During 2013 we had a
very busy year in the automotive world, with quite positive figures in
the entire country with respect to new cars sales, and also it was a
year in which many of the well-known global brands launched new models,
while others were completely renewed, and it is impossible to deny that
some automakers do not cease to surprise us with the evolution and the
great work they are doing with their vehicles, in a matter of fuel
economy, cutting edge technology and entertainment in general.
In my personal list of the best cars of 2013, I have about 20
candidates, of which the majority are those sporty, exotic and
luxurious, which occasionally make you think and tell to yourself with a
sigh, I really would like to be able to buy at least one of them, such
as the Nissan GT-R or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
for example. But going back to reality, and as at Autopten we look
especially for those economical ones, I'll just tell you a little bit
about the five most affordable of my list of the best cars of 2013.
1) 2013 Mazda Mazda3 - Starting at $16,945
MAZDA MAZDA3.
Mazda uses the Japanese term 'Jinba Ittai', the connection between the
rider and his horse, to speak about the sensations offered by the
Mazda3. For more information about this vehicle, please visit its official site.
As far as design is concerned, the style of the new Mazda3
continues the KODO philosophy which adopted the brand with earlier
models such as the Mazda6 and the CX-5. The huge grille and elongated
headlights give to its body a sharp and aggressive look, specially in
the front, while the beltline rises as it passes through the car, and
the roof is kept as low as possible to achieve an excellent drag
coefficient. The interior was also completely redesigned. Mazda
engineers were able to design a more comfortable interior with a better
volume. This new generation of the Mazda3 uses two four-cylinder engines
with SKYACTIV technology. The smallest one is a 2.0-liter with 155
horsepower and the largest is a 2.5-liter with 188 horsepower. Both can
be mated to a manual or automatic 6-speed gearbox.
2) 2013 Ford Fiesta ST – MSRP Price: $21,400
FORD FIESTA ST.
The sporty ST is the most powerful version of the small Ford. The
integration of all cosmetic additives is excellent and nothing is
perceived as forced or artificially added. For more information about
this vehicle, please visit its official site.
The new Fiesta ST has everything you look for in a hatchback. It
is compact, economical, fast, very fun to drive and the perfect car for
carrying a small family, like all compact hatchbacks. The Fiesta ST
feels like a Focus ST in reduced version, which is quite good. The
chassis is very well balanced and the type of equipment reminds us that
it is a sports car that doesn't sacrifice too much the comfort and
practicality. The 1.6L four-cylinder engine, is one of the greatest
strengths of this car since it delivers an exuberant quantity of 197
horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
3) 2013 Ford Mustang GT – Starting at $22,510
FORD MUSTANG GT.
The Mustang 2013 has a new and more refined exterior design which
achieves a more modern look. It also features technological advances to
improve the driving experience. For more information about this vehicle,
please visit its official site.
The next chapter in the life of the Mustang began when it was
introduced simultaneously in six cities across four continents. The GT
version continues to use the 5.0-liter V8 engine but with new valves and
cylinders to deliver 420 horsepower. A new intake system improves
emissions and fuel consumption at low speeds. There is also a version
with 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that develops 305 horsepower, and the
3.7-liter V6 version with 300 horsepower, so there is a Mustang for
every taste. The new car is lower and wider, and takes many elements
from the previous version. The long front and aggressive rear remain
unchanged from the original, as well as the trapezoidal grille with the
Mustang logo. The traditional round headlights are smaller and are
located behind a chiseled front while the traditional rear lights are
now three-dimensional and are placed under the rear deck.
4. 2013 BMW 4-Series Coupe – Starting at $40,500
BMW 428i COUPE.
The new 4 Series is the first representative of the fourth generation
of the sports coupe corresponding to the midsize premium segment. The
number 4 indicates that a new Coupe era has begun, enhancing its own
design. For more information about this vehicle, please visit its official site.
Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe has a
longer wheelbase, and the axle track width is also greater. Additionally
it is lower, so its center of gravity is located below 500 mm height,
which means that it is the vehicle with the lower center of gravity of
the all BMW range. The BMW 4 Series Coupe is available with a
six-cylinder gasoline engine (BMW 435iA Coupe) and another of
four-cylinder (BMW 428iA Coupe). All the engines are equipped with the
latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, covering a power range from 245
to 306 horsepower.
5. Cadillac CTS – Starting at $45,100
CADILLAC CTS.
Cadillac has had to improve its product line to give the fight and
retake a place in the group of premium manufacturers. For more
information about this vehicle, please visit its official site.
Cadillac has updated the exterior design of the new CTS, almost
equating to the models of the German luxury carmakers. It has also
increased its length and reduced its height and weight to enhance
performance. Cadillac and GM have a big stake in the third generation of
the CTS since this model represented last year the 31% of sales in the
U.S. of luxury brands. GM is also seeking that the new CTS be able to
compete with German luxury brands in emerging economies, especially in
Asia. The all-new Cadillac CTS will be marketed with the new 3.6L V6
engine generation, which develops an estimated of 321 horsepower, and a
torque of 275 ft-lbs. It also comes equipped with an eight-speed
automatic transmission with new paddle shifters, being the first time
that General Motors makes a transmission with these characteristics.
You're probably not agree with me, and you have better
candidates, if so, I invite you to share your opinion on which or what
were the best cars of 2013. Other in my personal list I didn't mention
are: Alfa Romeo 4C, Range Rover Sport, Porsche 911 Turbo S,
Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Lamborghin
Veneno, Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1, all of them dream cars.
