10 affordable compact car models suitable for young first-time car buyers.

Here are 10 examples.carSmall (subcompact) cars are affordable and suitable for young people and students buying their first car, according to Hotcars.com:

1. Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is also known in some markets as the Opel or Vinfast Fadil (sold in Vietnam). The Chevrolet Spark is equipped with a 1.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Some versions sold in Europe have a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine.

However, GM discontinued production of this subcompact model in the US last August to focus on larger models like the Trax and Trailblazer. In South Korea, the Spark officially ceased production a month later. Vinfast also announced it would stop producing gasoline-powered motorcycles in 2022 to focus on electric vehicles, so the Fadil model is considered discontinued after nearly three years of winning over Vietnamese customers.

2. Kia Rio

The Kia Rio is available in both hatchback and sedan variants, and is equipped with 3- or 4-cylinder inline engines along with a variety of transmission options. This diversity makes the Rio quite suitable for young people and students.

This model was upgraded in 2020, and Kia added a crossover-inspired body kit to appeal to younger customers.

3. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is a compact sedan, also known as the Almera in Vietnam and some Asian markets. The hatchback version is also called the Tiida.

The Versa is equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine or a 1.5 or 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, paired with a choice of a five-speed manual or CVT transmission.

4. Toyota CH-R

The Toyota C-HR is built on the Corolla platform and designed like a sporty crossover.

This compact SUV is also known as the first Toyota to use a turbocharged gasoline engine. The C-HR in the US has a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, while some other markets offer a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine.

5. Kia Soul

The third-generation Kia Soul was introduced in 2019 and has been very successful in many markets with its simple, practical design language.

The Soul is equipped with a fairly powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Additionally, a fully electric variant is also available.

6. Nissan Kicks

Kicks is built on the same platform as the Versa, including the 1.6-liter i4 engine.

However, the Kicks does have a version equipped with the advanced e-Power engine, where a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine powers the electric motor.

7. Honda Fit

The Honda Fit, also known as Jazz in some markets, shares a platform with the Honda City.

Honda's compact model uses a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, with an additional hybrid engine option paired with a CVT transmission.

8. Hyundai Venue

The Venue is the smallest crossover model produced by the South Korean automaker since 2019.

The Venue is equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged i3 engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. This is a rather trendy option for an affordable hatchback.

9. Toyota Corolla Hatchback

In the US, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission. A hybrid option is also available.

Due to its many variants and its position in the C-segment, the Corolla Hatchback is priced considerably higher than many other models on this list.

10. Volkswagen Jetta

The Jetta is a reliable choice, no less so than its rival, the Toyota Corolla. The German model is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Volkswagen Jetta is considered a pretty good, safe car and extremely suitable for young people or students.

According toHotcars