Small but Cool Cars for Urban Living
Living in the city presents plenty of challenges to a car owner no matter the size of the city. I have owned large and small cars in large and small cities and each experience was unique. Here are my picks for best all-around “small” vehicles for urban life.
2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 330S
Here is a math problem for all you math geeks out there: The length of a car’s name is directly proportional to it’s coolness among various communities. This car has a ridiculously long name. Community equals X. Solve for X.
Okay, aside from the name, this is a great car if you live in a city with plenty of urban sprawl. 325.5 horsepower gets you from 0 to 60 in a big hurry. Tops out at about 155 (but that is only because it’s electronically controlled – tee hee). In addition to the power to get you to the grocery store in about 4.5 seconds, it still has the interior space to carry them back to your apartment
Volkswagen GTI
The GTI provides a lot of fun for the price. At 200 hp and 5,100 rpm, you’re not going to snap your neck, but at least you’re not going to go broke when you top out at about 130 mph. Where this car shines is in the turn. It has a tiny turn radius (about 17’) and it’s only 166” long, so it zips around corners like it’s on rails. When it is time to run errands or haul your stuff around, it has a full 46 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Go ahead and see how many friends it takes to fill it up.
MG-ZR
The MG is back. Well, it has been for a few years but who’s counting? I love this car. It isn’t the fastest of the three, but what you save on the sticker price can go right under the hood in after-market parts. Top speed is about 130 mph and 0 to 60 in about 7.5. MG’s attraction lies in its history, price tag and customization. The only problem I can see with this car is it isn’t yet legal to own in the U.S. Last time I checked it would cost at least 4x the sticker price to make it ready for U.S. streets. The fact remains this is perfect for the fast and tight driving.
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