New York’s a big place, but many people prefer to get around by public transport. Driving in the city is completely different to other types of driving. And if you’re going to do it, you need the right kind of car.
The great thing is, you’re spoilt for choice. There are so many great options out there to meet the demands of city driving. From eco-conscious models to sporty hatchbacks, there’s something to suit every style and budget.
What to look for in a city car
City driving requires a certain type of car. Large, uneconomical models are out and smaller, well-equipped cars are in.
Size
Space is at a premium in the city. Parking spaces are small and corner tight. Smaller cars do well in this environment and are more maneuverable than some of the big beasts you see.
Eco-Conscious
Most car manufacturers are starting to realize that people want to lessen their impact on the environment. A great way to do this by producing cars that produce fewer emissions and electric and hybrid models. There’s even a new Ford Mustang that is fully electric, you can click here for details on this new model. There will be a lot of electric and hybrid models on our list.
Not only are electric cars better for the environment, but they’re also better for your pocket too. Many cities now had dedicated spaces for the free charging of electric vehicles.
Driver aids
Let’s face it, driving in the city, you need all the help you can get. Driving, parking, and maneuvering on busy streets and tight spaces can be stressful and lead to a few bumps and scrapes. Many of today’s cars come fully equipped with parking sensors, cameras, pre-collision warning, automatic breaks, and lane assist.
Low-Running Costs
Living in the city is expensive enough, you don’t need an expensive car too. If you’re driving a gas-fueled car, you want to get as many miles out of a tank of gas as you can. That’s why hybrid ad electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular.
Comfort
You shouldn’t need to sacrifice your comfort for a good city car. Most cars now spend a lot of resources making seats comfortable and suspension that cushion you from the uneven, potholed city streets. Add to that advanced air conditioning and you can stay cool even on the hottest of days.
Top City Driving Cars
Honda Fit 2020
This little gem of a car has won a lot of awards for its design and handling. It’s friendly on your budget but without sacrificing on features. The car itself is deceptively spacious, with a good amount of head and legroom.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2021
Great value for money and the hybrid engine means lower running costs. Drivers can expect somewhere in the region of 53mpg. As with all Toyotas, it is reliable and economical to repair. This car is made for the city with it’s advanced pedestrian and cyclist detection features.
You can also enjoy the entertainment system which uses Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
BMW 2 Series 2020
Cruise the city in luxury. This sporty little number is packed with features and has an excellent safety rating. The model is available in coupe, sedan, or convertible styles. The rear legroom isn’t as good as some of the other models in its class but this little car really stands out for its quality and reliability.
Tesla Model S 2020
If you’re looking for high-end luxury from an eclectic vehicle, then step forward Tesla Model S. As with all Teslas, the interior is a masterclass in spaciousness and quality. Because there’s no engine, there’s also some extra luggage space in the front of the car too. You can also expect a range of up to 390 miles on a single charge, which makes it great on long trips and economical to run. A control screen that wouldn’t look out of place on the Starship Enterprise controls almost every feature.
Tesla’s real party trick is it’s summoned and self-parking features. So if you don’t like parking in the city, you don’t have to.
Mini Cooper
This iconic car never goes out of style. It’s small, practical, and safe. It is full of excellent little features like a sound system that turns itself up as you’re driving so that you can always hear the music.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 is a compact SUV which is great if you need that little bit of extra room, or prefer an elevated driving position. The extra space makes it the perfect car for city driving during the week and longer drives at the weekend.
The onboard system has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto options. If that wasn’t enough, it also has Amazon Alexa integration.
Fiat 500
The little Fiat 500 has been an iconic city car in Europe for decades and is becoming more and more popular in the US too. It’s small, easy to maneuver, and has good reliability ratings. If you’re looking for a funky, sporty little car to get you from A – B then the Fiat 500 is a good bet.
Hyundai Tuscon
If you have a big family or need a larger car, then take a look at the Hyundai Tuscon. It has great leg room on the front and rear, alongside excellent features such as an automatic sunroof, electric mirrors, and a good sized trunk.
Mazda 3
The Mazda provides style, reliability, and affordability. It comes with all of the quality and features you’d expect with a Mazda as well as having a great safety rating. Great little touches like a pollen filter in the air-con and steering-wheel-mounted cruise control make driving the Mazda 3 a pleasure.
Conclusion
City driving is stressful enough without having to worry about having a suitable car. Carmakers have now seen the light and are moving away from battle-ship-sized cars that drink gas and are looking toward comfort, features and finally making models that city dwellers can get the best out of.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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