NanoFlowcell Brings Large Quant E-Sportlimousine to Geneva

Another day, another concept car that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and we must say that this particular vehicle has certainly attracted a a lot of attention as we’re talking about a Sportlimousine from NanoFlowcell.

تعرّف على أول سيارة تعمل بالمياه المالحة
جميعنا ندرك تمامًا أن الوقود الحالي سوف ينتهي قريبًا، وجميعنا ندرك أيضًا بأننا نحتاج لبدائل طبيعية أخرى لكي تساعدنا في حياتنا في المستقبل، وكما تعلمون فإن هناك الكثير من الدول التي تتّجه لاستخدام بدائل أخرى وخاصةً نحو الطاقة الشمسية بشكل كبير كبديل قوي وفعال، لكن هل تخيلت يومًا من الأيام بأننا يمكننا أن نستخدم الماء كوقود؟ نعم وقود لسياراتنا


سيارة “كوانت إي – سبورت ليموزين الرياضية“هي أحد حلولنا المستقبلية. على الرغم من أن السيارات الرياضية لها سمعة جيدة كونها صديقة للبيئة، ولكن التطوير والتصميم الجديد لتلك السيارة غيّر تلك السمعة حيث وصلت سرعتها إلى حوالي 217.5 ميل في الساعة أي ما يساوي 350 كم في الساعة دون استخدام الوقود النفطي، بل باستخدام المياه المالحة

Yes, it seems that this particular company has decided to wow the public with a quite a large two-door vehicle calling called the NanoFlowcell Quant e-Sportlimousine. If the size factor seems impressive, let us tell you that when it comes to the engine you’re also in for a surprise. 

Apparently, NanoFlowcell’s e-Sportlimousine features four electric motors, one for each wheel, promising a combined maximum output of 80kW (925PS or 912hp) and a normal operating output of 480kW (653PS or 644hp). Thus, we’re talking about a car that can go up to 100km/h (62mph) in merely 2.8 seconds al thanks to the electric motors, the company saying that “It] works like a combination of a battery and a fuel cell using liquid electrolyte, which is kept in two tanks and pumped through the cell.” 

فالنظام الصارم للقيادة يسمح للسيارة “كوانت إي – سبورت ليموزين“ بالانطلاق من صفر إلى 62 ميل في الساعة في 2.8 ثانية، وتم قبولها على طرق الاتحاد الأوروبي، فبعد التجربة الأولى عام 2014 في معرض جنيف للسيارات في شهر سبتمبر صدّق الاتحاد الأوروبي على إمكانية السيارة التي تعمل بتقنية المياه المالحة على طرقها

So, we could say that with this particular system, the company is bringing something new to the table as nanoFLOWCELL technology offers major performance improvements. The only problem seems to be with the fuel liquid but according to the company there is nothing to be worried about as it doesn't contain any environmentally damaging components.

سيارة “كوانت إي – سبورت ليموزين“البالغ قدرتها 920 حصان تستخدم تقنية تعرف بتقنية تدفق الكهرباء من خلال نظام المحركات الكهربائية الأربعة، فهي تعمل بنفس طريقة عمل خلية الوقود الهيدروجيني حيث يستخدم السائل لتخزين الطاقة في المياه المالحة. ويمر السائل عبر غشاء الخزانات ما يخلق شحنة كهربائية يتم تخزينها ثم توزيعها على المكثفات الفائقة، وتبلغ سعة الخزانات 200 لتر من الماء والتي تسمح للسيارة أن تقطع مسافة تتراوح بين 248 و372 ميلًا، أي ما يساوي 397 و595 كم

Moving on to the design part, the NanoFlowcell’s e-Sportlimousine is quite a large vehicle (5,257mm) that features a sleek and futuristic design. Also, the doors are gull wing doors measuring alone two meters in length. The car rides on a 3,198 mm wheelbase, being 1,357mm tall and 2,109mm wide and comes to weight around 2,300kg (5.071 pounds) when all of its flow-cell fuel tanks are full.

