Top 10 least expensive cars in Canada for 2017
Frugality is often seen as being cheap; but it is a strategy that can pay real dividends as the years go by. No question, five dollars in your pocket is better than five in someone else’s pocket, the point being that wealth comes not just from a good offence (good sources of income) but a strong defence too, in which every expense, no matter how small, is controlled, minimized or reduced, whether it’s as simple as returning unwanted or unneeded stuff to the store, or as big as buying a second car. Spend less, save more. Control the burn rate.
With that in mind, we set out to see which new cars in Canada currently have the lowest advertised MSRPs, avoiding such frilly add-ons such as automatic or CVT transmissions and air conditioning that drive up cost. No, you don’t get much more than basic transportation with these vehicles, and, yes, you will get ugly hubcaps; but you also get a brand new vehicle that won’t break the piggy bank, preserving cash for something else, and almost certainly good on gas (saving again, yeah!).
Redesigned for 2016, the 2017 Nissan Sentra comes in five trim levels, with the S costing the least. That gets you a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth and cruise control with illuminated steering-wheelmounted controls. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8 L/100 km highway, 9.0 city.
All-new for 2016, the Toyota Yaris hatchback gets a low MSRP but comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of features. Available in six trim levels, the cheapest threedoor, CE 5M gets a five-speed manual transmission, 6.1-inch audio display, Bluetooth, power windows and door locks as well as nine airbags. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 L/100 km highway, 7.8 city.
Unchanged for 2017, the thirdgeneration Honda Fit gets a 1.5-L four-cylinder engine that makes 130 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. The DX is the cheapest of five trim levels and comes with a six-speed manual, rear-view camera, power windows and door locks, a fiveinch colour LCD screen, LED tail lights, keyless entry and 15-inch wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 L/100 km highway, 8.1 city.
Powering the 2017 Rio is a 1.6-L in-line four-cylinder engine with 137 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque controlled via a six-speed manual transmission. Power windows and door locks, steering-wheel audio controls and the same safety features as higher-trim-level Rios are all part of the economical package. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 L/100 km highway, 8.8 city.
Available in four trim levels, the least expensive S, like all Versa Notes, is powered by a 1.6-L fourcylinder engine with 109 hp managed through a five-speed manual transmission. Air conditioning is standard, as are dual power heated outside mirrors and illuminated steering wheel audio controls. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 L/100 km highway, 8.6 city.
The most affordable SUV in Canada, the Jeep Patriot has been given a discount of $5,750 to currently land at $14,295 for FWD versions. Available in seven colours, the lowest priced Patriot gets a five-speed manual transmission and a 2.0-L four cylinder with 158 hp. Standard are 16-inch wheels and engine block heater, but locks and windows are oldschool manual. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 L/100 km highway, 10.9 city.
With the best powertrain warranty of all, the Mitsubishi Mirage comes in five trim levels, starting with the base ES 5MT. That brings one of the smallest engines, however, a 1.2-L three-cylinder engine with only 78 hp via a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.8 L/100 km highway, 7.1 city.
Completely redesigned in 2016, the Chevy Spark has room for four passengers. It is powered by a new Ecotec 1.4-L four cylinder with 98 hp. Up to 10 airbags and a rear-view camera come standard. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.2 L/100 km highway, 8.0 city.
Frequently touted as the lowest priced car in Canada, the Nissan Micra is a roomy small car with a 1.6-L in-line four-cylinder engine with 109 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on base models, and a higher priced, full-fledged race-car version is available. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8 L/100 km highway, 8.7 city.
With current discounts, the Accent steals the lead from Nissan to become the lowest-priced car in Canada — for cash deals. Normally, $13,999 but with a current price of $9,390 for remaining new in-stock 2017 Accent L manual five-door models, that’s hard to beat. With a 1.6-L in-line four-cylinder engine that makes 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque, the lowest cost L registers fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100 km highway, 8.7 city.