Enthusiasts on a $100k-long “shoestring” cannot afford a seriously quick high-performance 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 alien-like 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.
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.
Honda Jazz RS 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1498cc
Bore x stroke 73mm x 89.5mm
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Max power 130bhp at 6600rpm
Max torque 155Nm at 4600rpm
Power to weight 123.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.6 seconds
Top speed 196km/h
Consumption 18.9km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 127g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport 2030
Size 185/55 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS, VSA
MEASUREMENTS
Length 3955mm
Width 1694mm
Height 1524mm
Wheelbase 2530mm
Kerb weight 1050kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $100,999 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Sportiest performance, roomiest and most versatile interior
– Workmanlike soundtrack, plasticky cabin, shortest rear backrests
BEST IN PERFORMANCE
Hyundai Veloster 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1591cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.4mm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Max power 130bhp at 6300rpm
Max torque 158Nm at 4850rpm
Power to weight 106.6bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top speed 190km/h
Consumption 16.1km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 142g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Nexen CP643a
Size 215/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4220mm
Width 1790mm
Height 1399mm
Wheelbase 2650mm
Kerb weight 1220kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $101,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most supportive seats, quickest transmission, coolest styling
– Compact backseat, least effective air-con, smallest boot
BEST IN HANDLING
Nissan Juke 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 78mm x 83.6mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Max power 116bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 158Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 95.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top speed 170km/h
Consumption 15.9km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 145g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Falken Azenis FK453
Size 225/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4135mm
Width 1765mm
Height 1565mm
Wheelbase 2530mm
Kerb weight 1218kg
Turning circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $107,988 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Greatest road presence, most coupe-like cockpit, cushiest seating
– Relaxed power delivery, thirstier than rivals, Adventure spec is pricey
BEST IN COMFORT
