Kelley Blue Book's top 10 coolest cars under $18,000

Want a car that's big on the hip factor but affordable on a small budget? Kelley Blue Book points to the Hyundai Veloster, the Ford Focus and the Kia Soul, among others, as the "coolest" new cars of 2013 that cost less than $18,000.

Jack R. Nerad, KBB's executive director and market analyst, says the top 10 list is based on style, performance and affordability. In this case, affordability means less than $18,000, which KBB.com's editors decided is a reasonably cheap price for a vehicle seen as "fun to drive and fun to own."

"While many inexpensive cars are decidedly uncool, the world's manufacturers are putting more personality and distinction into their lower-priced offerings," Nerad says in a statement. "Not only have small cars never looked so good, but they have also never been more filled with cool content."

Here is KBB.com's top 10 list of 2013 models under $18,000:

1. Hyundai Veloster

2. Ford Focus

3. Kia Soul

4. Honda Fit

5. Dodge Dart

6. Mazda Mazda3

7. Fiat 500

8. Volkswagen Jetta

9. Honda Civic

10. Chevrolet Spark

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