Here’s the coolest sub-1500cc cars you can and should have

Car taxes going up in Bangladesh? Seems like a nightmare for some. Cosindering that the entry bracket could be 25000taka AIT for cars upto 1500cc, here's a few cars a petrolhead should consider before giving up life and hopes with an Allion.

Fiat Abarth 124 Spider

Engine: 1,368cc MultiAir Inline 4 turbo

Power: 168 bhp and 184 lb-ft of torque

Yes, it's a rebadged Miata without the "good" Mazda engine. But if you are looking for a handsome Italian roadster on a budget, you can't go wrong with this. It will still go from 0-100 in 6.8 seconds and tear through corners like a good sports car.

Suzuki Wagon R

Engine: 1,197cc K12M Inline 4

Power: 81 bhp and 83 lb-ft of torque

Ever wanted a Kei car with actual legroom? A car that you car ride with your claustrophobic friends? Head to your local Suzuki dealer and get yourself a brand new Wagon R. It is just as quirky as its JDM counterparts and it even comes with a warranty. 

Daihatsu Copen

Engine: 658cc KF-DET Inline 3 turbo

Power: 63 bhp and 70 lb-ft of torque

From short-of kei cars to an actual one, the Daihatsu Copen is a Miata with 50% off. You get half the engine, half the wheelbase and no cargo space. But, you will grin like an idiot as you drive the car through a corner at 80 km/h.

Ford Escape

Engine: 1,497cc Ecoboost Inline 3

Power: 181 bhp and 185 lb-ft of torque

The newest crossover from the blue oval, the Ford Escape can be easily mistaken as the long lost sibling of the new Aston Martin DBX. Sure, the interior is nowhere as opulent, but it will start when you want it to and won't lose half of its value within three years of purchase.

Suzuki Swift

Engine: 1,197cc K12M Inline 4

Power: 81 bhp and 83 lb-ft of torque

The Swift keeps coming back on our list of recommendations. A perfectly good, reliable and sporty family hatchback that is seemingly loved by enthusiasts, very few people in Bangladesh actually buy one. THey just don't know. So if you are a young soul looking for your first family car, keep it in mind.

Mini Cooper S

Engine: 1,198cc B38A12U0 Inline 3 turbo

Power: 101 bhp and 133 lb-ft of torque

If you looked at the Swift and though, "I want something more expensive, quirkier and with Anglo-German heritage", well then what you are looking for is the Mini Cooper. Its iconic design and Bimmer heart ensure that wherever you go, you will have fun with it. As long as it lasts. 

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Engine: 1,368cc MultiAir Inline 4 turbo

Power: 168 bhp and 184 lb-ft of torque

Giulietta is probably not that Alfa everyone aspires to. It's sporty sure, but it's also cramped, poorly built, and repairs will drain your bank account. Though, that pretty much sums up the Alfa ownership experience. Not recommended but can you deny the cool that oozes for this?

Hyundai Elantra

Engine: 1,397 cc Kappa Inline 4 turbo

Power: 138 bhp and 179 lb-ft of torque

The mid-sized family from the Korean brand Hyundai, the Elantra is quite a surprise for anyone who is willing to give it a closer look. It is remarkably well equipped for its price point and can be quite fun at roads, provided you give it the full beans.  Oh, and turbo.

Toyota Arius

Engine: 1,197cc 8NR-FTS Inline 4 turbo

Power: 114 bhp and 136 lb-ft of torque

Used to be unremarkable but puberty finally happened. The combination of rock-solid reliability, a screaming turbocharged I4 and fun but the practical hatchback is hardly "boring" for anyone.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

Engine: 1,461cc OM608 Inline 4 turbo diesel

Power: 114 bhp and 192 lb-ft of torque

This entry-level offering from the German luxury brand has a frugal French heart. It might not break any lap record, but it will take you where you want to without too many fuel stops. Besides, if the luxurious interior does not encourage you to take it slow, this car isn't for you anyway.