Economy tires have less rolling resistance than standard tires. This means you don't use as much gas which is both great for your finances and for the environment. Energy efficient tire manufacturers say there are no disadvantages to them, which if true means these economical tires should be the choice of every car owner.
Since the growth in economical cars is so rapid at the moment its no surprise that tire manufacturers want to jump aboard the movement too. The biggest manufacturers in the economy tire market include Michelin, Hankook and Bridgestone.
Economy tires work by reducing friction within the tire. About 20% of a car's gas use is due to friction from its tires. Economical tires have a new rubber compound containing silica which reduces friction between molecules in the tires. This means less energy goes to waste and your car consumes less fuel.Tire makers are keen to make it clear that the lower friction of the new rubber compound does not lead to any less grip of the tire on the road.
Michelin's economy tire is the Green-X and already they account for about 70% of Michelin's range! They're available from 13 to 17 inches and can be fitted to most cars. Michelin were the trail blazers for efficient tires because they first started selling them in 1992, but its only more recently that the market for them really took off. Michelin believe that some of their fuel efficient tires have more grip than conventional rubber. Michelin say the tires 'get up to operating temperature faster and maintain a more uniform temperature, which is better for grip.' Michelin's own research found their economy tires saved drivers between 4 and 8% on gas and lasted 25% longer than standard compounds.
Hankook's low rolling resistance tire is called the Enfren. The manufacturer says it has 20% less resistance than ordinary tires translating into a fuel saving of somewhere between 2 and 7.5 per cent.
Bridgestone also make a fuel efficient tire called the Ecopia. Its available in sizes from 14 to 17 inches. Bridgestone have researched their tire and found it had a fuel economy benefit of 3.3% on average.
So is it all good news about these economical tires then? Well one drawback is their price. Efficient tires sell for around 15 to 25% more than ordinary tires so you need to bear this in mind when considering fuel savings.
The website Drive.com.au carried out some real world testing of Michelin and Hankook's fuel efficient tires. Their fairly extensive testing yielded the following results. Michelin's economy tire gave a 6% improvement in fuel consumption and Hankook's gave a 4% improvement over standard tires. Drive.com.au also found that grip and performance differences were negligible when compared to standard tires. Low rolling resistance tires definitely work then, offering both better fuel economy for your car and saving carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. The question is, taking into account the higher initial outlay do these tires make financial sense? A car tire for an average family car costs about $140 and a low rolling resistance version for the same car costs around $170. So for four efficient tires you'll pay a premium of around $120. If the economical tires had a lifespan of 25000 miles, then at 30 miles per gallon and with gas costing $2.50 a gallon you'd spend $1970 over the life of the tires on fuel. With ordinary tires fitted instead of economy tires you'd spend around $2080, which is only a saving of $110. It'll cost you about that to have the eco tires fitted in the first place.
So don't expect to save lots of cash by using fuel efficient tires but they are much better for the environment and you'll break even financially or do better. When fuel prices rise further or if you drive a car that has bad fuel economy then you'll save more money.
Brand new cars are increasingly being sold with economical tires especially eco cars like Toyota's Prius and Ford's Fiesta Econetic. The tires increase the all important fuel mileage figure which is so competitive among manufacturers. The fitting of economy tires to new vehicles should increase as the tires gain more acceptance.
Friday, March 11, 2011
economical small diesels - vw polo bluemotion review
One of the most economical small diesel cars is the VW Polo BlueMotion. VW give the BlueMotion tag to each model variant that has had some tweaks and is the most economical and least polluting in the range. Now in its second generation, the Polo BlueMotion's stats are simply outstanding - a combined fuel consumption of 83 miles per UK gallon (this car is not available in the States) and 90 g/km of CO2 emissions. A Prius comes nowhere near this.
The first generation Polo BlueMotion was also a very economical diesel at 72 miles per gallon but it suffered from a lack of refinement. It had a noisy engine and lifeless steering.
To achieve the remarkable fuel economy the designers at VW added a new grille, smaller wing mirrors and a special rear wing to improve the BlueMotion's aerodynamics. They also fitted low rolling resistance tyres. The engine was the same 1.4 litre 3 cylinder diesel available in other Polo's but it boasted a new variable turbocharger, as well as a new exhaust system and catalytic converter. The five speed manual transmission had extra long gear ratios to squeeze the most economy out of the engine and the 195 Nm unit coped pretty well.
The changes inside the car were less pleasing to some people though. In an effort to reduce weight and increase efficiency VW got rid of a lot of what is now usually considered standard equipment. Gone was the air conditioning, the power mirrors, and even the central locking. Many consumers considered this a step too far for a few extra miles per gallon.
The second and latest generation of VW's economical diesel is a big improvement on the first. The new Polo BlueMotion is more economical, more refined and has a lot of little clever features. The old 1.4 litre clunky engine has been replaced by a new quieter and smoother 1.2 litre unit capable of 74 bhp. While this engine is not going to take you anywhere very fast (top speed is only 107mph and 0-60 in almost 14 seconds), it will return 83 mpg and emit only 90 g/km of carbon so trips to the petrol station will be scarce.
New technical features over the first diesel Polo BlueMotion include a gear change indicator, a lower ride height, regenerative braking and a stop start system. All these new features work really well and altogether the Polo feels like a much nicer place to be now.
In fact all these changes have been enough to win the Polo the European Car of the Year award. While it is undoubtedly a great car it has a major drawback which partly negates its money saving high fuel mileage. The Polo BlueMotion retails for around £14,500 in the U.K. This is massively expensive for a tiny car. You can buy a very fuel efficient Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex for £11,500. While you do expect to pay a premium for VW build quality this small economical diesel is too expensive.
The first generation Polo BlueMotion was also a very economical diesel at 72 miles per gallon but it suffered from a lack of refinement. It had a noisy engine and lifeless steering.
