KBB 10 COOLEST NEW CARS UNDER $20k FOR 2018

Kelley Blue Book has named its 10 coolest cars under $20k for 2018. The award recognizes vehicles that offer comfort, style and driving excitement at an affordable price.

1. 2018 Mazda Mazda3

Widely regarded as the best-looking and most fun-to-drive vehicle in its segment, the Mazda3 is the all-time champion of our budget-minded coolest cars list, appearing here for the 15th time.

2. 2018 Honda Civic

Kelley Blue Book's Small Car Best Buy of 2018, the Civic is a well-rounded car offered as a sedan or coupe that's comfortable, roomy, practical, efficient, packed with cool tech, and a blast to drive.

3. 2018 Hyundai Kona

The newest addition to this list is the Kona, Hyundai's new small SUV. The Kona was given a healthy dose of modern style, and the clean, crisp cabin is filled with a bevy of connectivity and advanced safety features.

4. 2018 Volkswagen Golf

Euro-tuned handling and a sporty attitude are only part of what makes the Golf such an appealing car.

5. 2018 Kia Soul

Few vehicles match the Kia Soul's alluring combination of bold style, SUV-like versatility, and practicality, with a roster of standard and available features that add to the Soul's value.

6. 2018 Jeep Renegade

Of all the vehicles on this list, the Renegade is the one that can get you the furthest beyond where the pavement ends.

7. 2018 Subaru Impreza

Already earning extra credit for its standard all-wheel drive, a recent redesign gives the Impreza sedan and hatchback sharper looks, more refinement.

8. 2018 Honda Fit

This diminutive hatchback has a feature called the Magic Seat that gives the interior space and versatility that rivals that of a small SUV.

9. 2018 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai's Elantra was already established as a high-value car loaded with a wide array of standard features.

10. 2018 Chevrolet Sonic

The Sonic's starting price of $16,170 makes it the most affordable car on this list. But what keeps Chevrolet's subcompact sedan and hatch on our list of coolest cars is its compelling combination of tech, comfort and a fun attitude, all wrapped in redesigned sheetmetal.

Tosan Aduayi, a motoring journalist since 1994, is the founder, Trendy Africa Magazine and Flowtran global blog. He has reported on Motoring with trademark columns; Roadrunner and Carliners. Contact; tosan@trendyafrica.com