LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Sure, it seems like almost everyone is driving an SUV these days, but if you’re looking for something different and fun, you still have the choice between two-door sports cars or sporty cars – and they’re more powerful than ever.
Subaru is known for offering a variety of practical vehicles, including four-wheel drive SUVs. But they also have a sleek little sports car called the BRZ. OK, technically it’s a sporty car, as it has a small rear spoiler. But it definitely meets the criteria of a sports car, with rear-wheel drive, a fairly powerful engine, and balanced handling.
With manual or automatic transmission. New this year is the tS model with some improvements from Subaru’s STi racing division. The base price for this version is $36,465 and the trunk is surprisingly spacious, so there is no lack of functionality.
No rear seats, but the Toyota Supra’s recent comeback is really hitting its stride. When it launched it was automatic only, but now you can get a 6-speed manual transmission behind the BMW-developed inline-six engine. The original 1979 Supra had an inline-six with an optional manual transmission, and since the model was launched 45 years ago, Toyota celebrated the milestone with a special 45th anniversary edition. The base price for the GR Supra 3.0 is $55,400.
And speaking of sports car heritage, the Nissan Z returned with a bang a few years ago, and this year Nissan is honoring its roots with this special Heritage Edition model. The styling cues of the original 240Z and the iconic orange paint job will make you blink and feel like you’re back in 1970. However, this special Z will cost $60,275 in 2024.
If you think about the features that people like in SUVs, big or small, a sporty two-door doesn’t really have any of them. Just two seats or maybe a small back seat. They sit low to the ground and don’t have much storage space. A sports car or sporty car is almost the opposite of an SUV.
Mercedes-Benz builds a dizzying array of SUVs these days, including three electric models. But if you want something lower and far more stylish, the new CLE coupe is for you. Smooth power and plenty of tech, plus a back seat for smaller people. The four-cylinder CLE 300 starts at $56,500, while the six-cylinder CLE 450 starts at $65,650. Both models come with all-wheel drive and a mild hybrid system.
So you’re not sitting high up and you don’t have to do any major shopping at the big supermarkets. But if you’re looking for pure driving fun, a dash of style and the knowledge that you’re not driving what everyone else is driving, sporty two-door cars are still a segment to look out for.
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