To achieve the remarkable fuel economy the designers at VW added a new grille, smaller wing mirrors and a special rear wing to improve the BlueMotion's aerodynamics. They also fitted low rolling resistance tyres. The engine was the same 1.4 litre 3 cylinder diesel available in other Polo's but it boasted a new variable turbocharger, as well as a new exhaust system and catalytic converter. The five speed manual transmission had extra long gear ratios to squeeze the most economy out of the engine and the 195 Nm unit coped pretty well.
The changes inside the car were less pleasing to some people though. In an effort to reduce weight and increase efficiency VW got rid of a lot of what is now usually considered standard equipment. Gone was the air conditioning, the power mirrors, and even the central locking. Many consumers considered this a step too far for a few extra miles per gallon.
The second and latest generation of VW's economical diesel is a big improvement on the first. The new Polo BlueMotion is more economical, more refined and has a lot of little clever features. The old 1.4 litre clunky engine has been replaced by a new quieter and smoother 1.2 litre unit capable of 74 bhp. While this engine is not going to take you anywhere very fast (top speed is only 107mph and 0-60 in almost 14 seconds), it will return 83 mpg and emit only 90 g/km of carbon so trips to the petrol station will be scarce.
New technical features over the first diesel Polo BlueMotion include a gear change indicator, a lower ride height, regenerative braking and a stop start system. All these new features work really well and altogether the Polo feels like a much nicer place to be now.
In fact all these changes have been enough to win the Polo the European Car of the Year award. While it is undoubtedly a great car it has a major drawback which partly negates its money saving high fuel mileage. The Polo BlueMotion retails for around £14,500 in the U.K. This is massively expensive for a tiny car. You can buy a very fuel efficient Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex for £11,500. While you do expect to pay a premium for VW build quality this small economical diesel is too expensive.
economical hatchback | 2010 honda insight
The 2010 Honda Insight: an economical hatchback, a great looking car, an enjoyable drive, affordable hybrid technology. This car promises us so much. Does it live up to the hype? We've reviewed it and we think it does.
The Honda Insight is of course most commonly compared to the Toyota Prius. Its worthwhile remembering before we begin that these two cars occupy two different size classes. The Prius is classified in the U.S. as a midsized car while the Insight is a compact. I mention this because these hybrid cars are so often compared and I think this difference often gets forgotten. Yes the 2010 Honda Insight is several thousand dollars cheaper than the 2010 Toyota Prius, which its so often applauded for, but you are getting less car for your money. The size difference is noticeable as we shall see later.
So first to the Insight's area of expertise - fuel economy. This economical hatchback will do 40 miles per U.S. gallon in the city, 43 on the highway and 41 mpg combined. Its slightly less fuel efficient than the 2010 Prius, but not by much, and you certainly wouldn't buy a Prius for its better fuel economy because you'd never make up the difference in the car's purchase prices over its lifespan. CO2 emissions are just 101 g/km.
The Honda Insight achieves its high fuel mileage in many ways. Its a very light hybrid, weighing only around 2700 pounds, even with that heavy electric battery pack. Honda haven't done away with any important features to save weight either, unlike some highly efficient small cars.
Of course the main reason why this hatchback is so economical is because its a hybrid. A quite small 1.3 liter 4 cylinder gasoline engine combines with a 10 kilowatt electric motor powered by a 580 Watt Hour nickel metal hydride battery. The battery is charged where possible by free energy from regenerative braking and the vehicle can drive on electric power alone up to 30mph.
Other features helping the 2010 Insight hatchback's high mileage include continuously variable transmission, a stop start system, variable cylinder management, low rolling resistance tires and of course that sleek, aerodynamic, Prius like shape.
Inside the hatchback, you will never forget this car is all about fuel economy. Honda's Eco Assist system tells you how efficiently you're currently driving by changing the color of the speedometer - when its green you're driving economically. More than this, if you've been driving economically over a longer period of time Honda will reward you by displaying up to 5 leaves in the display. Apparently it takes quite a long time of responsible driving to get all five. Honda drivers are also able to download, analyze and share their driving history with other drivers.
Besides all the fancy eco technology, you also get bluetooth and other standard luxuries. The more expensive Insight EX has alloy wheels, cruise control, an upgraded audio system, paddle shifters, stability assist and a voice recognition navigation system. Standard safety across all models is good - front, side and curtain airbags, anti lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and a pedestrian friendly front nose.
Cabin space is good for the front passengers but can be cramped in the rear depending on how large your passengers are. While kids would be fine in the back some adults will be uncomfortable with the available head and leg space. Larger adults would be more comfortable in the rear of a Prius. The rear seat has a 60:40 split. There's 350 liters of storage space without folding the rear seats down.
This hybrid hatchback drives pretty well and probably beats Toyota's Prius in this area. It feels light, nimble and is quite enjoyable to drive. The small engine and electric motor do have their limitations on the highway. There's a lack of punch, but you just need to be aware of this and allow a bit more time and space. The ride is generally fine.
The 2010 Honda Insight is a really good car. It has no major problems to speak of. Its one of the most affordable hybrids, is well built, drives nicely and is safe. If you're also considering a Prius, while Honda's hatchback is several thousand dollars cheaper, you do get more with the Prius - a larger more powerful car and more features and luxuries. They're both great cars. Its up to you whether Honda's economical hatchback fulfills your needs or whether you need to spend the extra cash.
The Honda Insight is of course most commonly compared to the Toyota Prius. Its worthwhile remembering before we begin that these two cars occupy two different size classes. The Prius is classified in the U.S. as a midsized car while the Insight is a compact. I mention this because these hybrid cars are so often compared and I think this difference often gets forgotten. Yes the 2010 Honda Insight is several thousand dollars cheaper than the 2010 Toyota Prius, which its so often applauded for, but you are getting less car for your money. The size difference is noticeable as we shall see later.
