Sporty drivers with a $100,000 budget can consider these sporty contenders – which one provides the most complete sportiness at this price?
ENTHUSIASTS on a $100k-long “shoestring” cannot afford a seriously quick highperformance machine, but they can certainly acquire one of these popular and sporty options we’ve gathered.
The coolest-looking contender in this story is the Hyundai Veloster, which has a unique three-door layout and a fastback-style tailgate.
Although this is the non-turbo version (which costs $18k less than the turbocharged Veloster), keen drivers will still appreciate its aggressive design that intimidates fellow boyracers.
Also boasting plenty of road presence is the alienlike Nissan Juke, whose design inspirations included motorcycles and rally cars. The Adventure variant tested here comes with coloured trimmings, but a plainer and less “adventurous” version is available for $6000 less.
Sure to appeal to everyday petrolheads is the evergreen Honda Jazz in jazzier RS spec. Its 1.5-litre engine may have the smallest displacement (the other two cars are 1.6-litre), but the Jazz promises some pace to go along with its space.
Continue reading to find out which of the three is the sportiest at $100,000 or so.
HONDA JAZZ RS 1.5.
STRONGEST MOTOR
HYUNDAI VELOSTER 1.6.
“SWEETEST ENGINE”.
ENGINE Hyundai’s 1.6-litre 4-cylinder with 130bhp and 158Nm is the most refined powerplant.
NISSAN JUKE 1.6.
“PUNCHIEST LOW-END”.
ENGINE Nissan’s 1.6-litre 4-cylinder with 116bhp and 158Nm is the most enthusiastic at low revs.
Jazz’s CVT is more responsive than the Juke’s.
Veloster’s 6-speed automatic is the quickest gearbox.
Juke’s CVT is smoother than the Jazz’s.
HONDA JAZZ RS 1.5.
COCKPIT.
This group’s most spacious cockpit is well-suited to taller drivers. The infotainment offers the best connectivity, and there are standard paddleshifters (the only car here so equipped).
BACKSEAT.
Roomiest backseat has the flattest rear floor, too, and easily accommodates three adults. The Ultra seat-fold function greatly enhances the cabin’s versatility.
BOOT.
Jazz’s 354-litre boot is the most ready for heavy items, because its loading height is the lowest and its backrest release levers are easy to reach.
HYUNDAI VELOSTER 1.6.
COCKPIT.
This group’s chunkiest steering wheel and most supportive seats are exactly what a keen driver would order. Like the Jazz, the Veloster also has alloy pedals for surer footwork.
BACKSEAT.
Feels the airiest thanks to the expansive rear windscreen, but the relatively low roofline means it’s no Accent five-door hatchback for rear passengers.
BOOT.
When expanded, Veloster’s 320-litre boot is amazingly adept at swallowing bulky stuff, although the backseats are tricky to park upright again.
NISSAN JUKE 1.6.
COCKPIT.
Somehow feels sportier than the Veloster, thanks to the digital torque display, perforated leathercovered steering wheel and most “nearby” gearlever.
BACKSEAT.
The most comfortable space for two, as the rear bench is the cushiest and has the tallest backrests. Legroom could be improved, though.
BOOT.
Juke’s 354-litre boot caters to active users most convincingly, thanks to its generous underfloor storage, which is great for outdoorsy odds and ends.
THE JAZZ IS THE SPRIGHTLIEST, THE VELOSTER HAS THE TIDIEST HANDLING, WHILE THE JUKE GIVES THE NICEST RIDE.
LAST WORD.
For keen drivers who love the look of a coupe but not its impracticalities, the Hyundai Veloster should be right up their alley. With two doors on the left side but only one on the right side for that coupe effect, this unusual vehicle tries to offer the best of both worlds.
While the Veloster’s 11.5-second century sprint time is more like a jog than a sprint, the car compensates with its tidy handling and willing motor, both of which make it a lot of fun around corners.
The non-turbo Nissan Juke is unexciting on paper, but its performance is actually on a par with the more powerful Hyundai Veloster. And despite being a high-riding crossover, it actually handles like a lower, smaller and more manoeuvrable hatchback.
Handling aside, the Juke endears itself to drivers with its dramatic cockpit. Surprisingly, the cosy layout and handy gearlever make the Juke feel more coupe-like than the Veloster.
If performance is the key consideration, keen drivers won’t go wrong with the Honda Jazz RS. Its powertrain, which is both zesty and efficient, provides jazzy driving entertainment while it keeps a lid on running costs.
Although the Jazz doesn’t look as racy as the Veloster or as unique as the Juke, its “warm hatch” setup makes it inherently practical, thus allowing the Jazz to deliver on its promise of pace and space for just over $100,000.
KEYS (left to right) Buttons on the Jazz’s fob are the shiokest to press, the Veloster’s device feels the most solid, while the Juke’s switchblade-style key seems rather dated.
