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Best and Worst Cars
Today, we will provide you a roundup of the 10 best and worst cars of 2016.These have been ranked by Consumer Reports and several publications based on their road-test scores and predicted reliability. Compared to the previous year, the ranks have changed substantially.
Best Cars of 2016:
There has been a little disagreement across automotive communities on the selection of the best cars of 2016. The list goes as follows:
1. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 houses a 3.0L TFSI engine mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission with quarttro all-wheel. It earned an overall score of 9.2 from the U.S News and 8.0 from TheCarConnection. The SUV also made its way to the CarAndDriver’s list of top cars from 2016. With luxurious interiors, smooth maneuvering, standard forward collision warning and automatic brakes, it does make an impressive ride. However, the high-end tech features are limited to the top trim. The price starts at $54,800.
2. BMW 7 series
The BMW 7 Series won the hearts with its excellent built and functions in every possible way. The luxury sedan is accessible in multiple trims with the base 740i retaining a 3.0-liter, BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine generating 320 horsepower. It earned 8.7 from the U.S.News and was ranked as one of the best cars by J.D. Power. Although it lags behind in technological integration (with the exception of top trim), the superior, power-driven driving experience and luxury controls like massage and recliner make it the most comfortable ride of this year with prices starting from $81,500.
3. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is universally one of the most highly accredited sedans in the world. It earned a score of 9.6 from KBB and also retained a place on CarAndDriver’s editor’s list of the most popular rides of 2016. Even Edmunds gives it an “A” grade for well-rounded excellence. Consumers can choose between 2.0L 4cyl and 1.5L turbo mated to either manual or CVT, both delivering impressive fuel efficiency. It makes the perfect ride for the economical driver with the best city/highway rating of 31/42 mpg. The price of the standard LX sedan with manual transmission starts at $18,640.
4. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car that has been running successfully since 1997 and can be bought cheaply from here . It has been highly ranked by CarAndDriver and KBB. The U.S.News gives it an overall score of 8.4. The hatchback carries a 1.8L inline-4 hybrid engine under the hood mated to CVT. The company has been bringing about steady improvements and the current version has a better athletic feel. As a smart, reliable, technologically advanced with premium safety facilities and fuel-efficient car, the Toyota Prius is clearly contesting for the number one position on this list with the best in-class fuel efficiency rating of 54/50 mpg. The price in the US starts at just $24,200.
5. Kia Optima
The Kia Optima is one of the highly regarded family sedans from the South Korean automaker. It has earned a place on CarAndDriver 2016 list as well as achieved an overall score of 9.1 from KBB and 8.5 from U.S.News. It has won iF product design award 2016. The sedan offers 3 engine options with advanced safety facilities making it the most affordable family sedans the money can buy. The price starts at $22,140.
Worst Cars of 2016:
Then there were some disappointments. Here are some of the cars that did not appeal to the critic’s analysis. These include
SmartForTwo
The Smart ForTwo lacks more than just the capacity to seat people. Built for two passengers (including the driver), the car has four models to choose from. It earned an overall score of 7.5 from U.S.News. Although it delivers good maneuverability and fuel efficiency, it evidently has a small cargo space and a weak engine (898cc), which diminish the driving experience substantially. For all the right reasons, this is one car you might want to stay away from.
Chevrolet Spark
With an overall score of 8.0 (U.S.News), the Chevrolet Spark makes it to this list based on its small engine (1.4-liter 4), small interior, and limited cargo space. On the same note, the Chevrolet Spark EV has been regarded as one of the best electric cars by CarAndDriver. Although the price of the Spark and its fuel efficiency are every bit lucrative, there are better options available for the urban drivers.
Image Source: chevrolet.com
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra gets a 7.6 from the U.S.News and sadly does not make it to any lists except the ones for the worst cars of 2016. The sedan gives you two engine options i.e. 1.8L 4-cylinder and 1.8L Turbo mated to either 6-speed manual transmission or CVT. Due to its sluggish acceleration and a small engine, it is easily overshadowed by competition.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma earns the title of the most popular compact truck from Edmunds and enjoys an overall score of 8.5 from U.S.News. Despite this, Consumer Reports regards it as the worst car of 2016. With below average fuel efficiency and limited headroom, the Tacoma is clearly not the first choice for most people. It carries a 3.5L V6 mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Alternatively, customers can opt for a 2.7L 4-cyl engine mated to 5-speed manual transmission. It is difficult to maneuver and lacks the suspension that’ll keep your back from breaking. For the price it has, consumers deserve more than what they get with Tacoma.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage subcompact vehicle looks good as far as fuel efficiency is concerned. However, in terms of space and acceleration, the consumers will not be happy. With a 1.2-liter engine mated to either 5-speed manual transmission or CVT, it earns an overall score of 6.9 from U.S.News. For someone who is looking for quality commute in urban areas, there may be better options available.