So first to the Insight's area of expertise - fuel economy. This economical hatchback will do 40 miles per U.S. gallon in the city, 43 on the highway and 41 mpg combined. Its slightly less fuel efficient than the 2010 Prius, but not by much, and you certainly wouldn't buy a Prius for its better fuel economy because you'd never make up the difference in the car's purchase prices over its lifespan. CO2 emissions are just 101 g/km.
The Honda Insight achieves its high fuel mileage in many ways. Its a very light hybrid, weighing only around 2700 pounds, even with that heavy electric battery pack. Honda haven't done away with any important features to save weight either, unlike some highly efficient small cars.
Of course the main reason why this hatchback is so economical is because its a hybrid. A quite small 1.3 liter 4 cylinder gasoline engine combines with a 10 kilowatt electric motor powered by a 580 Watt Hour nickel metal hydride battery. The battery is charged where possible by free energy from regenerative braking and the vehicle can drive on electric power alone up to 30mph.
Other features helping the 2010 Insight hatchback's high mileage include continuously variable transmission, a stop start system, variable cylinder management, low rolling resistance tires and of course that sleek, aerodynamic, Prius like shape.
Inside the hatchback, you will never forget this car is all about fuel economy. Honda's Eco Assist system tells you how efficiently you're currently driving by changing the color of the speedometer - when its green you're driving economically. More than this, if you've been driving economically over a longer period of time Honda will reward you by displaying up to 5 leaves in the display. Apparently it takes quite a long time of responsible driving to get all five. Honda drivers are also able to download, analyze and share their driving history with other drivers.
Besides all the fancy eco technology, you also get bluetooth and other standard luxuries. The more expensive Insight EX has alloy wheels, cruise control, an upgraded audio system, paddle shifters, stability assist and a voice recognition navigation system. Standard safety across all models is good - front, side and curtain airbags, anti lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and a pedestrian friendly front nose.
Cabin space is good for the front passengers but can be cramped in the rear depending on how large your passengers are. While kids would be fine in the back some adults will be uncomfortable with the available head and leg space. Larger adults would be more comfortable in the rear of a Prius. The rear seat has a 60:40 split. There's 350 liters of storage space without folding the rear seats down.
This hybrid hatchback drives pretty well and probably beats Toyota's Prius in this area. It feels light, nimble and is quite enjoyable to drive. The small engine and electric motor do have their limitations on the highway. There's a lack of punch, but you just need to be aware of this and allow a bit more time and space. The ride is generally fine.
The 2010 Honda Insight is a really good car. It has no major problems to speak of. Its one of the most affordable hybrids, is well built, drives nicely and is safe. If you're also considering a Prius, while Honda's hatchback is several thousand dollars cheaper, you do get more with the Prius - a larger more powerful car and more features and luxuries. They're both great cars. Its up to you whether Honda's economical hatchback fulfills your needs or whether you need to spend the extra cash.
most economical coupe | honda cr-z
One of the world's most economical coupes is the new hybrid Honda CR-Z. Its a defining car because its the worlds first hybrid 2 door coupe and also the CR-Z is the only hybrid car with a manual gearbox you can currently buy.
The Honda CR-Z has a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine and a small 10kW electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride batteries. The car is a mild hybrid - the electric motor assists the internal combustion engine and cannot power the car alone. The 1.5 liter engine has 84 kW of power and maximum combined power output is 91 kW at 6100 rpm (although the electric motor produces 10 kW it can't operate at maximum power when the engine is also at its peak).
Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 5.0 litres per 100km. Toyota's Prius, for comparison, uses just 3.9 litres per 100km. So although not as efficient as the most economical cars you can buy, it is a very economical sports coupe. Carbon dioxide emissions are 117g/km. Honda have compromised on fuel efficiency for a better driving experience. That's why there's a more powerful engine than Honda's most popular hybrid, the Insight, and why the CR-Z comes with a six speed manual. Both sacrifice some fuel in favor of a more engaging drive.
The Honda CR-Z is a beautiful looking sports coupe and visually reminds you of the CR-X coupe. It has a classic sports car wedge shape which ends abruptly at the rear in a sharp vertical drop to decrease aerodynamic drag and improve efficiency. Its short, wide and low to the ground to ensure good road handling.
Now for the bad news. Anyone hoping for sports car performance from the Honda CR-Z is going to be very disappointed and should look elsewhere. As Honda spokesman Christoph Rust puts it the CR-Z is a "sporty car - not a sports car." According to Honda, sporty is defined by the cars character and road handling and not by how fast it is. Thats just as well because the Honda CR-Z must surely be one of the slowest sports coupes out there. It finally reaches 60 mph (or 100 kph) in 9.9 seconds. Again the reason why this sporty coupe is so slow is in the name of compromise. Honda haven't opted for a more powerful engine because fuel consumption would suffer. Honda are relying on people to fall in love with the image of the car and its road handling rather than outright performance. They certainly have made a fun and great handling car, especially considering its carrying heavy hybrid battery packs. Having said that Honda have made an effort to make this economical sports coupe as light as possible and its lighter than the hybrid Insight at 1147 kilograms.
The instrument panel of the Honda CR-Z is largely borrowed from the hybrid Insight. It has the same "eco" display with up to five sprouting leaves depending on your long term driving habits. Go easy on the gas and more of Honda's leaves will sprout. Go heavy on the gas and they'll be taken away. Similarly the tachometer and speedo change color as they do in the Insight, although this time its not only dependant on your current driving style but also which of the three throttle maps you've chosen - economy, normal or sport. Other features of this efficient sports hybrid include a decent audio system with an iPod docking station, bluetooth, leather seats and alloy door handles. The rear seats are only good for small children but there is 400 liters of cargo space once the rear seats are folded down. Safety is good with six airbags and stability control as standard.
Honda's most economical coupe costs about 10% more than their hybrid Insight and has less space and is less fuel efficient. From a practical point of view it doesn't stack up but if sports looks are important to you and you're after a more fun car to drive then it could be worth considering. Just don't expect the car's engine to back up the sports looks!
