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(NAPSI)-Although the average price of a new vehicle reaches close to $30,000, you don't have to spend a small fortune to drive a cool car.
The editors at Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) provide budget- and style-conscious buyers a list of the top 10 cool new vehicles that can be purchased for less than $18,000. These editors' picks deliver cool looks, smart features and excellent fuel economy, making the cars in this price range even more appealing.
The list of qualifying vehicles under $18,000 was compiled using Kelley Blue Book's New Car Blue Book values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
The editors thoroughly examined each vehicle for styling, performance and the fun-to-drive factor. Objective criteria such as safety, fuel economy, environmental impact, interior size and comfort were also taken into account.
THE TOP 10 COOLEST
NEW CARS:
• 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic (Regular Cab Manual WT)
The 800-pound gorilla of this group earns its spot on the list by delivering the most metal for the money along with hefty hauling and towing capacities. If you need to lug cool stuff, the full-size Silverado Classic lets you do it for a compact-pickup monthly payment. MSRP: $17,015, New Car Blue Book Value: $16,590
• 2007 Ford Focus SES 2-Door Hatchback
Its Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle status helped place the versatile Ford Focus 3-door on the list. Focus combines international style and cheeky, fun-to-drive character in a handy, economical package. MSRP: $16,180, New Car Blue Book Value: $15,937
• 2007 Honda Fit
Driving the Fit is the most fun you can have with four wheels and 109 horsepower. Matched with a cleverly configurable rear seat that provides uncanny cargo capacity, the diminutive Fit is cool condensed. MSRP: $14,445, New Car Blue Book Value: $14,301
• 2007 Hyundai Tiburon
Hyundai's sporty entry combines the presence of a $30,000 sports coupe with energetic driving dynamics and brand value. Updates for the 2007 model year include freshened front and rear styling. MSRP: $17,295, New Car Blue Book Value: $17,157
• 2007 Jeep Patriot
Based on the same platform as the Dodge Caliber and Jeep's own Compass, the Patriot sets itself apart by featuring all the utility and features of its twin brothers but also adding an off-road capability and Jeep purity that the others lack. MSRP: $14,985, New car Blue Book Value: $14,985
• 2007 Mazda MAZDA3
Fun, stylish, versatile and substantial, the exceptionally well-rounded MAZDA3 is the only vehicle to make it onto the list four years in a row-and every year since its introduction. MSRP: $18,175, New Car Blue Book Value: $17,993
• 2007 Nissan Versa
By offering more room than its closest competitors and available features like Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and keyless entry and start, the Versa offers a little taste of luxury at a decidedly down-market price. MSRP: $13,075, New Car Blue Book Value: $13,206
• 2007 Scion tC
The tC coupe furthers its own pedigree with industrial-sleek styling, lively performance and a sharp interior that belies the car's starting price. MSRP: $16,980, New Car Blue Book Value: $17,235
• 2007 Suzuki SX4
The most affordable four-wheel-drive vehicle out there is wrapped in distinctively styled sheet metal and offers advanced features like keyless entry and start. A 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is pretty cool, too. MSRP: $17,124, New Car Blue Book Value: $17,038
• 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
With an eager engine, unexpectedly tenacious handling and interior refinement, the vehicle formerly known as Golf plays off its Euro roots to offer Continental cool. MSRP: $15,630, New Car Blue Book Value: $15,474
For more information, visit www.kbb.com.