The 10 cheapest new cars of 2022: they are all under 16,000 euros

Welcome to Auto For Dummies, the techprincess column that tells the world of cars in a simple way. Today, however, it is not just any episode: is the last episode of the year. For this reason, we have decided to tell you, as you enter a new year, what they are cheapest new cars of 2022. Do you want to give yourself a “gift” at the beginning of the year, or have you promised yourself to change your car next year? Here you will find the 10 cheapest cars ever in the new price list, ranging from 10 to 15,500 euros. Are you ready?

1-Dacia Sandero, the queen of the cheapest cars also in 2022

As we will see today, the time of very small utility cars with prices well below the 10,000 euro threshold is now over. Indeed, there are no cars under € 10,000 on today’s list. How come? First, even the cheapest cars are amazingly safe, equipped with multiple Airbags, automatic emergency braking and modern engines and parks. For this reason, it should come as no surprise that today’s cheapest is just over 10,500 euros: these cars cost more, but they also offer more. And let’s start, of course, with the queen of the cheapest cars, which also retains its scepter in 2022: Dacia Sandero.

The first two generations have consecrated Sandero as the perfect choice for those who pay attention to the point. Robust, spartan, spacious, essential: these were the main features of Sandero’s first two series. This year, however, the highly anticipated has arrived third generation, which has changed the cards on the table. Essentiality, space and sturdiness have certainly not disappeared. Sandero is still one of the largest and most spacious Segment B cars, and its offering still looks to the chase. The aesthetics, however, are decidedly more accurate, and the platform on which it rests is completely new, the Groupe Renault CMF-B, the same as the current Clio V. Sandero is in fact more accurate, quieter, better assembled and more beautiful to drive than the previous one, and now it is on the level of more modern rivals.

In the Sandero range there are engines up to 100 CV, infotainment screens with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and even cruise control and blind spot sensor. But today we focus on the cheapest of all, the access version 1.0 SCe Essential. The name of the exhibition is a whole program: here there is only the essential, nothing more. On-board computer, height-adjustable seats and steering wheel, electric windows, central locking. The weather? Optional (highly recommended, of course) at 510 euro. Radio? With 300 euros you can opt for the 8-inch screen with connectivity for smartphones. As standard, however, you will have the Media Control, that is a support for your smartphone at the top of the dashboard, with which the phone will become, through a dedicated App, your infotainment.

At the wheel, however, the new Dacia Sandero is completely detached from the previous one. If in fact the “old” Sandero was not very precise, a little noisy and with a car driving experience of a decade ago, today the new Sandero is modern, comfortable and well made. Sure, the The 1.0 naturally aspirated entry has only 65 bhp and it won’t make you cry for a miracle when overtaking, but it is smooth and smooth, and consumes little if driven sparingly. It will also be the cheapest car of 2022, but it’s not cheap for that.

2-KIA Picanto: complete, modern but economical

Dacia Sandero has always accustomed us to being a small car at the price of a city car. And in fact, with one exception, it will be the only car to exceed the 4 meters we will see today. The second ranked among the cheapest cars of 2022 is in fact the KIA Picanto, a small one that amazes for quality and finishes. In fact, if you still had in mind the first generation of Picanto from 2004, spartan and essential, the third generation is a completely different car.

Spacious inside, with a 255-liter boot at the top of its category, it drives well even with the access engine, a 67 hp 1.0 naturally aspirated, and consumes very little. In the Picanto range you can get to have a small flagship, with the GT-Line and X-Line versions that offer 100 HP turbo engines, cruise control, infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate and much more. The access version, the City, on the other hand, it is decidedly more basic. Do not miss the weather, while there is no radio or Bluetooth, and the rear windows are manual.

The substance remains almost unchanged, with the safety, space and driveability equipment unchanged, and is intended for those who only need a means of transport for the city. If you want the radio instead, the fifth rear seat and the height-adjustable driver’s seat, our advice is to spend 600 euros more and opt for the 12,950 euros Urban, which has just what it takes.