ويبلغ مجموع مساحة مقاعد السيارة الأربعة 5.25 طول × 2.2 متر عرض، وسمك عجلاتها يبلغ 22 بوصة والأبواب مزدوجة مثل الأجنحة ومطلية بطلاء الكريستال الأزرق، وأما في الداخل فهناك نظام للترفيه ومميزات خشبية. ولم يتم الكشف بعد عن السعر أو موعد البيع لكن بعض الخبراء أكدوا أن سعرها سيزيد عن 1.7 مليون دولار

It would definitely be something to have this raptor-of-a-car on the streets and if we were to take on the word of the company, it seems that we could be seeing some road-going prototypes soon enough. Apparently, they have plans to to have this concepts done by the end of year, thus we’re certainly in for something interesting.

وتخطط شركة “نانوفلوسيل إيه جي“ التي يقع مقرها في ليختنشتاين لاختبار السيارة على الطرق العامة في ألمانيا، وأماكن أخرى في أوروبا في الوقت الذي تستعد فيه الشركة لإنتاج سلسلة منها، وتزعم أنها تقدم عروض للتقنية الخاصة بالبطاريات تساوي خمسة أضعاف قدرة بطاريات الليثيوم أيون من نفس الوزن


وقال جينز بيتر إليرمان، رئيس مجلس إدارة شركة نانولفلوسيل ايه جي، أن هناك خطط جاري تنفيذها لترويج صناعة مثل هذه السيارات والتي ستصبح أفضل من حيث إمدادات الطاقة، كما يمكن استغلال محركاتها في النقل البحري والسكك الحديدية وتكنولوجيا الطيران أيضًا

Sites: autoevolution, ibda3world

Truck of the future aims to drive itself

Tractor-trailer drivers, if you text while driving in the middle of the freeway, then the future may belong to you.

If you can afford a Mercedes truck, that is.The German vehicle maker sent an 18-wheeler barreling down the Autobahn recently, while the driver surfed the Internet for food recipes on tablet computer -- at least that's how media photos told the story.

بدون سائق: مرسيدس تقدم أول شاحنة نقل ذاتية القيادة

في الوقت الذي تعمل فيه جوجل على تطوير سيارات صغيرة ذاتية القيادة (بدون سائق)، تنظر مرسيدس إلى ماهو أكبر من ذلك، إلى شاحنات النقل ذاتية القيادة

Its test drive was brief, covering about three miles, German media reported.

The trucker's hands didn't touch the wheel and his eyes were fixed on pork cutlets. But that could be the way some drive in the future, perhaps in the next decade or so.

That's the message of the prototype "Future Truck 2025," which Mercedes says is the first self-driven freight vehicle. It may seem illogical right now, but the hands-off idea is aimed at eliminating human error.

فقد أظهرت الشركة الألمانية نموذج عام 2025 من “مرسيدس بنز” شاحنة المستقبل ذاتية القيادة، والتي تحمل اسم مرسيدس فيوتشر ترنك 2025. وهي خطوة كبيرة فى السباق نحو إنتاج سيارات ذاتية القيادة

Special cameras and multiple radar systems watch the road, the sides of the road, and cars and trucks behind the vehicle.

Future Truck is also envisioned to communicate with other vehicles and connect to growing sources of online information as Big Data balloons on the road.

Its computerized controls will also make it more fuel efficient, Mercedes boasts.

Once the truck merges into traffic, it won't accelerate to clichéd Autobahn breakneck speeds. The system will throttle it to a meek 50 mph, Mercedes says.

النموذج الأولي من الشاحنة مزوّد بتقنيات كثيرة منها على سبيل المثال القدرة على فحص حالة الطريق لمسافة 250 متر عبر ردارات، كذلك أنظمة الربط الشبكي (بين الشحنات الأخرى ذاتية القيادة)، والكبح الآلي ونظم الإنذار الذكية، والهدف هو إنتاج شاحنة ذاتية القيادة لتساعد سائقي الشاحنات في رحلاتهم الطويله بسرعه 80 كيلومتر في الساعة وستكون متوفرة بحلول عام 2025

Many of the component parts to put a vehicle like this into production are already available in trucks on the market: Systems that help drivers keep their distance from other drivers, active braking assistance, guidance and mapping systems, and fine-tuned cruise control and tons of other hi-tech tchotchke.

