10 Affordable Cars Worth Noting That Launched in 2024

Here are 10 notable mass-market vehicles launched this year:

Mazda EZ-6

This year, Mazda unveiled a range of new models to enhance its competitiveness in the market. Notably, the brand introduced the Mazda EZ-6, a sedan that succeeds the Mazda6 in the Japanese automaker’s lineup.

The new mid-size sedan is built on Changan’s hybrid EPA platform. The EZ-6 comes in two versions: a pure electric (BEV) and an extended-range (EREV) variant, the latter featuring a gasoline engine that charges the battery.

The EREV version is equipped with a 215-hp electric motor at the rear and a 1.5L gasoline engine that functions like a generator. Together, the system provides a range of approximately 1,300 km on a full charge. The EZ-6 EREV also supports fast charging, allowing a charge from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

The pure electric version of the Mazda EZ-6 features a 190 kW MSED04 electric motor at the rear axle, with two battery options: 56.1 kWh or 68.8 kWh. These offer respective ranges of 480 km and 600 km.

Mazda CX-70

In late January 2024, Mazda officially launched the CX-70, a near-luxury SUV. This model is positioned as a two-row version of the CX-90, targeting younger and more dynamic customers.

The CX-70 shares its powertrain options with the CX-90, including a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six gasoline engine that produces 280 hp and 450 Nm of torque in the standard version, or 340 hp and 500 Nm in the higher-spec variant. Meanwhile, the PHEV version features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 68 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery. In pure electric mode, the CX-70 can travel up to 48 km.

Mazda CX-80

Also this year, the Japanese automaker introduced the Mazda CX-80, a three-row SUV. Similar to the previously launched CX-70 and CX-90, the CX-80 is positioned in the premium SUV segment, competing with the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The CX-80 is expected to directly replace the older CX-8 in various markets, potentially including Vietnam. In Europe, the SUV offers mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The e-Skyactiv D base model features a 3.3-liter six-cylinder diesel engine producing 251 hp and 550 Nm of torque, aided by Mazda’s M Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The e-Skyactiv PHEV version is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, generating a combined output of 323 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This setup enables the SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The PHEV system includes a 17.8 kWh battery that provides an all-electric range of up to 60 km.

Kia Syros

On December 19, Kia introduced the Kia Syros, a small SUV that will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Skoda Kylaq, and Suzuki Brezza.

The Kia Syros is powered by two engine options. The first is a turbocharged 1.0L gasoline engine that delivers 120 hp and 172 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The second option is a 1.5L diesel engine producing 116 hp and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

In the future, the Syros will be offered with a pure electric version.

Kia Tasman

In late October, Kia officially unveiled the Tasman, a mid-size pickup truck. This marks a significant step for the South Korean brand as it enters the pickup segment, which has traditionally been dominated by American and Japanese automakers.

The Kia Tasman is offered in three versions: Standard, X-Line for urban environments, and X-Pro for off-road capabilities. It is available with either a single cab optimized for cargo or a double cab for regular commuting and leisure.

Depending on the market, the Tasman will be equipped with a suitable engine option. In South Korea, it features a 2.5L gasoline engine producing 277 hp. Meanwhile, in Australia, the pickup is powered by a 2.2L diesel engine generating 207 hp. Both markets offer the choice of a manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In the future, the Tasman lineup will include a pure electric variant to compete more effectively with its rivals, in addition to the current gasoline and hybrid options.

Kia K4

In March 2024, Kia unveiled the all-new K4 at the New York Auto Show. This model is set to replace the K3, indicating a potential future launch in Vietnam.

The US-market Kia K4 is offered with two engine options. The first is a 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 147 hp and 179 Nm of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. This engine is available on the LX, LXS, EX, and GT-Line trims.

The second option is a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine that generates 190 hp and 264 Nm of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and is exclusive to the GT-Line Turbo trim.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

In mid-November, Hyundai added the Ioniq 9 to its electric vehicle lineup, joining the Ioniq 5 crossover and Ioniq 6 sedan. The Ioniq 9 is the brand’s most luxurious, premium, and expensive SUV.

The Ioniq 9 is offered in three versions: Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance. All variants are equipped with an 110.3 kWh battery pack.

The standard Long Range RWD model features a single rear motor that produces 214 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and offers a range of 620 km. The Long Range AWD version adds a front motor that generates 94 hp and 255 Nm of torque, reducing the 0-100 km/h sprint time to 6.7 seconds.

The top-of-the-line Performance version is equipped with two electric motors at the front and rear, each delivering 214 hp. This setup enables a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.2 seconds. All three variants have a top speed of 200 km/h and support fast DC charging, allowing a charge from 10-80% in 24 minutes.

Hyundai Palisade

On December 23, Hyundai unveiled the new generation Palisade, just in time for the end of the year. This latest iteration offers a rare 9-seat configuration in the market.

The Hyundai Palisade is available with gasoline or hybrid powertrains. The standard configuration features a turbocharged 2.5L engine that produces 277 hp and 422 Nm of torque. The hybrid version also uses a 2.5L engine but adds an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 329 hp. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offers a range of over 1,000 km. In the future, a plug-in hybrid version will be introduced in international markets.

Suzuki e-Vitara

In early November, Suzuki launched its first all-electric vehicle, the “e Vitara”. This model is the production version of the Suzuki eVX concept previously introduced in the Indian market in early 2023.

The Suzuki e Vitara will be assembled at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant in India and then exported to other markets, including Japan and Europe.

In the European market, the Suzuki e Vitara offers three powertrain options across three versions. The first features a motor that produces 144 hp and 189 Nm of torque, paired with a 49 kWh battery and front-wheel drive. The second option is a more powerful motor that generates 174 hp and 189 Nm of torque, combined with a 61 kWh battery and front-wheel drive.

The third version is the e-AllGrip AWD, which adds a 65 hp electric motor at the rear axle, resulting in a total output of 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque.

Skoda Kylaq

On November 7, Skoda unveiled the all-new Kylaq, a small SUV developed in India. It is the brand’s third India-focused model, after the Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan, and is aimed at developing markets, with a potential future launch in Vietnam.

The Skoda Kylaq is powered by a turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder TSI engine that produces 113 hp and 178 Nm of torque. It is offered with front-wheel drive and a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The SUV’s top speed is limited to 188 km/h.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)