The Honda CR-Z has a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine and a small 10kW electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride batteries. The car is a mild hybrid - the electric motor assists the internal combustion engine and cannot power the car alone. The 1.5 liter engine has 84 kW of power and maximum combined power output is 91 kW at 6100 rpm (although the electric motor produces 10 kW it can't operate at maximum power when the engine is also at its peak).
Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 5.0 litres per 100km. Toyota's Prius, for comparison, uses just 3.9 litres per 100km. So although not as efficient as the most economical cars you can buy, it is a very economical sports coupe. Carbon dioxide emissions are 117g/km. Honda have compromised on fuel efficiency for a better driving experience. That's why there's a more powerful engine than Honda's most popular hybrid, the Insight, and why the CR-Z comes with a six speed manual. Both sacrifice some fuel in favor of a more engaging drive.
The Honda CR-Z is a beautiful looking sports coupe and visually reminds you of the CR-X coupe. It has a classic sports car wedge shape which ends abruptly at the rear in a sharp vertical drop to decrease aerodynamic drag and improve efficiency. Its short, wide and low to the ground to ensure good road handling.
Now for the bad news. Anyone hoping for sports car performance from the Honda CR-Z is going to be very disappointed and should look elsewhere. As Honda spokesman Christoph Rust puts it the CR-Z is a "sporty car - not a sports car." According to Honda, sporty is defined by the cars character and road handling and not by how fast it is. Thats just as well because the Honda CR-Z must surely be one of the slowest sports coupes out there. It finally reaches 60 mph (or 100 kph) in 9.9 seconds. Again the reason why this sporty coupe is so slow is in the name of compromise. Honda haven't opted for a more powerful engine because fuel consumption would suffer. Honda are relying on people to fall in love with the image of the car and its road handling rather than outright performance. They certainly have made a fun and great handling car, especially considering its carrying heavy hybrid battery packs. Having said that Honda have made an effort to make this economical sports coupe as light as possible and its lighter than the hybrid Insight at 1147 kilograms.
The instrument panel of the Honda CR-Z is largely borrowed from the hybrid Insight. It has the same "eco" display with up to five sprouting leaves depending on your long term driving habits. Go easy on the gas and more of Honda's leaves will sprout. Go heavy on the gas and they'll be taken away. Similarly the tachometer and speedo change color as they do in the Insight, although this time its not only dependant on your current driving style but also which of the three throttle maps you've chosen - economy, normal or sport. Other features of this efficient sports hybrid include a decent audio system with an iPod docking station, bluetooth, leather seats and alloy door handles. The rear seats are only good for small children but there is 400 liters of cargo space once the rear seats are folded down. Safety is good with six airbags and stability control as standard.
Honda's most economical coupe costs about 10% more than their hybrid Insight and has less space and is less fuel efficient. From a practical point of view it doesn't stack up but if sports looks are important to you and you're after a more fun car to drive then it could be worth considering. Just don't expect the car's engine to back up the sports looks!
most efficient small car: honda fit 1.5
One of the most efficient small cars is the Honda Fit, returning great fuel economy without the need of expensive hybrid technology - just a small engine tweaked for efficiency.
The auto version is so tweaked for efficiency, in fact, that its more economical than the manual which is very unusual. The downside of the auto is its pretty sluggish especially when you need it to change down a gear for some extra power. The manual is a more engaging drive and would be our transmission choice. It is not much less efficient than the auto, recording EPA figures of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, while the automatic does 28 miles to the gallon on the city cycle and 35 on the highway.
A 1.5 liter four cylinder engine provides the Fit's power and variable valve timing helps give the small efficient car pretty decent acceleration. Although this is a refined modern engine, like so many subcompacts, it can be a bit noisy. Road handling is very good though, as is the braking.
The interior cabin is another of the Honda Fit's best features. Its unusual for a car of this type to have such a well thought out space. Its a spacious passenger cabin with plenty of cargo space and some clever storage options. Honda's Magic Seat has three different storage configurations and still manages to be a very comfortable rear seat. Design elements like the 10 cup holders make this a very practical space.
Safety is a mix of good and bad if you're considering the base model car. The Honda Fit got excellent government crash test scores but anti skid and stability control systems are not available on the base model, even as an option. This does not compare favorably to most efficient small cars.
Despite this the Honda Fit is a great car and other reviewers agree. Its cheap, reliable and an efficient small car and has picked up several awards. It has been voted among the 10 Best by Car and Driver three years in a row.
The auto version is so tweaked for efficiency, in fact, that its more economical than the manual which is very unusual. The downside of the auto is its pretty sluggish especially when you need it to change down a gear for some extra power. The manual is a more engaging drive and would be our transmission choice. It is not much less efficient than the auto, recording EPA figures of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, while the automatic does 28 miles to the gallon on the city cycle and 35 on the highway.
A 1.5 liter four cylinder engine provides the Fit's power and variable valve timing helps give the small efficient car pretty decent acceleration. Although this is a refined modern engine, like so many subcompacts, it can be a bit noisy. Road handling is very good though, as is the braking.
The interior cabin is another of the Honda Fit's best features. Its unusual for a car of this type to have such a well thought out space. Its a spacious passenger cabin with plenty of cargo space and some clever storage options. Honda's Magic Seat has three different storage configurations and still manages to be a very comfortable rear seat. Design elements like the 10 cup holders make this a very practical space.
Safety is a mix of good and bad if you're considering the base model car. The Honda Fit got excellent government crash test scores but anti skid and stability control systems are not available on the base model, even as an option. This does not compare favorably to most efficient small cars.
Despite this the Honda Fit is a great car and other reviewers agree. Its cheap, reliable and an efficient small car and has picked up several awards. It has been voted among the 10 Best by Car and Driver three years in a row.
most efficient sports car: mazda miata
The most efficient sports car you can buy is the Mazda Miata, but don't go thinking its a boring sports vehicle. While the Miata may not have the power of its rivals its still an awesome car with handling ability comparable to supercars.