تسعى مرسيدس لأن تكون رقم واحد عالميًا في إنتاج سيارات ذاتية القيادة، وهو سباق دخلت فيه مع جوجل وغيرها من الشركات الكبيرة التي تعمل في مشروعات مماثلة. شاهد الفيديو

If a puttering slowpoke pulls out in front of Future Truck 2025, it will slow down automatically to keep off of its bumper, but the 18-wheeler won't pass it by itself.

That's when the driver will have to turn off the ball game, put down the iPad or lay away the knife and fork, then take the wheel.

But he'd be ill advised to goof off too much, because two cameras and a sensor under his seat will monitor his activities.

Mercedes says that the trucker will still be expected to be responsible for controlling the vehicle. But by then they won't be called that anymore.

In 2025, they'll be promoted to "transport managers."

Sites: CNN, Ibda3 World

2015 Cadillac ATS - Review

The 2015 Cadillac ATS is still fairly new to the market, but now entering its third full year, it brings a new variant to better compete against its luxury rivals: a coupe. 

رفاهية سيارة كاديلاك أي تي أس كوبيه 2015

شركة سيارات كاديلاك كشفت في معرض سيارات ديترويت عن شعارها الجديد الذي احدث ضجة في عالم السيارات مؤخرا و وضعته علي مقدمة سيارة كاديلاك أي تي أس الكوبيه 2015 الجديدة كليا و لتثبت شركة سيارات كاديلاك للجميع ان تغييرها لشعارها لن يؤثر اطلاقا علي جودة سيارات كاديلاك انعمت بالكثير من المميزات علي سيارة كاديلاك أي تي أس كوبيه 2015 من ناحية التصميم والاداء والامان والرفاهية

With excellent cabin materials and design, striking exterior design, and crisp, sporty handling, the Cadillac ATS rivals or beats the best of the segment on most metrics, even as those rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Infiniti Q50 make their own improvements. 

Blending the edgy, high-tech feel of modern Cadillac exterior design with a wider-spectrum appeal, the 2015 ATS is at once striking and non-controversial. Crisp lines meet elemental proportions in a way that reaches a broad range of people. Inside, it’s much the same, with a modern layout and eye-pleasing materials throughout. 

تصميم السيارة

سيارة كاديلاك أي تي أس كوبيه 2015 تألقت في معرض سيارات ديترويت بتصميمها الجديد و الذي حل علي كثير من التعديلاك لتبدو اكثر رياضية مثل حصول هذه السيارة على ابواب و سقف و اقواس العجلات و غطاء الصندوق المعاد تصميمهم من جديد بالاضافة الي تجديد شبكة التهوية الرئيسية و فتحات التهوية السفلية و اللتان تحملا شعار كاديلاك الجديد و اما عن داخلية السيارة فهي حصلت علي كسوة مقاعد جلدية بحياكة اكثر فخامة و رقي و انتشرت في الداخلة تطعيمات من الالمونيوم والياف الكربون والاخشاب

هذه السيارة لم تختلف كثيرا من حيث الابعاد عن موديلها السابق فجائت بقاعدة عجلات مقاس 2775 ملم وطولها يبلغ 4663 ملم وعرضها يبلغ 1841 ملم  وارتفاعها يبلغ 1392 ملم بينما ووزنها يبلغ1550 كجم وما يعادل 3418 رطل

Three core engine choices are available in the 2015 Cadillac ATS: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder model; a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; and a 3.6-liter V-6. The two latter engines are the only options for the 2015 ATS Coupe. Both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are available, and both sedan and coupe are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 

Throughout the cabin, wood, leather, and metal are found at nearly every touchpoint and design cue. Optional upgrades include a choice of trims and accents, with carbon fiber among them. The seats are sport bucket units up front, offering a good mix of comfort and spirited-driving support; upgraded performance seats are available for even greater support. Width and depth are good in the front row, allowing plenty of head and leg room even for taller drivers. The rear seat is a tighter environment, but still among the better examples in its competitive set. 

