Driving in the city can get stressful at times, especially when you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic. As we know already, such conditions aren’t uncommon in Dubai – peak hours can be strenuous on the mind & body. If you’re driving a big car in such a setting, it may pose a challenge in your commute from point A to point B.
You could find yourself struggling to maneuver it, a factor imposed by the size of your car. This can lead to unnecessary delays – likely mitigated by driving a smaller vehicle. Then there’s the fuel consumption aspect. If you want to give more air to this thought, check out the cars we think could be perfect for driving within Dubai.
1. Hyundai Accent
The new Hyundai Accent does a lot for its size with few compromises. The Accent’s price in the UAE starts at around 62,000 dirhams. Its bold and striking exterior design might be polarizing for some, but it can’t be accused of being boring. The new Accent’s interior is not exactly budget nor does it feel particularly sparse.
The niceties include 16-inch alloys, a powered sunroof, power-folding wing mirrors, cruise control, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, leatherette seats, a cooled glovebox, an 8-inch touch-infotainment system, etc. There are dual airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, electronic stability program, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, E-Call, and automatic headlights.
The Hyundai Accent utilizes a 1.5-liter four-banger making 113 hp and 144 Nm, meaning a top speed of 185 km/h. It can get to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, while a continuously variable transmission (“IVT” as per Hyundai) is the default gearbox. The fuel consumption of the Accent is good – 18.9 km/L (5.2 L/100 km).
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2. Nissan Kicks
If you’re going compact, might as well check out the Nissan Kicks – priced from 71,000 dirhams. It has the Nissan V-Motion grille, sculpted bumper, 17-inch two-tone wheels, and sweptback headlamps. Its interior gets Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seats, leatherette trim on the dash, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel.
The Kicks gets LED headlights, automatic climate control, a remote engine starter, an electronic handbrake, smartphone connectivity, cruise control, and a Bose sound system. It also has 6 airbags, TPMS, hill-start assist, auto-brake hold, auto-emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view cameras, etc.
Powering the Nissan Kicks is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 118 hp and 155 Nm, helped by a continuously variable transmission. With a top speed of about 180 km/h, the Kicks can return 15.3 km/L (6.5 L/100 km).
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3. Kia Sonet
The new Kia Sonet is a far bolder and SUV-like in its appearance than the Kicks. Its upright stance pairs with a starting price of 71,400 dirhams, sleek headlights, dropdown DRLs, and full-width rear lights. The compact but sporty interior of the Sonet feels well-built yet reasonably comfortable.
The Sonet’s equipment includes keyless entry, push-button start, multiple drive modes, automatic climate control, a 6-speaker audio system, etc. There is also a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The Kia gets forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, all-around parking sensors w/ rearview camera, and an auto-dimming IRVM.
The Sonet comes with 1.0-liter turbo-three and 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engines with up to 120 hp & 172 Nm. Transmission choices involve a CVT and 7-speed DCT, with the top speed hovering around 170 km/h. The Kia Sonet’s fuel economy can be as rosy as 19.6 km/l (5.1 L/100 km).
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4. Toyota Urban Cruiser
A compact and smart-looking crossover, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is an ideal city car. Its SUV-inspired design is boxy enough, it stands tall enough, and even gets two-tone colors. The Urban Cruiser starts from 79,900 dirhams, scores an urbane design language. Its curvy interior gets soft-touch materials but feels a touch old.
The Urban Cruiser’s features include automatic climate control, leather upholstery, paddle shifters, ambient lighting, wireless charging, plus a tilting & telescoping steering column. These are accompanied by wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 9-inch touch-infotainment system, cruise control, ‘Smart Entry’, and auto-folding wing mirrors. Taking care of you are 6 airbags, TPMS, vehicle stability control, hill-hold control, and 360-degree cameras.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser sports a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 102 hp and 138 Nm. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic, a small lithium-ion battery, and an electric motor. The Urban Cruiser’s fuel consumption is 19.8 km/L (5.0 L/100 km), while its luggage space is 353 liters.
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5. Honda HR-V
The sleekest and most chic-looking crossover here, the Honda HR-V is the costliest as well – starting at 94,900 dirhams. While it isn’t cheap, the HR-V has the looks and a features list to pull it off (almost). The styling is undeniably a crossover-SUV combination in a compact package, while the interior looks fancy enough for a compact crossover.
The neat features of the HR-V come in the form of 17-inch rims, auto-headlights, power-folding ORVMs, auto AC, and Honda’s “Magic Seats”. There is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system w/ Apple CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof, LED cabin lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The HR-V also gets adaptive cruise control, 6 airbags, lane-keeping assist, E-Call, driver-attention assist, collision-mitigation assist, etc.
The Honda HR-V gets a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder that produces 119 hp and 145 Nm. This is mated to a CVT, which can be (kind of) controlled with the paddle shifters. The HR-V can average around 16.9 km/L (5.9 L/100 km).
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