Sports cars are appealing for a variety of reasons. We all dream of a car that looks amazing, and nothing beats sporty designs. Plus, they pack a powerful punch which, even if you don’t intend to use it, can feel amazing. It’s for these reasons and much more that people turn to sporting designs in their thousands.
Of course, there are downsides to this choice of vehicle. For one, upfront cost is generally extreme. While a standard car could come pretty cheap, the same can’t be said for most sports designs. At the end of the day, brands know that people looking into these options care about their cars. As such, they’ve got you over a barrel. There’s also the issue that some people fail to handle the more powerful engines. An obscene amount of road traffic accidents are a result of misinformed drivers trying to get the most from a fast engine. And, if you do experience a car crash in your sporty purchase, you’ll want to hire a local auto accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. Because, as expensive as the cars are, the parts are just as bad. You’ll need the compensation money to get you back on the road!
But, all of these points aside, nothing beats the feeling of a car to be proud of. And, there are plenty of easy to handle options for the novices out there. More are released each year as sports cars cruise their way into the mainstream. Whether you’ve just started driving, or are only now converting to the sporting side, we’re going to look at a few upcoming releases worth checking out. No-one’s saying that these choices are as good as it gets. But, they may be a good stepping stone before you head into the world of Lamborghini and the other greats.
Honda Civic Si Coupe, 2017
We’ll start with the Honda Civic Si Coupe. There’s no denying that these cars are nothing new. First released in 2000, some would argue that they’re old news. But, Honda is set to unveil a remake of their original design at this year’s Los Angeles show. While some people rolled their eyes at the news, the car world is excited to see what Honda bring to the table.
What do we know about the changes as they stand? So far, we have a cost of $19,150. In all honesty, the price tag is what puts the Civic on our list for first-timers. Few sporting options are as cheap as this. In fact, a top-end car will set you back up to $50,000 and beyond. In comparison, the Civic is a drop in the ocean. So, it’s a fantastic way to see what you’re letting yourself in for, without blowing your budget through the roof.
And, that’s not the only promising news, either. This compact car will have six-speed, manual transmission, along with a 2.0 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s expected to reach between 220-230 horsepower.
The outer appearance may not be everything you dreamed of, but the inside will soon make up for that. The leather steering wheel, deep-set seats, and red stitching, all put you in mind of the best racing cars. It may not look like the hottest design from the outside, but you wouldn’t know it when you’re in behind the wheel. The new model will also see 18-inch wheels, and revised front bumpers and rear spoilers. A lot of effort has also been put into making sure the complete driving experience is easy and accessible. Light steering and still front and rear stabilizers should ensure you feel safe on the road.
Toyota Camry, 2017
The new-release Toyota Camry, set to hit showrooms in fall this year, is also worth a mention here. At $23,070, it’s not quite as good as the Honda, but the price still isn’t bad compared to many other options. First-time drivers may avoid this like the plague, as Toyota is notorious for bad steering. But, all that is set to change with this new design. In an attempt to overcome stigma, the new Camry comes complete with safety features you’d struggle to find elsewhere. The Toyota Safety Sense Suite has aids and driver assists which could make your sporty transition easier. Included are emergency brakes with pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assists. So, you’re sure to be in safe hands if you take this option.
Safety features aside, the controls are easy to manoeuvre, with large buttons and a 7-inch touchscreen. That said, the infotainment has been criticized as outdated in style. It seems Toyota have taken their eye off the ball a little when it comes to keeping up in the technology stakes. This mistake is potentially costly, but the system still offers everything you could need. You still get audio and navigation, and the voice control is reliable enough.
Again, the exterior may not be as sporty as you’d hope, but the five doors offer plenty of room inside. There’s also a hefty amount of trunk space which you might struggle to find in sleeker picks. The Camry doesn’t quite have the internal glamor of the Honda. The seats look more suited to a family than a sport-car driver. Though, that may not be a bad thing. In part, the almost bulky appearance is due to space. It’s up to you which is your top priority, but we’d say opting for space over style is a good bet.
The Camry comes with either the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque or an optional 3.5-liter V-6 good for 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. For first-timers, it might be worth sticking to the less powerful option. The engine is smooth and powerful and has a 6.2-second dash to 60mph. This is fast, without being insane. So, it may be a good way to start with a faster car. In some other choices, you’ll be at 60 the moment your foot hits the pedal. Jumping straight into that situation is a sure way to accidents. All in all, this isn’t a bad bet to start with. With this option, you’ll have the choice to experience power, without having the unpredictability of some engines.
Tesla Model 3, 2017
The Tesla Model 3 is also worth keeping an eye out for. While relatively little is known at the moment, this is set to be revealed to the public at a SpaceX launch party. The reason we thought it worth mentioning is that this is cited as a family car. As such, it seems again like a safe place to start. Despite the ‘family’ connotations, this is by far set to be the most aesthetically pleasing vehicle on this list. The proposed sleek and rounded exterior is closer to what most people think of when they consider sports cars. It’s also thought that there will be a glass roof, perfect for giving the impression of driving with the top down.
We can’t tell you much about this car yet, though. Few things are known, and Tesla seems to be keeping this as close to their chests as possible. An estimated price has been released of $35,000, so it’s the most expensive option on this list. Again, though, it’s a far cry from some of the price tags out there. With features, there’s been talk of autopilot self-driving features, which would help you gain control and adjust to the new way of driving. There’s also meant to be a 15-inch touchscreen on the dash. Other than that, your guess is as good as ours. Even so, watch this space. This could be the perfect starter car for you.
What Else Do You Need To Consider?
Of course, it’s not only the vehicle you need to consider. You could find the perfect car to start but still get into trouble if you don’t prepare yourself for the reality of owning such a car. There are some unexpected setbacks to choosing to own a vehicle from this category. Here are a few of them.
Increased risk of theft
Okay, you probably didn’t need us to tell you this, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. When you’re paying a bit extra for a nice car, you’re opening yourself up to thieves. Worse, everything’s to play for. If they can’t take the vehicle itself, they might try to get your wheels. Finding yourself good-quality insurance will stop this from being a problem. It’s also important to keep the car out of general view whenever possible. You might want the world to see, but it could end up costing you.
It’s other cars you need to look out for
It’s also important to note that you need to be careful of other cars. All the careful shopping in the world won’t help you if another car decides to make assumptions. And, when you’re driving a nice car, the chances are they will. They may try to race or intimidate you. Don’t rise to the bait!