الامان و الرفاهية

شركة سيارات كاديلاك لم تهمل الامان و الرفاهية في هذه السيارة بالطبع لحرصها على سلامة ومتعة ركاب سيارات كاديلاك فامتلكت نظام ملاحة واتصال لاسلكي بالانترنت واي فاي وبلوتوث وزودت بنظام معلومات ليعرض علي شاشة مقاس 8 بوصات و متصلة براديو و مشغل اسطوانات و مسجل أم بي 3 وبجانبها مدخل يو أس بي بالاضافة لكل هذا زودت بالعديد من انظمة الامان الالكترونية مثل نظام تحذير من التصادمات الامامية ونظام مثبت السرعة التفاعلي ونظام التحكم في الجر ونظام الثبات الالكتروني ونظام مراقبة ضغط الهواء داخل الاطارات ونظام مساعد لتثبيت السرعة

The 2015 Cadillac ATS hasn’t yet been fully rated by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the sedan has earned a five-star rating in frontal crash and rollover categories from the NHTSA. As you’d expect of a modern luxury car, the 2015 ATS includes a full set of standard airbags, eight in total, including front knee airbags. Rear side airbags are an available extra. Available safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. 

الاداء

هذه السيارة سيدان مدمجة فاخرة متاحة بخيارين للحركة دفع خلفي و دفع رباعي كما زودت بخيارين للمحركات

المحرك الاول: محرك تربو سعة 2 لتر و ما يعادل 1998 سي سي ذو 4 اسطوانات بالحقن المباشر قوة 272 حصان و عزم الدوران  295 رطل/قدم و ما يعادل 400 نيوتن سرعتة القصوي 7000 لفة/دقيقة و يتسارع من 0-100 كم خلال 5.6 ثانية معدل الاستهلاك في المدينة 21 ميل/جالون و علي الطريق السريع 31 ميل/جالون

المحرك الثاني: محرك تربو سعة 3.6 لتر و ما يعادل 3564 سي سي ذو 6 اسطوانات يعمل بالحقن المباشر قوة 321 حصان و عزم دوران 275 رطل/قدم و ما يعادل 373 نيوتن و سرعته القصوي 7200 لفة في الدقيقة و معدل الاستهلاك في المدينة 18 ميل/جالون و علي الطريق السريع 28 ميل/جالون  كلا المحركين في السيارة يأتيان بخيار الاقتران بين ناقل حركة  اتوماتيك 6 سرعات او ناقل حركة يدوي ذو 6 سرعات وعجلات الومنيوم مقاس 18 بوصة و خزان الوقود تبلغ سعته 60.5 لتر 

سعر السيارة لم تصرح به شركة سيارات كاديلاك و اكتفت بالتصريح عن سعر موديل السيارة السيدان بسعر مبدئي من 30 الف دولار يصل الي 40 الف دولار و ما يعادل تقريبا 109687 درهم امارتي الي 146250 درهم امارتي و ما يعادل تقريبا116371 ريال سعودي الي 155162 ريال سعودي و ما يعادل تقريبا 203317 جنية مصري الي 271090 جنية مصري

On the feature sheet, the ATS starts out well in base form, with a host of available upgrades to take the sedan or coupe well into high-tech luxury territory. Navigation; expanded media connectivity including USB, SD and Bluetooth audio streaming; wireless phone charging; WiFi hotspot; CUE infotainment; all of these and more can be had in the 2015 ATS.

Site: The Car Connection, Araby Motors

Mercedes Magic Body Control

Now, Mercedes is not known for its sense of humour. Apart from the mildly insane versions of its cars which emerge from its in-house tuners, AMG, it builds very sensible, quietly handsome, impressively engineered, efficient and, above all, very comfortable motor cars. This comfort is the cornerstone upon which the company’s S-Class saloon is based; that and ground-breaking technology.

