vault-solid; the platform bombproof. Even with its sharp-edged GTI, you’ll be able to find Clark plaid seats and it’s considered to be the sportiest in the family. We’ll definitely Golf at any given time. No pun intended.
