- Audi A3 TDI ($33,000; 35 MPG city; 42 MPG highway): According to PM, this Audi combines sporty handling, luxurious amenities, and exemplary fuel efficiency in one package. The vehicle contains the same 140 HP, 2.0-liter diesel as the VW Jetta TDI. The engine is mated to a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which performs brisk shifts. The seats are comfortable and supportive, the materials are all soft to the touch, and the dimpled-rim steering wheel adds a touch of sporty class.
- Honda Insight ($23,810; 45 MPG city; 43 MPG highway): The Insight is a Toyota Prius competitor; however, it is lower priced and contains a much simpler hybrid system: A 13 HP electric motor is located between the 1.3-liter engine and the transmission. The small electric motor is only switched on when cruising at low speeds. The gas engine must start at stoplights to power the air conditioning; thus, if you select Eco mode, you have to forgo a/c when stopped.
- Ford Fusion Hybrid ($31,940; (38 MPG city; 38 MPG highway): According to PM, this vehicle looks and drives more like a regular midsize sedan than a hybrid. It is quiet and rides smoothly, absorbing big potholes like a luxury sedan. In addition, the transitions from EV mode to gas power are all but imperceptible.
- Smart Fortwo Passion ($15,205; 39 MPG city; 36 MPG highway): The vehicle has ample interior space for its maximum of two passengers; however, it has quite a few shortcomings. The doors and hatch are light and tinny. Over rough pavement, the Smart is loud and rather crude. The tiny, rear-mounted, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine is paired to a sluggish automated manual, which requires long pauses to perform shifts. With a max speed of 65 MPH, it’s prudent to avoid the freeways.
- Chevrolet Volt ($33,500 (after $7,500 federal EV subsidy); 38 MPG city; 38 MPG highway). The volt runs solely on electric power until it runs out of juice; then the gas engine automatically switches on so smoothly it is hardly noticeable. PM reports that it is smooth, quiet, and fun to drive. The in-dash screens are hi-tech and provide details on the inner workings of this innovative, yet pricey, vehicle.
- Nissan Leaf ($25,280 (after $7500 federal EV subsidy); EV range: 82 miles as tested): After the federal rebate, the Leaf has a price comparable to the average US new vehicle price. Its reported 100 mile range precludes its use for long distance computers. Because it is so quiet, the vehicle is equipped with a sound generator so that people can hear it coming.
See Also:
Popular Mechanics Magazine picks top high mileage cars (Part 1)
Popular Mechanics Magazine rates Hyundai Elantra one of best fuel-sippers
Is a Smart Car a smart decision for you?
Smart Forvision EV Concept: Frankfurt Auto Show dream machine
Ford’s new eco-dream machine: a three-banger
The silence of the amps: noiseless electric cars
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