رأس الدجاجة فكرة تكنولوجية رائدة لسيارة مرسيدس

الآن ومع أحدث نسخة من سيارة ليموزين أس كلاس، تمكنت مرسيدس من الجمع بين تصميمها العريق ومع أحدث تكنولوجيا توصلت إليها الشركة وهو نظام تحكم ذكي للغاية يدعى التحكم السحري في جسم السيارة، ويقصد بالسحر هو قدرة هذه التكنولوجيا على قراءة الطريق باستخدام مزيج من الكاميرات وأشعة الليزر للبحث عن أخاديد ومطبات وحفر لاختيار التعليق المناسب بشكل استباقي للتعامل مع أي عقبة قادمة بحيث يكون جسم السيارة ثابتاً تماما

With the newest version of the S-Class limousine, Mercedes managed to combine these two facets of the car’s DNA with something called Magic Body Control. We know, we know – rather a strange name for what is, actually, a very clever system. It uses a combination of cameras, lasers and, as far as we’re concerned, witchcraft to ‘read the road ahead’, searching for ruts, bumps, potholes and the like and setting the suspension up pre-emptively to deal with whatever obstacle is coming.

It works jolly well, too, and although the S-Class’s ride is pretty cushiony-soft at the best of times, the addition of Magic Body Control insulates the occupants even further from the undulations which are particularly prevalent on Britain’s scarred roads.

التكنولوجيا مأخوذة ببساطة من فكرة الدجاجة فالدجاجة لا تحرك رأسها مهما كانت ظروف الحركة المحيطة بها إنها ثابتة تماما بشكل جعل مرسيدس دراسة هذه الظاهرة عن كثب والاستفادة منها في إبقاء سيارتها الجديدة بمنتهى الثبات على الطرق التي بها مطبات أو حفر

So, how do you go about advertising what is a hugely impressive, if not exactly easy-to-illustrate, piece of technology? Do you show the car driving along a rutted mess of a road with cutaways to the serenely comfortable and unruffled passengers? Do you perhaps put some soothing music in the background? Apparently not.

You may remember that I mentioned Mercedes’ apparent lack of a sense of humour earlier in the piece. Well, perhaps this advert might change that perception. Merc decided that the best way to advertise this brilliant piece of technology was to use some chickens. Yes, you read that correctly. Some chickens – and not the colloquial term for some less-than-brave chaps but some actual fowl. Nope. Us neither.

ولقد قررت شركة مرسيدس الاستفادة القصوى من هذه التكنولوجيا الحديثة وأعلنت عن هذه التكنولوجيا بشكل ظريف منهية الإعلان بشعار جديد وهو الاستقرار في جميع الأوقات إنها تكنولوجيا رائعة بالفعل

Apparently, chickens have eyes which are much larger for their head size than humans do so, when they want to keep focussed on something while their body is moving about, their head has to stay still. In this case, it’s been decided that moving various chickens’ bodies in time to Diana Ross’s classic 1980 disco hit ‘Upside Down’.

Now, bear with us, because there is a point to this. While the chickens are ‘throwing their shapes’ (or, more accurately, having their shapes thrown for them) it’s noticeable that their heads remain almost entirely still – no matter what their body position. Mercedes, therefore, decided that this would be a brilliant way to illustrate how this impressive new technology insulates the S-Class’s passengers from whatever rough stuff the wheels are currently encountering, and ending the advert with the tagline “Stability at all times. Magic Body Control”

Whatever you may think of the name that Mercedes has given this piece of technology, you’ve got to admire the original thinking behind the advertising. It’ll certainly stick in your mind. We just hope that Mercedes didn’t fall fowl (sorry) of any animal cruelty laws.

Site: Autotrader

Behind the wheel of world's first 3D-printed car: Futuristic vehicle is made in 44 hours using just 40 parts ... and it costs £11,000

There have been 3D-printed buildings, dresses, hats, jewellery and even parts of the anatomy. 

And now the world has been introduced to Strati, a 3D-printed car which was created using direct digital manufacturing techniques.

The car is composed of 40 parts - a significantly smaller number than that of a conventional vehicle which has more than 20,000 components.

The Strati is made of only 40 parts, unlike conventional vehicles which have more than 20,000 components

شركة لوكال موترز تعلن براءة اختراع أول سيارة مصنوعة بطابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد

تعتبر سيارة ستاري أول سيارة مطبوعة بطابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد وتتكون فقط من 40 جزء بخلاف أجزاء السيارة التقليدية التي تتكون من 20 ألف جزء

Conceived of by the Arizona-based Local Motors, the printing and assembly process took 44 hours to complete and took place during the six-day International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014 in Chicago.

Made of one solid piece, the Strati will have a top speed of 40mph and a battery range of between 120 to 150 miles.

