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7 High Tech Options, The Cheapest Cars You'll Find Them In

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7 High Tech Options, The Cheapest Cars You'll Find Them In

Antony Ingram

1,644 views May 27, 2011

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2012 Audi A6 all-LED headlights

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One of the benefits of the rapid pace of technological advancement is that economies of scale are achieved relatively easily. Sounds boring, but this means that the high-technologies of a few years ago have already found themselves in much more affordable cars.

Once this meant heated rear screens and power steering, but today it includes everything from dual-clutch transmissions and lightweight construction materials. Here's our seven-point rundown of the highest tech in the cheapest cars.

Torque-vectoring AWD: Nissan Juke, from $21,070

2011 Nissan Juke in New York's Catskill Mountains, January 2011

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Torque vectoring all-wheel drive is instrumental in giving cars like the Nissan GT-R unbeatable traction despite monumental power. Happily, Nissan has seen fit to let drivers at the lower end of the market have a taste too, and a similar system is available on the Juke crossover. With 180hp it's not quite a GT-R, but you'll have a lot of fun regardless, with extra security in adverse road conditions.

Hybrid powertrain: Honda Insight, from $18,200

2010 Honda Insight - 57 mpg

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The Insight's hybrid system may not be as sophisticated as that found in the 2011 Toyota Prius and an EPA combined mileage of 41mpg not much to shout about, but it's still the cheapest brand new hybrid on sale in the United States, over $5,000 cheaper than the Prius. Even with the Toyota's better economy, it'd take a while to overcome that difference in gas savings.

Folding metal roof: Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT, from $27,150

2010 mazda mx5 facelift 015

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Mercedes-Benz was first on the scene with its 1997 SLK model, but Mazda is bringing it to the masses with the MX5 Power Retractable Hard-Top. Quieter and more secure than the soft top and quick to lower and raise, it'll suit you whether the climate is hot or cold - and all year round you'll have a car that's great fun to drive.

Dual-clutch transmission: Ford Fiesta S Sedan auto, from $15,090

ford fiesta sedan 001

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Once the preserve of more expensive models in the Volkswagen-Audi Group's portfolio, you can now have a dual-clutch gearbox on one of the cheapest cars on sale. Just over $15,000 is all you need to buy a fun little Fiesta sedan with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is a fantastic bargain.

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Cheap Gadgets airbags Transmission AWD aluminum Dual Clutch torque Audi TT electronic stability control brake assist Nissan Juke new-car-technology abs LEDs LED headlights 2012 Ford Fiesta Miata

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