WHEELS

Even if you’re unaffected by the current economic downturn, you’re probably watching your wallet. With that in mind, here are the least-expensive cars on the market, and the key items they feature or lack.

•Hyundai Accent GS – Base price: $10,665

EPA rating (city/highway): 26/35

Yes, this is as cheap as it gets in a new set of wheels in 2009. For those of you who won’t miss air conditioning, power windows or a radio, your car has arrived.

•Nissan Versa 1.6 – Base price: $10,865

EPA rating: 26/34

Spartan driving at its finest. Want to stay cool? Park in the shade. Want some tunes? Try humming. Want options or more horsepower? Cough up some dough. It will cost you.

•Kia Rio: Base price – $12,145

EPA rating: 27/32

Yes, it’s inexpensive, yet has an AM/FM/CD audio system. Features such as air conditioning and antilock brakes aren’t available on the base model.

•Chevrolet Aveo5 LS – Base price: $12,625

EPA rating: 27/35

GM’s cheapest car is a five-door hatchback with a tilt wheel and an AM/FM radio. Air conditioning is courtesy of Mother Nature. Antilock brakes aren’t available.

•Smart ForTwo Pure – Base price: $12,635

EPA rating: 33/41

Yes, it’s cute. And this firm riding two-seater has antilock brakes, an automatic transmission, stability control and side airbags. But there’s no radio or air conditioning.

•Toyota Yaris – Base price: $12,925

EPA rating: 29/35

Toyota’s three-door cheapie has standard air conditioning – a rarity in this class. A radio is optional; a tilt wheel is standard, along with six airbags.

•Suzuki SX4 – Base price: $13,994

EPA rating: 23/31

This gas-sipper has a trunk, tilt wheel; antilock disc brakes; power windows, locks and mirrors; and a powerful engine. But a radio and air conditioning are options.

•Kia Spectra LX – Base price: $14,200

EPA rating: 23/30

Yes, it has a radio – an AM/FM/CD player. And its crash ratings are good. But options are limited to air conditioning, an automatic transmission and a couple others.

Virginian-Pilot