The sporty Mazda comes with a choice of three transmissions. There's a 5 speed manual shift which has a fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon for the city, 28 for the highway and 24 mpg combined. There's also a six speed manual and an auto equipped with paddle shifters, both of which register 21/28 miles per gallon for the city/highway cycles. You can't buy a more economical sports car than this.
Starting from only $23,000 for the Sports trim, the Mazda Miata is also just about the most affordable sports car you can buy too. The Touring and Grand Touring trims are slightly more expensive than the Sport but still good value. Miata's also hold their value well and are as solid as a rock so all in all they won't cost you very much to buy and run. Since the engine is only a relatively small 2.0 liter, insurance premiums will be cheaper than for other sports cars too.
Despite the 2.0 liter engine only producing 167 horsepower the car feels quick because its so light and small. 60 is reached in 6.5 seconds which is pretty fast. Horsepower decreases very slightly with the auto transmission. The main reason this car is so fun to drive is because of its incredible road handling. This has always been what the Miata is all about. You feel the road so clearly through the car which gives you plenty of confidence to have some fun with it. Steering inputs are immediate and accurate, the brakes are strong, grip is plentiful - the Miata instantly makes us all better drivers.
In 2009 the Mazda Miata was updated and the exterior received a facelift. The slightly chunkier look is a good one as the Miata now looks like its grown up and put a bit more muscle on. The soft top is available in all three trims while the auto retractable hardtop is only available for the Touring and Grand Touring trims. The hardtop is good looking, built well and offers great practicality but obviously adds a few kilos to the car.
The interior of this Mazda sports car is similarly good looking and well equipped. Due to the car's size its not a large cabin though and larger drivers and passengers will be cramped.
The most efficient sports car on the market comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. The Miata has won plenty of awards including Car and Drivers 10 Best. If you're looking for a budget sports car you simply can't do better.
The sporty Mazda comes with a choice of three transmissions. There's a 5 speed manual shift which has a fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon for the city, 28 for the highway and 24 mpg combined. There's also a six speed manual and an auto equipped with paddle shifters, both of which register 21/28 miles per gallon for the city/highway cycles. You can't buy a more economical sports car than this.
Starting from only $23,000 for the Sports trim, the Mazda Miata is also just about the most affordable sports car you can buy too. The Touring and Grand Touring trims are slightly more expensive than the Sport but still good value. Miata's also hold their value well and are as solid as a rock so all in all they won't cost you very much to buy and run. Since the engine is only a relatively small 2.0 liter, insurance premiums will be cheaper than for other sports cars too.
Despite the 2.0 liter engine only producing 167 horsepower the car feels quick because its so light and small. 60 is reached in 6.5 seconds which is pretty fast. Horsepower decreases very slightly with the auto transmission. The main reason this car is so fun to drive is because of its incredible road handling. This has always been what the Miata is all about. You feel the road so clearly through the car which gives you plenty of confidence to have some fun with it. Steering inputs are immediate and accurate, the brakes are strong, grip is plentiful - the Miata instantly makes us all better drivers.
In 2009 the Mazda Miata was updated and the exterior received a facelift. The slightly chunkier look is a good one as the Miata now looks like its grown up and put a bit more muscle on. The soft top is available in all three trims while the auto retractable hardtop is only available for the Touring and Grand Touring trims. The hardtop is good looking, built well and offers great practicality but obviously adds a few kilos to the car.
The interior of this Mazda sports car is similarly good looking and well equipped. Due to the car's size its not a large cabin though and larger drivers and passengers will be cramped.
The most efficient sports car on the market comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. The Miata has won plenty of awards including Car and Drivers 10 Best. If you're looking for a budget sports car you simply can't do better.
small economy car: toyota yaris 1.5
The Toyota Yaris is a very good small economy car. Its the smallest and cheapest car in Toyota's line up but it still manages to retain the company's trait for high build quality.
The Yaris is highly fuel efficient. In fact its the third most efficient car in the subcompact class, which means its in the top 10% of cars for fuel economy. A well engineered 4 cylinder 1.5 liter gasoline engine is responsible. It produces a not too insubstantial 106 horsepower while still managing 29 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. While its no sports car there's plenty of zip when driving around town and its a fun drive.
There's usually some compromises with small economy cars. Sometimes they aren't safe or they don't drive well or they look and feel cheap. The Toyota Yaris does not suffer from this problem. It performs well in all areas. Its pleasing on the eye, has good road handling, is solidly built and reliable.
The only criticisms are relatively minor. The engine can be a little noisy under hard acceleration which is not unusual in small vehicles which have less sound proofing and high revving engines.
The instrument panel is not in front of the driver but to the left, positioned in the center of the vehicle. I think Toyota have let styling overtake practicality here because there is no benefit of a center console and it means the driver has to angle his head away from the road to see how fast he's going. Not ideal but not a major issue.
Amazingly safety is probably the biggest asset of Toyota's smallest car. The Yaris beats most of its rivals in this aspect. Standard safety equipment includes traction control, stability control, anti lock braking and electronic brake force distribution. Crash test results are also pretty good for a cheap small car.
The Toyota Yaris is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback or a 4 door sedan. It comes with a 3 year 36000 mile warranty and costs around US$12,500 for the base model. Luxury features on the base model are pretty thin on the ground but if you can do without electric windows and doors then this is a well recommended small economy car.
The Yaris is highly fuel efficient. In fact its the third most efficient car in the subcompact class, which means its in the top 10% of cars for fuel economy. A well engineered 4 cylinder 1.5 liter gasoline engine is responsible. It produces a not too insubstantial 106 horsepower while still managing 29 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. While its no sports car there's plenty of zip when driving around town and its a fun drive.
There's usually some compromises with small economy cars. Sometimes they aren't safe or they don't drive well or they look and feel cheap. The Toyota Yaris does not suffer from this problem. It performs well in all areas. Its pleasing on the eye, has good road handling, is solidly built and reliable.