3-Mahindra KUV100: among the cheapest cars of 2022 there is also an Indian

From South Korea we move on toIndia, for the third of our cheapest cars of 2022, the Mahindra KUV100. Unknown to most people, this little Mahindra is a very particular car, as in the size of a FIAT Panda it offers a very high body, like a real mini-SUV. The really small wheels and the high center of gravity immediately make it clear that the Mahindra KUV100 is not the most suitable car for long journeys. Even the performances, despite the 1.2 petrol under the hood being among the most powerful today, are suitable for the urban context, or at most extra-urban.

In the urban jungle, however, Mahindra KUV100 amazes positively. The driving position is very high and raised, perfect for those who want to dominate the road even on a budget. Interior space is good, with a rather spacious trunk and quite comfortable 5 seats for the segment. This space was obtained using original solutions, such as the gear lever located next to the air conditioner, at the top of the dashboard, as on FIAT Panda and 500 or, going back in time, on Citroen 2CV and Renault 4. The finishes are in line with the price, and the equipment of the attack version K6 + is complete, including climate, Bluetooth radio, on-board computer and steering wheel and seat adjustments.

At the wheel, the Mahindra KUV100 is robust and absorbs holes very well, and thanks to aheight from the ground of 17 cm it is also suitable for dirt roads. Realistically, however, this ground clearance will allow her to overcome any curb and raised parking lot without problems. Steering, suspension and engine invite you to drive smoothly, and if you don’t get to highway speeds the KUV100 is pretty quiet. Finally, the price is really low: 12,930 euros for a little-known car, but one that pays attention to the point.

4-Hyundai i10: the Korean Segment A is sparing, modern and spacious

Let’s go back to South Korea again, because among the cheapest cars of 2022 there is also the cousin of the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10. With the third generation launched early last year, the i10 has become more mature, more modern and more polished, but that doesn’t mean it has become enormously expensive. The third generation is modern, spacious and well made, with an excellent availability of space both in front and behind. In addition, there is only one engine in the range, a fleet of 1.0 three cylinders available with or without turbocharger, and also with LPG.

Agile and very precise, the i10 amazes for the sense of quality it transmits. The suspension is comfortable but not too soft, and the steering and shifting are very precise, more than you can expect from cars in this segment. And the standard equipment is truly complete, even on the basic Advanced version. All i10s are equipped as standard with cruise control, sighted for involuntary lane departure, the anti-stroke sensor and can also have rear view camera, parking sensors and, for the more equipped versions, you can also choose the gearbox. automatic.

Tadorning us, the cheapest of the range is also the one most devoted to saving, the Advanced Ecopack. The 67 bhp 1.0 naturally aspirated is mated here to a 5-speed gearbox with the i longer reports, which favor consumption at the expense of performance. In addition, the Ecopack is devoid of the fifth central place: if you want to travel in 5, better opt for the more equipped versions. P.Finally, for 13,250 euros, the radio is also missing. To get it, you will have to spend 650 euros, and you’ll also get Bluteooth, radio controls on the steering wheel and leather-covered steering wheel and gearbox.

5-Dacia Duster, the largest and most spacious car among the cheapest of 2022

Remember when I told you that among the cheapest cars of 2022 there would also be a very large car? Here it is, the now mythical Dacia Duster. Launched in 2010, Duster has been one of the most successful market and costume phenomena of recent years. After a first generation full of practicality and space, the second series launched in 2018 has improved every aspect of the Duster by adding technology, more powerful engines and more equipment. The mechanical basis, however, still remains the Renault R0 derived from the 1998 Clio II, therefore on the road it is not as refined and refined as its younger sister Sandero.

Dacia Duster, however, performs really well in everyday life, and during 2021 it has undergone a restyling that has smoothed out some corners. For example, Dacia technicians have used more sound absorbing materials, better seals, and have introduced a new infotainment system. Now, then, at the base of the range there is the excellent 1.0 TCe 3-cylinder turbo with 90 HP mated to a nice 6-speed manual gearbox. The height from the ground is also excellent, with over 21 cm of ground clearance, and allows you to overcome bumps or stretches without problems …