Ten under $15,000

In a perfect world, we would have unlimited budgets for cars. But in reality, most people have financial restraints when it comes to transportation.

For those looking to purchase a new vehicle under $15,000, here are 10 options.

2012 Hyundai Accent L Hatchback

MSRP: $13,699

Standard features: electronic stability control (ESC), traction-control system (TCS), and vehicle-stability management (VSM), power door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3/USB/iPOD audio system.

Seats: Five

Engine: 1.6-litre, GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Output: 138 horsepower, 123 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 6.7L/100km in the city, 4.9 L/100 km on the highway.

Notes: It has one of the most eye-catching interiors in its class.

2012 Ford Fiesta S Sedan

MSRP: $12,999

Standard features: ABS brakes, power door locks, stability control, traction control, AM/ FM radio, electric power assisted steering.

Seats: Five

Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Output: 120 horsepower, 112 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 6.9 L/100 km in the city, 5.1 L/100 km on the highway

Notes: It's small but has a fair amount of pep.

2012 Honda Civic DX Sedan

MSRP: $14,990

Standard features: Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and brake assist, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/Windows MediaAudio playback capability and four speakers, digital trip meter, power windows.

Seats: Five

Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Output: 140 horsepower, 128 lbs.-ft of torque.

Fuel economy: 7.2L/100km in the city, 5.4L/100km on the highway.

Notes: Honda reliability in a great overall package.

2012 Kia Rio LX Sedan

MSRP: $13,795

Standard features: Four-wheel disc with ABS, 15" steel wheels with full wheel covers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, power door locks, power windows.

Seats: Five.

Engine: 1.6-litre, GDI (gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder.

Transmission: Six-speed manual.

Output: 138 horsepower, 123 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 6.6 L/100 km in the city, 4.9 L/100 km on the highway

Notes: A great-looking car.

2012 Nissan Versa S Sedan

MSRP: $11,878

Standard features: AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio input jack, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags, vehicle dynamic control (VDC), driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags.

Seats: Five

Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Output: 109 horsepower, 107 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 7.5L/100km in the city, 5.4 L/100 km on the highway.

Notes: Affordable transportation in all respects.

2012 Toyota Yaris CE Hatchback

MSRP: $13,990

Standard features: Vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA) and smart stop technology (SST), power door locks.

Seats: Five

Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Output: 106 horsepower, 103 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 6.6 L/100 km in the city, 5.2 L/100 km on the highway.

Notes: A popular-selling vehicle, totally revamped for 2012 model.

2012 Chevy Sonic LS Sedan

MSRP: $14,495

Standard features: Stabilitrak electronic stability control system, traction control, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, six airbags.

Seats: Five

Engine: 1.8-litre Ecotec four-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Output: 136 horsepower, 125 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 7.7 L/100 km in the city, 5.6 L/100 km on the highway.

Notes: A funky take on the subcompact sedan.

2012 Mazda2 GX

MSRP: $14,095

Standard features: 15-inch steel wheels w/full wheel covers, tilt steering wheel, power windows with driver's one-touch auto up/down, power door mirrors, AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability.

Seats: Five

Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Output: 100 horsepower, 98 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 6.8 L/100 km in the city, 5.6 L/100 km on the highway.

Notes: Another strong Mazda product but in pint-sized packaging.

2012 Dodge Caliber SE

MSRP: $14,995

Standard features: 15-inch wheels and covers, media centre 130 CD/MP3, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control (ESC), premium cloth seats, illuminated cup holders

Seats: Five

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Output: 158 horsepower, 141 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 8.5 L/100 km in the city, 6.1 L/100 km on the highway.

Notes: A good amount with room for five and then some.

2012 Smart Fortwo Coupe Pure

MSRP: $14,400

Standard features: Window airbag, electronic stability, two-spoke leather steering wheel and gearshift, power windows, air conditioning.

Seats: Two

Engine: 1.0-litre, three-cylinder.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic.

Output: 70 horsepower, 68 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel economy: 5.9 L/100 km in the city, 4.8 L/100 km on the highway.

Notes: It's small and it fits into just about any urban parking spot and has favourable fuel economy.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 31, 2012 E7