The only criticisms are relatively minor. The engine can be a little noisy under hard acceleration which is not unusual in small vehicles which have less sound proofing and high revving engines.
The instrument panel is not in front of the driver but to the left, positioned in the center of the vehicle. I think Toyota have let styling overtake practicality here because there is no benefit of a center console and it means the driver has to angle his head away from the road to see how fast he's going. Not ideal but not a major issue.
Amazingly safety is probably the biggest asset of Toyota's smallest car. The Yaris beats most of its rivals in this aspect. Standard safety equipment includes traction control, stability control, anti lock braking and electronic brake force distribution. Crash test results are also pretty good for a cheap small car.
The Toyota Yaris is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback or a 4 door sedan. It comes with a 3 year 36000 mile warranty and costs around US$12,500 for the base model. Luxury features on the base model are pretty thin on the ground but if you can do without electric windows and doors then this is a well recommended small economy car.
most efficient suv: ford escape hybrid
The Ford Escape hybrid is the United States most efficient SUV. To be this environmentally friendly does come at a price though. The hybrid Escape is expensive compared to other vehicles in its class and around $9000 dearer than a non hybrid Escape.
Ford's hybrid Escape has a 153 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine and a 94 horsepower electric motor. Compared to other hybrids, electric power is substantial, vastly improving the Escape's gas mileage over its non hybrid sibling. The economical Ford also runs on continuously variable transmission for greater fuel efficiency.
The Escape is available in either front wheel or all wheel drive configurations. The front wheel drive version has a fuel economy of 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway while the heavier four wheel drive registers 30 in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
Unlike some hybrids, especially older ones, the most efficient SUV you can buy is also a great car to drive. The Escape can power itself on electricity alone at speeds up to 40mph, after which there is a seamless transition to the gas engine. The car accelerates well, reaching 60 mph in under 10 seconds, and handles well. Its a comfortable and refined vehicle. The only negative in terms of the car's performance are the slightly underpowered brakes giving longer than average braking distances for the class. Another point to make is while Ford's efficient SUV does have basic off road functionality if you opt for the all wheel drive version you need to be aware that its by no means a Land Cruiser and reaches its limitations on the dirt very quickly.
The cabin of Ford's fuel efficient SUV is a comfortable place to be. One great thing about this hybrid car is it has an air conditioning unit that does not require power from the gasoline engine, meaning that it can still be used when the SUV is in all electric mode. Not many hybrids offer this functionality.
The Ford Escape hybrid SUV scored well in most government crash tests however it didn't do so well in rollover testing and there are also question marks over its roof strength.
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are anti lock brakes and AdvanceTrac stability control. An innovative safety feature is the MyKey system, allowing parents to set speed limits and a stereo volume limit for their sons and daughters.
The Ford Escape hybrid is a good family SUV let down only by its fairly high price tag. If you were only thinking of your bank balance you'd buy the standard Escape as it would take many years to make up the $9,000 in fuel savings if you bought the hybrid. But the hybrid is the most efficient SUV which means its good for the environment. In fact it won the Most Environmentally Friendly Truck of the Year award at the 2009 Earth, Wind and Power Awards. So its a great option if you want an economical and green SUV.
Ford's hybrid Escape has a 153 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine and a 94 horsepower electric motor. Compared to other hybrids, electric power is substantial, vastly improving the Escape's gas mileage over its non hybrid sibling. The economical Ford also runs on continuously variable transmission for greater fuel efficiency.
The Escape is available in either front wheel or all wheel drive configurations. The front wheel drive version has a fuel economy of 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway while the heavier four wheel drive registers 30 in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
Unlike some hybrids, especially older ones, the most efficient SUV you can buy is also a great car to drive. The Escape can power itself on electricity alone at speeds up to 40mph, after which there is a seamless transition to the gas engine. The car accelerates well, reaching 60 mph in under 10 seconds, and handles well. Its a comfortable and refined vehicle. The only negative in terms of the car's performance are the slightly underpowered brakes giving longer than average braking distances for the class. Another point to make is while Ford's efficient SUV does have basic off road functionality if you opt for the all wheel drive version you need to be aware that its by no means a Land Cruiser and reaches its limitations on the dirt very quickly.
The cabin of Ford's fuel efficient SUV is a comfortable place to be. One great thing about this hybrid car is it has an air conditioning unit that does not require power from the gasoline engine, meaning that it can still be used when the SUV is in all electric mode. Not many hybrids offer this functionality.
The Ford Escape hybrid SUV scored well in most government crash tests however it didn't do so well in rollover testing and there are also question marks over its roof strength.
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are anti lock brakes and AdvanceTrac stability control. An innovative safety feature is the MyKey system, allowing parents to set speed limits and a stereo volume limit for their sons and daughters.
The Ford Escape hybrid is a good family SUV let down only by its fairly high price tag. If you were only thinking of your bank balance you'd buy the standard Escape as it would take many years to make up the $9,000 in fuel savings if you bought the hybrid. But the hybrid is the most efficient SUV which means its good for the environment. In fact it won the Most Environmentally Friendly Truck of the Year award at the 2009 Earth, Wind and Power Awards. So its a great option if you want an economical and green SUV.
fuel efficient 4x4: volkswagen tiguan
If you're in the market for a fuel efficient 4x4 you should definitely test drive theVolkswagen Tiguan. Its the second most efficient 4x4 available in the U.K. and is a capable performer in all areas.
Four wheel drives are slowly shedding their reputations as gas guzzlers thanks to an influx of economical new 4wd's such as the VW Tiguan. Fitted with a 2.0 TDI engine this fuel efficient 4x4 is capable of 45 miles per gallon (UK) in the city, 59 on the open road and a whopping 53 mpg on the combined cycle.
Vitally there is still plenty of power from the engine to make light work of motorway overtaking and off road challenges. Acceleration is good and the car pulls well throughout the entire rev range. The Tiguan's diesel engine is refined too and very quiet. If you haven't driven a diesel in the last 10 years you'll be amazed at how they've changed.
