Over the past five years, however, a lot has changed. Five of the 15 budget lightweight cars on sale in 2017 have been scrapped – including the Hyundai Accent and Honda Jazz – while the Ford Fiesta, previously available in a number of sub-$20,000 budget variants, is now offered in a $35,000 and over version. away hot hatch only.
As for the Toyota Yaris… Its base price has increased to $9,000 drive-away with the arrival of an all-new model in 2020 (the first in a decade), due to a new platform, d ‘bigger and stronger bodywork, a new engine and interior airbags, front center and, above all, the fitting of AEB, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert and the adaptive cruise control on all models.
In the end, no matter how you look at it, the era of the $20,000 new car is almost over. Whether killed by safety technology, COVID-19, rising inflation, electrification or any other factor… Enjoy your Kia Picantos and MG 3 while they last.
Learn more about Alex Misoyannis
