Hyundai's new Azera features luxury amenities that belie its base price.

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The average new car costs $28,400, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. In these tough economic times, that can be a little steep for many buyers.

Here are eight new vehicles, from small cars to SUVs, that exude character with prices between $9,990 and $24,970 before options, taxes and rebates.

Small sedan: Nissan Versa 1.6

Base price: $9,990

EPA rating (city/highway): 26/34

Available Tuesday, this will be the cheapest new car sold in the United States. With its 107-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine, stylish looks and roomy interior, it's worth a try.

Family sedan: Ford Fusion

Base price: $19,035

EPA rating (city/highway): 20/29

Ford's midsize sedan is fun to drive, safe, good-looking and, according to Consumer Reports, boasts excellent reliability. And check out the starting price.

Coupe: Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Base price: $15,660

EPA rating (city/highway): 22/30

Take the turbo 2-liter, 4-cylinder from GM's Saab division and stuff it into a Cobalt. Add a five-speed manual, better brakes and a tweaked suspension. Fun.

Convertible: Mini Cooper

Base price: $22,600

EPA rating (city/highway): 23/32

Yes, the Smart Fortwo is cheaper. But the Mini has more room for people and stuff, is more fun to drive and has a classic, European design aesthetic.

SUV: Jeep Wrangler

Base price: $20,460

EPA rating (city/highway): 15/20

The first SUV is still one of the best. What it lacks in refinement, it makes up for in go-anywhere ability, durability and a starting price just over 20 grand.

Pickup truck: Toyota Tacoma

Base price: $15,170

EPA rating (city/highway): 20/26

The four-cylinder Tacoma has an attractive cabin and decent utility with four-cylinder power. But watch the price; full-sized pickups boast attractive prices right now.

Minivan: Mazda5

Base price: $17,995

EPA rating (city/highway): 22/28

You'll have room for six people and their stuff with this handy, maneuverable wagon, which is based on the fun-to-drive Mazda3.

Luxury sedan: Hyundai Azera

Base price: $24,970

EPA rating (city/highway): 18/26

Hyundai isn't a luxury nameplate, but the Azera offers all the hallmarks of one: a quiet, soft ride, nicely built cabin and luxury amenities that belie its price.