Best new small cars under $30,000

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

To drive it is to love it.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Base price: $29,649

Price as tested: $33,799 “Upscale luxury meets fuel economy, meets needs of a family.” The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers a pleasant ride in a quiet cocoon. The six-speed automatic transmission keeps the car from feeling robotic, and there are no hybrid symptoms while driving.

We like: This is a family car with premium appointments. The hybrid delivers on fuel consumption, but drives like a normal car.

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Power/torque: 193 hp/271 lb-ft

Fuel consumption: 6 L/100 km city, 5.5 L/100 km hwy. What’s best: Drives like a normal car.

What’s worst: Exterior moving to

ward stodgy.

Must-have option: 8-inch colour touchscreen navigation comes bundled with the Limited trim level. Go big and be happy.

Value for money: Hyundai just keeps on giving with generous features, even in the base model.