LEXUS CT200H ($32,225 - $33,995)
In the land of luxury Lexi, the CT200h is often
overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. As a dedicated hybrid and
hatchback, it offers an unparalleled level of efficiency and
utility. It also happens to be the least expensive Lexus
in the lineup. Packed with standard features such as a
telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth audio, dual-zone
front climate control, NuLux leather-like seats, voice-
activated controls and fold-flat rear seats, the CT200h
manages to add practicality to a lux-level vehicle. During
my stints behind the wheel I’ve managed to haul a pair
of side tables in the boot as well as make cargo-packed
trips to Goodwill, while navigating small city alleys and
parallel parking spots. Oh, and let’s not forget the near-
40 mpg as-tested fuel economy. The hybrid powertrain
is quiet and really well suited to Chicago’s stop-and-go
traffic. With the addition of the Lexus Pre-Collision
System, the CT200h also makes the IIHS Top Safety Pick
list.
CHEVROLET VOLT ($33,995 - $38,345)
If you are an apartment or condo dweller, you might
think an electric vehicle is out of reach due to
inability to charge. Not so with the
Chevrolet Volt. Because
of its range-
extending gasoline engine, it’s the perfect vehicle for
anyone who wants to reap the benefits of an electric ride
but might not be able to charge at home on a regular
basis. With an EV range of 53 miles, you can get all your
daily urban errands out of the way without a drop of
gasoline, but you can still take to the road because Volt
has a total range up to 420 miles. It is compact and quiet,
and even though it looks like a sedan it has hatchback
cargo flexibility and fold-flat rear seats. Even better:
Volt qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. Extra
bonus: You can park in all those up-front EV charging
spaces in Chicago garages and parking lots. But only if
you’re charging, please!
FORD FOCUS RS ($36,120)
This car is for the enthusiast who wants a fun-to-drive,
year-round vehicle that won’t shy away from a little
snowfall. Posing as a practical hatch, the Focus RS packs
a punch with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers
350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The Focus
RS comes equipped with performance all-wheel drive,
which will handle snow as well as the track, and it has
standard features such as boost gauges, launch control
and Recaro seats. The Focus RS is fairly well-equipped
at a base level, but heated seats, navigation and winter
wheels are extra. Add all the winter whistles and bells,
and you’ll top out around $42K. One thing to note: This
truly is an enthusiast’s car. If you can’t drive a manual
transmission, don’t bother. While the clutch is a bit stiff
for a city car, the comfortable ride, compact size, flexible
cargo space and all-wheel drive add bonus points in the
urban category.
Canyon Carvers, City-Friendly Crossovers
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More Than100 , 000 Veh i c l es Jus t A Cl i ck Away…Dr i veCh i cago. com
