New year, new car: Vehicles for the single and adventurous

Crossovers, SUVs and sports cars all offer advantages to single, adventurous drivers as they seek the right vehicle for their needs.

Posted 3:54 p.m. Jan 8, 2018 — Updated 6:06 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

This story was written for our sponsor, LeithCars.com.

Every year, new vehicle options emerge, aiming to attract single, adventurous drivers, including young professionals in the Triangle area.

North Carolina is blessed with both beaches and mountains, making car buyers a selective demographic demanding versatile vehicles able to handle these diverse environments.

"We see young consumers every day looking for wheels to match their adventurous lifestyles," said Mark Arsen of LeithCars.com in Raleigh. "Thankfully, there are great vehicles constantly being introduced to meet this challenge."

New models to consider

Crossovers, SUVs and sports cars all offer advantages to those single, adventurous drivers as they seek the right vehicle for their needs. 2018 models are coming to market now with new features and designs.

"Jeep Wrangler is the classic model for off-roading; rough and rugged enough for both beach-goers and mountaineers," said Ben Paulakonis of Leith Autopark Chrysler Jeep. "It's the ultimate 4x4 to enjoy weekends and vacations."

The all-new Wrangler's unique design includes an instantly recognizable keystone-shaped grille, iconic round headlamps and square tail lamps, improved aerodynamics, a convenient fold-down windshield for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom, and dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations.

The all-new two door 2018 Wrangler JL starts at just under $27,000 and has a range of options for power and personalization. The 4-door Wrangler Unlimited starts at $30,495.

The Toyota C-HR is a sporty compact crossover vehicle with features attractive to single people on the move. It's a money-saver before and after purchase with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $22,500 and fuel efficiency of 27 on the highway and 31 in the city. The C-HR's unique, edgy styling is what really sets it apart from similar compact crossover utility vehicles. It does not, however, yet offer all-wheel drive in the States.

Volkswagen also offers vehicles with capabilities for weekend adventuring. The Golf Alltrack, a crossover with all-wheel drive and an MSRP under $26,000, is a road trip master that can handle a day trip to the mountains or last-minute beach getaway. "Car and Driver" even named it one of its 10 Best Cars for 2018.

Smaller vehicles

There are also a number of smaller vehicles that provide adventurous, young Triangle residents with some options. Luxury, compact vehicles are ideal for road trips to the shore, to quaint, historic towns or to big cities, all of which are easily accessible from the Triangle.

The Honda Civic Si is the performance version of Honda's iconic compact car. Its sporty good looks will get you noticed in this quick, super handling sedan or coupe. It starts under $25,000 and gives you the same always-reliable Civic engineering buyers have come to expect.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible have raised the bar in the premium compact class in terms of dynamic prowess, aesthetic appeal and emotional richness

The BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible also has caught the attention of younger buyers. Its design harkens back to the legendary BMW 2002 of the late 1960s but takes that classic, sporty style into the present with modern aerodynamic features to benefit both performance and efficiency.

"We've been seeing a lot of interested shoppers looking at cars like the 2 series," said Sean Beach of Leith BMW. "It's got a sleek but classic BMW look that seems to always be calling for a road trip."

The 2 Series has what car lovers have come to expect from BMW. Both the interior and exterior offer luxury appointments, and modern safety and connectivity features. The twin-turbocharged engine and transmission combo deliver a truly exhilarating experience that only a BMW can deliver.

What single, fun drivers want

Whether the vehicle is an SUV or a small sports car, the active, single drivers buying new or used vehicles in the Triangle are looking for specific qualities.

"These buyers grew up in an age of cutting edge technology and personal freedom," Arsen said. "They want modern vehicles that can keep up with their lifestyle and enhance it. Many models coming out now provide just what they're looking for."

This story was written for our sponsor, LeithCars.com.

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