The chassis and the body of the car are printed using a giant 3D printer but the tires, seats, wheels, battery, wiring, suspension, electric motor and window shield were made using conventional methods. 

وتم صناعة السيارة وتجميعها في 44 ساعة عمل لتظهر إلى النور، وتم عرضها في معرض الصناعات التكنولوجية الدولية 2014 في شيكاغو، وتحتوي السيارة على قطع صلبة وسرعتها القصوى تزيد عن 40 ميلاً في الساعة، ومزودة ببطارية مناسبة تجعلها قادرة للسير لمسافة تصل إلى 150 ميلا

The battery-powered, two-passenger car is made of layers of black plastic and reinforced with carbon fiber. 

Local Motors CEO John Rogers told the Wall Street Journal: 'We are the first company to make a 3D-printed car using carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic.

'The seats, body, chassis, dash, center console and hood will all be 3D printed.'

ويبلغ سعر السيارة ما بين 18.000 دولار إلى 30.000 دولار على حسب مواصفتها، وتم تصنيع السيارة بالكامل باستخدام طابعة ثلاثية الأبعاد ضخمة ولكن العجلات والمقاعد والأسلاك والمحرك فتم تصنيعها  على الطريقة التقليدية

The company hopes to offer 3D-printed cars for between £11,000 to £18,000 ($18,000 to $30,000) each, depending on the types of optional features buyers will want.

A machine tool maker, Cincinnati Inc, supplied the huge printer, much larger than the usual 3D printers, which are usually 10ins by 10ins.

This particular printer is able to process parts as large as 3ft by 5ft by 10ft. 

كما وسبق وأن أنتجت الشركة درجات نارية، وألواح تزلج والعديد من المركبات بنفس التقنية منذ عام 2007، وتسعى الشركة أن تصنع العديد من المركبات بسعر منافس وغير مكلف حتى يكون لها مكان في السوق ويزيد الطلب عليها

Local Motors has been producing motorcycles, motorised skateboards and other vehicles since 2007, using the same method.

Mr Rogers hopes that this less expensive manufacturing process will bring innovations to the market more swiftly than the usual methods of production.

On their website, Local Motors says that it is planning to launch 'production-level 3D printed vehicles that will be available to the general public for purchase in the months following the show'.

Site: Dailymail

The 10 Cheapest New Cars Sold in America for 2014

In general, cars today are so competent that even some of the most basic rides are better than some much pricier vehicles from 20 years ago. Of course, there’s still unpleasantness residing on dealer lots—but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled the 10 cheapest cars for sale in America today, along with our unvarnished assessment of each to help you know which ones to avoid and which ones are absolute steals.

Oh, and a note: In the cases where more than one body style of a given model would make our list, we’ve included only the least expensive among them in the interest of diversity. Away we go!

10. Mazda 2 Sport: $15,515

Why is this car smiling? Because the compact Mazda 2 knows it’s an entertaining daily driver while also being economical at the pump and easy on the wallet. Its low curb weight and excellent chassis combine to deliver tossability and driving enjoyment despite its meager 100 hp. Be sure to spec the five-speed manual for maximum involvement; the four-speed automatic is antiquated and saps fun. The 2’s short wheelbase can yield a bouncy ride over rough roads, but a small overall footprint makes it perfect for zipping in and out of city traffic and squeezing into the smallest of parking spots. With a well-designed, roomy interior, the Mazda 2 is the poster car for small, affordable, and fun-to-drive transportation. A new 2 is on the way shortly, based on the super-hot Hazumi concept.

9. Hyundai Accent GLS sedan: $15,455

Although this is the cheapest Hyundai on the market, the Accent GLS isn’t a stripped-out penalty box: Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and doors, remote keyless entry, and a power-operated driver’s seat. Its 138-hp 1.6-liter engine comes paired with a six-speed manual; the optional six-speed automatic adds cost ($1000) while subtracting performance. Other bummers: The suspension is too soft to be entertaining and the interior lacks refinement, with plenty of hard plastics where we’d prefer something softer. Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, however, adds peace of mind to the new-car purchase process.

