5 Surprisingly Affordable Cars Under $15k at the 2019 Vancouver Auto Show
There was something for everyone down at the Vancouver Convention Centre this past week. The Vancouver International Auto Show 2019 finished up on Sunday after six days of impressive showcases and exhibitions. The latest designs and upcoming models from all major brands were on display...
Canada Drives rolled in to check out some of the more affordable car models, size up the SUVs and trucks, and drool over some of the supercars that were on show.
Vehicles under $15,000
Hyundai Accent (5-door)
Price: Starting from $14,599 MSRP
Engine: 130HP 1.6L GDI DOHC 4-cylinder
Fuel Economy: 6.3 Highway / 8.2 City
Other Highlights: SUPERSTRUCTURE frame, ample cargo space, 5" touchscreen with rearview camera
Fun meets functional with the Hyundai Accent. Its 1.6L GDI DOHC 4-cylinder engine is both powerful and efficient. The Accent boasts premium safety features including its incredibly strong SUPERSTRUCTURE frame and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist technology. Impressive cargo space with 60/40 split-fold seats offers plenty of room for groceries, luggage, and more. It also boasts a 5” colour touchscreen with rearview camera, 6-speed manual transmission, and aerodynamic air vents. Available add-on features include a power sunroof, 17” alloy wheels, 6-speed automatic transmission, and heated front seats.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Price: Starting from $10,998 MSRP
Engine: 1.2L MIVEC 3-cylinder
Fuel Economy: 5.6 Highway / 6.6 City
Other Highlights: 5-speed manual transmission, Bluetooth cellphone interface
Compact, efficiently designed, and ideal for the budget minded, the European-inspired Mitsubishi Mirage boasts a 1.2L DOHC MIVEC 3-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. This nifty hatchback features MacPherson Strut suspension on the front and Torsion Beam suspension at the rear so you barely feel any bumps in the road. It also comes with 14” steel wheels, rearview camera, and a Bluetooth interface to pair your smartphone. For a little extra, you can get Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, cruise control, and remote keyless entry.
Nissan Micra S
Price: Starting from $10,488 MSRP
Engine: HR16DE 1.6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
Fuel Economy: 6.8 Highway / 8.7 City
Other Highlights: 5-speed manual transmission, RearView monitor, Bluetooth streaming
The Nissan Micra is compact and built for agility. It features a 5-speed manual transmission, and a RearView monitor for easy reversing. For audio, the Micra boasts an AM/FM audio system accessed through a 7” colour display, auxiliary jack for your MP3 player, and Bluetooth technology for wireless streaming and hands-free phone calls. Its 1.6L DOHC 16-valve engine produces 109 horsepower — more than enough power to make easy work of everyday driving. You could also upgrade to the SV model and get Cruise Control, power windows, and illuminated audio controls built into your steering wheel.
Chevrolet Spark
Price: Starting from $9,995 MSRP
Engine: 1.4L ECOTEC 4-cylinder
Fuel Economy: 6.2 Highway / 7.9 City
Other Highlights: 5-speed manual transmission, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
The Chevrolet Spark features a 1.4L ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine with Multiport Fuel Injection technology. What does that mean? It means that, although this hatchback is small, it’s got enough muscle under the hood (98 horsepower) to make a dependable daily driver. High on safety, Spark boasts a 10-airbag system, Rear Vision camera, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control. Cruise control and an infotainment system with 7” colour touchscreen come standard as well.
Subaru Impreza (4-door)
Price: Starting from $20,000 MSRP
Engine: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
Fuel Economy: 6.4 Highway / 8.3 City
Highlights: 152 horsepower, full-time AWD system, dynamic touchscreen infotainment system
Okay, it’s not quite under $15K, but a good deal is a good deal, so we just had to include it. The Subaru Impreza was built to impress. Boasting 152 horsepower, this 4-door Impreza comes equipped with a symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system, delivering excellent traction on those rainy day drives. Its 6.5” touchscreen infotainment system pairs wirelessly with your iOS or Android smartphone for easy connection, while a rearview camera takes the guesswork out of reversing. For a little extra, the Impreza boasts EyeSight Driver Assist technology which utilises two cameras to monitor the road ahead. With this extra pair of eyes looking out for you, it’s safe to say the Impreza’s got your back!
Trucks, Pickups, and SUVs
This is the True North, so SUVs, trucks, and pickups were always going to feature prominently at this show with the likes of RAM, Jeep, GMC, Ford, and Land Rover making quite an impression with their newest urban dweller and built-for-adventure models.
Jeep Gladiator
To say this truck is an off-road vehicle would be a redundant statement — the photo (above) says it all! This ultra-powerful open-air pickup truck is just the motor for any kind of job with amazing 4x4, hauling, and towing capabilities.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
An award-winning off-road SUV, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler combines 285 horsepower, 4-wheel drive system, and 8-speed automatic transmission to get you through every out-of-town, off-the-grid adventure and home again.
Cadillac Escalade
Blessed with a 6.2L V8 engine and 420 horsepower, the prestigious 2019 Cadillac Escalade accommodates up to 8 passengers. It could literally fit the entire Brady Bunch! The suggested retail price on this city-dwelling SUV starts at $88,000.
GMC Sierra AT4
The GMC Sierra AT4 is a powerhouse on wheels! Boasting 420 HP, this truck can withstand a payload up to 1700lb., and it can tow weights of up to 9400lb. It accommodates 5 passengers, and its commanding presence can be partially attributed to the bold, black-chromed grille.
Range Rover
Range Rover continues to innovate and refine, and their latest models are sleeker than ever. This elegantly designed city slicker features a meticulously appointed interior, floating roofline, continuous waistline, and lower accent graphics.
Sportscars and Supercars
McLaren Senna
This $1.3 million supercar was one of the prized gems of the show, and for good reason. Named after the late Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, McLaren designed just 500 of these. It boasts a powerful twin-turbocharged V8 McLaren engine, and produces 789 horsepower!
Jaguar XJ
The XJ simply oozes luxury and offers a dynamic driving experience with its 8-speed electronic automatic transmission, hydraulic power steering, and all-wheel drive.
Ferrari Portofino
We never get tired of seeing Ferrari in red. They always seem to achieve the perfect shade and finish. This scintillating speedster can go from 0 to 200km in just 10.8 seconds!
Ferrari 488 Pista
Just when you thought Ferrari couldn’t get any cooler, they went ahead and added racing stripes. This luxurious Italian design sports a ferocious V8 engine, and it’s been aerodynamically optimized to perform. This red racer can go from 0 to 200km in 7.6 seconds.
Mclaren 720S Spider
The 720S Spider commands attention right down to the very last detail. This full-throttle supercar isn’t just eye candy; it’s powered by the M840T McLaren engine—a 4.0-litre V8 unit with twin-scroll turbochargers!
Toyota GR Supra
The fifth generation of Supra is here, and it boasts 335 horsepower thanks to its turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. It also sports 50/50 weight distribution, a low centre of gravity, and a sleek, sleek finish.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat
This blue beauty is up to any challenge. Sporting a look that’s reminiscent of the 1970s and packing serious SRT V8 power, this muscle couple is the only vehicle in its class with all-wheel drive.
Other Star Attractions
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Hollywood royalty was in the house too with appearances from Bumblebee, the Camero-turned-Volkswagen Beetle from Transformers, and the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future! And is that Herbie behind that DeLorean?
Delorean (Back to the Future)
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