The Tiguan has permanent four wheel drive called 4Motion. The car is in total control of the system and under normal driving conditions sends 90% of power to the front wheels to aid fuel efficiency. It is, however, capable of dividing power equally between front and rear wheels when required. An electronic differential lock is also available for off road adventures.
The Volkswagen Tiguan drives well both on and off road. On road it's nimble and responsive with low levels of body roll when traveling through corners. Off road it is surprisingly capable too, coping well with a variety of situations. Driver assist features include hill descent assist, reverse park assist and traction control.
Inside the Tiguan the seats are comfortable, the controls are all well laid out and easy to find. In short its a very nice car to drive. There's plenty of space for rear passengers too who will love the fold down aircraft style tables - an indication of just how much cabin room is on offer for a relatively small 4x4.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is well priced at around £20,000 in the U.K. but once you also factor in its low depreciation and solid reliability it begins to make even greater financial sense. This fuel efficient 4x4 comes well recommended.
Four wheel drives are slowly shedding their reputations as gas guzzlers thanks to an influx of economical new 4wd's such as the VW Tiguan. Fitted with a 2.0 TDI engine this fuel efficient 4x4 is capable of 45 miles per gallon (UK) in the city, 59 on the open road and a whopping 53 mpg on the combined cycle.
Vitally there is still plenty of power from the engine to make light work of motorway overtaking and off road challenges. Acceleration is good and the car pulls well throughout the entire rev range. The Tiguan's diesel engine is refined too and very quiet. If you haven't driven a diesel in the last 10 years you'll be amazed at how they've changed.
The Tiguan has permanent four wheel drive called 4Motion. The car is in total control of the system and under normal driving conditions sends 90% of power to the front wheels to aid fuel efficiency. It is, however, capable of dividing power equally between front and rear wheels when required. An electronic differential lock is also available for off road adventures.
The Volkswagen Tiguan drives well both on and off road. On road it's nimble and responsive with low levels of body roll when traveling through corners. Off road it is surprisingly capable too, coping well with a variety of situations. Driver assist features include hill descent assist, reverse park assist and traction control.
Inside the Tiguan the seats are comfortable, the controls are all well laid out and easy to find. In short its a very nice car to drive. There's plenty of space for rear passengers too who will love the fold down aircraft style tables - an indication of just how much cabin room is on offer for a relatively small 4x4.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is well priced at around £20,000 in the U.K. but once you also factor in its low depreciation and solid reliability it begins to make even greater financial sense. This fuel efficient 4x4 comes well recommended.
Top 10 most economical cars
Various
Modern cars have never been more economical to run. The best new green cars continue to set mpg records, with the most fuel efficient returning more than 80 miles per gallon.
And with fuel prices in 2011 continuing to rise fast, it is now more important than ever before to own a fuel-efficient car.
The most economical cars also put out the lowest levels of CO2 emissions - meaning they are green cars in every sense of the word.
As an added bonus, all these cars get free road tax - and they can even now travel into the London Congestion Charge zone for free, too!
So which ARE the most economical cars in Britain? MSN Cars is committed to bringing you details of the cars with the best fuel economy on sale in the UK.
1. Smart Fortwo cdi - 86g/km
Smart
The most economical new car on sale in Britain is the Smart ForTwo cdi diesel. It returns an incredible 85.6mpg!
It is not the fastest or most refined car on sale, but there is no questioning its fuel efficiency. Pity it seats only two.
New Fortwo cdis cost from £9,825.
2= Toyota Auris Hybrid T4 - 89g/km
Toyota
The newest Toyota Hybrid is the British-built Auris HSD. This uses the same petrol-electric running gear as the Prius, and returns an amazing 74.3mpg average fuel economy.
This is better than the Toyota Prius, despite the same CO2 figure. Auris fuel economy is better in town, whereas the more aerodynamic Prius wins on a long run: the weighting of economy stats mean the Auris gets the 'official' nod. Which would be best for you?
New Auris Hybrids cost from £19,545.
2= Toyota Prius T3 - 89g/km
Toyota
Toyota sells another hybrid family car alongside the Auris HSD - the world famous Toyota Prius.
The T3 is the base variant, whose smaller (and lower-drag) 15-inch alloy wheels help the petrol-electric hybrid to 72.4mpg, and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km. It also does 76mpg on a run, beating its Auris Hybrid sibling.
New Priuses cost from £20,695.
2= Skoda Fabia Greenline II - 89g/km
Skoda
VW Group sells three cars with the efficient 1.2-litre TDI diesel engine - and it is the super-practical Skoda Fabia Greenline II that is the most fuel efficient.
It emits just 89g/km CO2 and returns a heady 83.1mpg. Here at MSN Cars, we would trade the 2.5mpg it gives to the Smart in return for its five-seat practicality.
New Fabia Greenlines cost from £13,685.
3. Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion - 91g/km
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Bluemotion range is one of the most well-known fuel saving new car line-ups on sale in the UK.
The latest Polo Bluemotion is the most economical of the lot. It averages 80.7mpg and emits just 91g/km CO2.
New Polo Bluemotions cost from £14,860.
4. SEAT Ibiza E Ecomotive - 92g/km
SEAT
The sporting Spanish VW Group brand, SEAT, matches the Polo Bluemotion for fuel economy with the SEAT Ibiza E Ecomotive.
It is the smallest of differences that leads to an extra 1g/km CO2, but to all intents, the two are just as economical - making the cheaper-to-buy SEAT the preferred choice?
New Ibiza Ecomotives cost from £13,900.
5. Lexus CT 200h SE-I - 94g/km
Lexus
The latest hybrid car to go on sale in the UK, the Lexus CT 200h uses technology derived from the world-famous Toyota Prius.
It is very economical, averaging 69mpg, and blends this with low CO2 emissions and a premium image. But is the fuel-efficient new Lexus a genuine Audi A3 alternative?