8. Toyota Yaris L 3-door hatchback: $15,240

We don’t know what the definition of the word “Yaris” is, but it definitely doesn’t mean “pocket rocket.” While this tiny Toyota offers a tidy, practical hatchback body, its 106-hp 1.5-liter engine offers little in the way of performance. Low weight, however, does enable surprisingly good handling, and the Yaris is one of the few cars in this list that actually enjoys tucking into a corner rather than tucking in its tail and heading for home. We’re hopeful the next Yaris will be even better, since it will share key components (and be built alongside) with the next-generation Mazda 2.

7. Chevrolet Sonic LS sedan: $14,995

While the sleekly sculpted Sonic can’t hit the 768 mph that its name implies, its 138-hp four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission will scoot it along just fine under normal driving conditions. The real appeal of the Sonic lies in its lengthy and comprehensive list of standard features, 10 airbags, remote keyless entry, and air conditioning among them. While the sedan is fine, the more versatile and attractive five-door hatchback can be had for $600 more, and would be our pick.

6. Ford Fiesta S sedan: $14,925

The frisky Fiesta is indeed a party on wheels, or as close as one can get in this company. Stick with the S and its 120-hp 1.6-liter engine; it provides sufficient pep when paired with the five-speed manual, and we’d advise against the somewhat uncouth PowerShift dual-clutch automatic. And while the Fiesta in any form largely lives up to its name, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the real rager here: the 197-hp Fiesta ST hatch, which we named to our 10Best Cars list for 2014. Sure, at $22,225, the ST costs almost 50 percent more than the base S four-door, but no one has ever accused us of having our priorities—or finances—straight. Why start now?

5. Kia Rio LX sedan: $14,700

The Kia Rio swoops in to pull this list out of its apparent downward spiral. We are pleased to report that the Rio ticks all the boxes: distinctive looks, a relatively powerful 138-hp engine, and an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Standard equipment includes a six-speed stick, USB and auxiliary inputs, satellite radio, air conditioning, and four-wheel disc brakes. And if you prefer the style of the hatch—we do—that model starts just $100 more.

4. Smart Fortwo Pure: $14,020

The Fortwo might be the least value-laden proposition here, even as there are three cheaper cars on our list. If we were plotting data points on a chart, the Fortwo would come in below the Mitsubishi at 70 hp and with a mere 1.0 liter of displacement; those two cars might, however, be tied were we to graph the “disappointment” factor. The Fortwo is built by Smart, but, well, you know how that joke ends.

3. Mitsubishi Mirage DE: $13,790

What we have here is a case of getting less for more: The Mirage hatchback offers one fewer cylinder (three versus four) and less horsepower (74 versus 84) than the Chevrolet Spark, while costing $795 more. The only way the Mirage comes off as a deal compared with any of these other cars is, well, it doesn’t. It reaches 60 mph in no quicker than 10 seconds, which makes the old Transformer Mirage, whose car mode was a Ligier Formula 1 racer, very sad indeed.

2. Chevrolet Spark LS hatchback: $12,995

With a meager 84 hp on tap from its 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the sprite-sized Spark won’t be winning any drag races, and might even lose to foot traffic. A five-speed manual is standard; avoid the continuously variable transmission if at all possible. Fuel economy was just so-so in our testing, and the pricing seems awfully close to Sonic-ville to seem like a deal. Still, there are some good things here, including an attractive and well-assembled interior that can be had with an excellent infotainment system if you step up a trim level.

1. Nissan Versa 1.6 S sedan: $12,800

Here it is, folks, the cheapest new car sold in America. Other than this distinction—and its new-car warranty and large back seat—the econo-box Versa doesn’t have a lot going for it. Its 109-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder and five-speed manual are barely up to the task of providing sufficient forward motivation, it handles as if it were on its tippy-toes, and the interior is a festival of poor design and material choice. (Although those things haven’t hurt sales much.) The five-door Versa Note is the hatchback version and is $2000 more than its sedan corollary. In this case, paying more for the hatch only means you’ll get more cargo room, not a car that’s $2000 better. Unless your parent or spouse owns a Nissan dealership, keep shopping—or at least upgrade to a Murano CrossCabriolet with dealer plates.

Site: Car & Driver

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