The best new cars to buy in 2016

This list features car models that strike a balance between stylish design, practicality, and, most importantly, inspire driving pleasure.

Thrillist compiled a list of the new car models that made their mark on the global automotive market in 2016. The list partly reflects the view that the best-selling car is not necessarily the best car in each segment.

Cadillac CT6

As a premium luxury sedan, the Cadillac CT6, priced from $53,500, retains its distinctive, purely American design. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by...While major German and Japanese brands compete in sales, General Motors' model should not be underestimated.

The Cadillac CT6 is a quintessential American luxury sedan.

The sedan is built on a lightweight aluminum platform. The interior features premium wood, high-quality leather, and carbon fiber materials. A business-class rear seat option is available. A front-to-rear camera system and a rearview mirror display in the cockpit are features that truly set the CT6 apart from its competitors.

Jaguar XE

Under the management of Tata Motors, India's diversified conglomerate, Jaguar is demonstrating more pragmatic and forward-thinking transformations.

XE, Jaguar's most affordable car model.

The XE sedan perfectly reflects Jaguar's ambition to target mainstream customers who appreciate sports cars at a reasonable price. The driving experience, a hallmark of the British automaker, remains a hallmark of the XE. Despite its price tag of just $35,000, the most affordable in Jaguar's product line, the diesel version features a 340-horsepower V6 engine.

Chevrolet Bolt

In the mid-size electric vehicle market in the US, the Chevrolet Bolt is a worthy competitor to the "phenomenon" Tesla Model 3.

The Chevrolet Bolt, a competitor to the Tesla Model 3 in the US. Photo: Caranddriver.

The price is $37,500 and kThe ability to travel up to 320 km on a single charge helps the Bolt score points with customers. The electric vehicle is equipped with a 200 horsepower electric motor, a maximum torque of 360 Nm, and accelerates from 0-96 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

Audi R8

2016 marked the market launch of the second generation Audi R8. The new design language leaned towards a more masculine aesthetic with sharp, decisive lines instead of the soft curves of its predecessor.

The second-generation Audi R8.

The interior space eliminates mechanical buttons and replaces them with a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit configuration. Powering the new generation R8 is a 5.2-liter V10 engine producing 540 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque in the standard version. The starting price of the Audi R8 is $163,000.

Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford's model remains a benchmark in the full-size pickup truck segment in the US market.

The Ford F150 Raptor is a top-of-the-segment large pickup truck.

With its rugged design and advanced technological features, the F-series consistently leads in reliability and consumer preference. The standard Raptor version, priced at $48,300, is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 Ecoboost engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 Nm of torque.

BMW M2

With its understated design, the M2 embodies the pure sporty qualities of BMW's M family.

The M2, the elite "child" in BMW's M series family.

Equipped with a 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine and software to assist in handling high-speed situations, the M2 delivers an exciting driving experience. This model even surpassed its more expensive sibling, the M4, to become the most anticipated model in the German automaker's M lineup in 2016. The M2 is priced at $51,700 in the US.

Kia Optima LX 1.6T

While less appealing in terms of brand appeal compared to products from Japan and the US, the Optima LX 1.6T version makes an impression with its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Kia Optima LX 1.6T is a worthwhile mainstream sedan to own.

The car offers a smooth driving feel at low RPMs and stable handling at high speeds. The $24,140 price tag comes with leather upholstery, ample interior space, and, most importantly, a driving experience that's anything but boring for a mainstream sedan.

Volvo S90

A notable highlight for Volvo models since being acquired by the Chinese Geely Group is their focus on competing through technology, safety, and stylish design.

The S90 is a competitor to the Mercedes E-class.

The S90, a mid-size luxury sedan that competes with the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5 Series, is no exception. The Volvo S90 boasts a masculine yet luxurious exterior. The interior features leather, wood, and silver-plated metal accents. The starting price for this sedan from the Swedish brand is $47,000.

Jaguar F-Pace

In the context of the rapidly developing SUV segment, attracting many brands to enter the market, the Jaguar F-Pace is a unique and attractive contender. The model offers a driving experience far more enjoyable than what a typical SUV can provide.

The F-Pace is Jaguar's first SUV.

There are two engine options on the F-Pace, priced from $42,000. These include a 2-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower and...It has a 3-liter supercharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower. The car accelerates from a standstill to 97 km/h in 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.

According to VNE