New Lexus CT 200h SE-Is cost from £23,485.
6= Fiat 500 TwinAir 85 - 95g/km
Fiat
Fiat has fitted a revolutionary two-cylinder petrol engine to the funky 500, which boasts great fuel economy - it can average nearly 69mpg.
The powerful motor still produces 85hp though, thanks to the addition of a turbocharger. This doesn't impact on CO2 emissions: they are super-low at just 95g/km.
New Fiat 500 TwinAirs cost from £10,865.
6= Fiat Punto Evo 1.3 MultiJet 85 Eco - 95g/km
Fiat
Fiat has revised the Punto Evo again, to make it even more fuel efficient. The latest version can average over 78mpg.
Ongoing tweaks to the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine have also cut CO2 emissions to just 95g/km. A bargain-priced, practical fuel-saver.
New Punto Evo Multijets cost from £12,195.
7= Ford Fiesta Econetic - 98g/km
Ford
The Ford Fiesta Econetic gives you exceptional 76.3mpg diesel fuel economy AND exceptional driving entertainment behind the wheel.
It is a superb all-rounder with the added benefit of free road tax, thanks to CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.
New Fiesta Econetics cost from £13,895.
7= Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95 - 98g/km
Vauxhall
Vauxhall is never one to be outdone by arch-rival Ford. The facelifted Corsa is now available in 1.3 CDTi 95 ecoflex guise, which emits just 98g/km CO2.
It also matches the Ford Fiesta Econetic's fuel economy, with a great average of 76.3mpg. Stop-start also helps fuel economy in town, too.
New Vauxhall Corsa CDTis cost from £13,310.
8= Toyota IQ 1.0 - 99g/km
Toyota
The fuel-efficient micro car alternative to a Smart that CAN seat more than two people is the Toyota IQ. With sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, it really does justify its name.
The Toyota is going to get even more attention soon, as Aston launches its IQ-derived Cygnet. Will Aston, in time, launch a similarly green version using the same 1.0-litre petrol engine as this?
New Toyota iQs cost from £10,445.
8= Peugeot 207 Economique - 99g/km
Peugeot
Peugeot's 207 range is getting on a bit now, but it is still able to challenge its rivals in terms of fuel efficiency.
In 1.6 HDi Economique guise, it is another car to crack the magic 74mpg benchmark, and again emits just 99g/km CO2.
New Peugeot 207 Economiques cost from £13,045.
8= Audi A3 1.6 TDI 105 - 99g/km
Audi
The Audi A3 is an established premium hatchback - but this does not mean it's a gas-guzzler. In 1.6-litre TDI guise, it is capable of 74.3mpg.
CO2 emissions of under 100g/km also prove that you can go upmarket without affecting your green credentials.
New Audi A3 TDIs cost from £18,700.
8= Citroën DS3 Dstyle - 99g/km
Citroën
The radical Citroën DS3 is the French brand's answer to the MINI. It is similarly green though, with average economy of 74.3mpg.
CO2 emissions are low and they're cleaned up further by a standard particulate filter.
New DS3 Dstyles cost from £14,100.
8= Citroën C3 Airdream+ - 99g/km
Citroën
If the Citroën DS3 is not practical enough for you, Citroën also offers the C3 supermini in similarly economical Airdream+ guise.
This has the same super-efficient 1.6-litre HDi engine, meaning it also has CO2 emissions that dip below the 100g/km barrier.
New C3 Airdreams cost from £15,090.
8= Ford Focus Econetic - 99g/km
Ford
The outgoing Ford Focus is still available at dealers if you search hard enough - and it's worth hunting for a great deal on the Econetic version.
The great-handling Ford emits 99g/km and matches the VW Golf Bluemotion for fuel economy, averaging 74.3mpg.
The current Focus range starts from £15,871.
8= Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion - 99g/km
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion is a premium-finish family hatchback with supermini-like fuel economy. 74.3mpg from such a refined car is staggering.
MSN Cars is running a VW Golf Bluemotion as a long-term test car - and we are finding the economy lives up to the great official claims in practice, too. Even more impressive!
New Golf Bluemotions cost from £18,665.
8= Volvo C30 DRIVe - 99g/km
Volvo
The stylish Volvo C30 DRIVe was one of the first 'super-eco' cars on sale. Volvo has just refreshed the diesel engine for 2011 - it now produces 115hp.
It's still very economical, though. 74.3mpg is great and stop-start cuts CO2 emissions to 99g/km. Not big enough for you, though? Read on...
New C30 DRIVes cost from £18,905.
8= Volvo S40 DRIVe - 99g/km
Volvo
Yes, the Volvo C30's 4-door sibling, the Volvo S40, is also available in DRIVe guise.
Despite its extra space and five-seat capacity, it retains the same amazing 74.3mpg economy figure...
New S40 DRIVes cost from £21,045.
8= Volvo V50 DRIVe - 99g/km
Volvo
Or maybe you need the extra boot space of an estate? Even here, Volvo has a 74mpg answer, with the Volvo V50 estate.
Even with its 99g/km CO2 figure, it still manages to boast an ample 1,307-litre boot with the seats folded.
New V50 DRIVes cost from £22,425.
8= SEAT Leon E Ecomotive - 99g/km
SEAT
The SEAT Leon E Ecomotive is a cheaper alternative to the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion. It isn't as luxuriously finished but it looks sportier and has sharper handling.
It still has the same 74.3mpg economy figure though - and the 1.6-litre TDI engine still produces 99g/km CO2.
New Leon Ecomotives cost from £17,355.
8= MINI Hatch One D - 99g/km
MINI
The original UK economy car has kept pace with the times. The latest One D variant uses all the latest BMW engine technology to emit less than 100g/km CO2.
Standard stop-start also means the 74.3mpg average economy won't be affected too much by the city centre traffic it thrives in, either.
New MINI One Ds cost from £14,175.
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