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Tech Watch: Top 5 Inexpensive High-Tech Cars

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - You don't have to spend more than the average for a new car that has a nice dose of tech and modern engineering.

To prove it, I've pulled together a list of the best high tech cars well under the average new car price of $30,303.  None of them are showcases of all that's possible in cars today, but each has some strong high-tech points that make them cars which feel thoroughly 21st century.

All cars listed in order of ascending CNET Rating. Prices quoted are for model well-equipped with featured technologies, not stripped.

5. Scion FR-S - $25,800

+ Inarguably the coolest car on a budget.
+ Just $900 for nav and premium audio.
- A little gutless in its first year.

4. Scion iQ - $17,434

+ Really small but still a real car
+ Integrated Pandora, low cost nav
+ Real world MPG in the 30's
- It is very small.

3. Hyundai Veloster - $22,225

+ Asymmetrical doors make it stylish.
+ Best touch screen in this class
+ Direct Injection engine
- A little underpowered

2. Ford Focus Titanium - $25,935

+ MyFord Touch interface
+ Self-parking for under $999
+ Best interior in its class
- My Ford touch

1. Toyota Prius C - $22,820

+ CNET Editor's Choice
+ Best app support of any car
+ Real world 50 MPG
- You'll be a Prius Driver

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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