Configurator Challenge, CA Edition

So, time for the West Coast to strut its stuff in the Configurator Challenge.

For the under $20k, I managed to get a pretty good deal with a Mazda3 iTouring. Sadly, Mazda doesn't have a share page for their cars, but I'll run down the list of why I chose this. For starters, for the money, the Mazda3 is probably one of the best driving cars on the road today. And, with their new Skyactiv 6-speed manual, that gets you 155 horsepower and 39 mpg (you can get one more mpg on the freeway with the 6 speed auto, but that, combined with the destination fee, comes in at just over $20k). As is, with the manual, there's just enough room for you to get a spoiler on the back, and at $19,920, comes in at $80 under budget.

Expensive for the segment? Sure. But you get what you pay for.

For the under $30,000, I went with a Dodge Charger SXT.

Why?

Well, for one, it's a big, hairy chested man of a car. It makes no bones about what it is, and it looks damn good while it does it. If Billy Dee Williams were a car, this is what he'd look like. Asthetics aside, here's what this car has: a brand new, 3.6L V-6 good for 292 horsepower, a cracking smart 8 speed transmission, REAR WHEEL DRIVE (take THAT, Kia!) and a long list of standard features: Keyless Ignition, Bluetooth, 1 year of Satellite Radio, USB, and a list of features a mile long.

With the Rallye Appearance package (2o inch rims and nicer tires, performance suspension, and paddle shifters) and Navigation/Rear backup camera options, this Charger SXT rings the registers at $29,510. Not too shabby.

Finally, for the under $40,000: The Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
Hyundai? Well, there's a good reason. First, it's a good looking car. Plus, let's look at what comes standard:
429 Hp 5.0L V-8 Engine.
19 Inch Rims
A sport tuned suspension
Heated front seats
A cooled driver's seat (because the plebes riding with you can roast their giblets in the summer, ahahaha!)

Add to that the options of Bridgestone performance tires, and it rings the registers at $48,755. For all that you get a handsome, fast and comfortable luxury car that can lay claim to exclusivity and grace.