2021 CarBuzz Affordable Fun Award Finalists Announced

Affordable Fun

This new category was created with enthusiast cars in mind that can be had at a bargain price. Nominees should be a delight to drive to work, and also provide fun on the track – a little added utility is a bonus, too. The nominees for the 2021 Affordable Fun category included:

• Subaru BRZ

• Toyota GR86

• Volkswagen Golf GTI

• Hyundai Kona N

• Hyundai Veloster N

• Hyundai Elantra N

Four finalists were chosen from this list – let’s have a closer look at what these models have to offer. 

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The evergreen Volkswagen Golf GTI in Mk.8 guise comes in at just over $30k. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. 

The brilliance of a hatchback is reflected in the 35 cubic feet of cargo space, and if you drive politely, you can get 28 mpg combined in terms of gas mileage. This is a superb daily driver – but with the new Vehicle Dynamics Manager that sends power to the wheel with the most traction, it’s also a joy on track. 

2022 Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86

Since these two share a platform and their basic engineering, we consider them as one car. Both have a 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine with 228 hp and 184 lb-ft on tap and a standard manual gearbox. Starting prices are under $29k.

In terms of livability, both the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86 have rear seats that can be used for kids or additional storage, although they aren’t suitable for adult passengers. The latest models also have all the modern tech, new screens, and posh new materials inside. 

2022 Hyundai Kona N

Of the three Hyundai entries for this category, the Hyundai Kona N makes the list of finalists with ease. It’s affordable at just over $30k, and with its small footprint, extra space, and hatchback liftgate, it makes for an excellent car for daily duties. You can also fit five adults into if. 

It doesn’t stop there, though, featuring a 276-hp turbo four with 289 b-ft of torque and an eight-speed DCT. It’s front-wheel drive, but has a limited-slip differential. This hot subcompact crossover is a hoot to drive. 

All nominees had to be available for a week-long test drive by CarBuzz. Winners of the 2021 CarBuzz Awards will be announced on November 30, 2021. For more information: https://carbuzz.com/features/2021-carbuzz-awards-finalists-affordable-fun. 

About CarBuzz

CarBuzz provides a complete Buyer’s Guide and BuzzScore rating system to help buyers make purchasing decisions by means of comprehensive reviews, a comparison tool, and car finder function.