Gas Misers
Want to save money on gas? Skip the hybrid hype (and cost). Check out these lesser known offerings:
Dodge Sprinter
Those who need to haul a lot of cargo or people should not feel as if they need to settle for a vehicle with a huge, gas guzzling engine. The Dodge Sprinter is actually a re-badged Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, as Dodge ditched their horrendous passenger van a few years ago in favor of adopting a proven European market offering. This van combines a small turning circle with narrow width, making it perfect for the urban grind. The turbocharged five cylinder diesel returns 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. To borrow a phrase from Mercedes’ marketing past, the Sprinter is engineered like no other van in the world.
Base price: $29,085
Honda Fit
Over time, the subcompact Honda Civic has been the favorite of boy racers, the budget conscious and of course, those looking to conserve resources. While the Civic Hybrid is the obvious choice for those seeking impressive fuel economy, some might not be aware that Honda has an alternative.
Recently introduced to the U.S. to these shores earlier this year, the Fit combines a conventional 1.5 liter gas engine with either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic. It returns an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. In addition, it carries an impressive list of standard features, a versatile interior capable of carrying large loads and a size that is closer to the Civics we now from years past. The best part is you save about $8,000 in the process over the Civic Hybrid Sedan.
Base Price: $13,850
Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI
For those with deep pockets, here is the ultimate in having your cake and eating it, too. Mercedes-Benz’s 3.2 liter inline six puts its V8 competition to shame. A massive 369 lb ft of torque moves this Teuton off the line with authority while providing 27 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway. The range on one tank of gas is around 700 miles. Combine this with the ultimate in luxury appointments and that famous badge on the hood and being green isn’t so hard at all. This is, quite possibly, the perfect compromise for the times in which we live.
Base price: $51,825
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper makes the short list once again, this time in non-Cooper S trim. A 1.6 liter engine powers this tiny hatchback Though rated at 28 mpg city and 36 highway, my father regularly gets in the high 30s on a combined loop in his 2002 Cooper. On a good day, on the highway, it’s easy to cross the 40 mpg barrier. German engineering, British charm, outstanding handling and performance along with impressive fuel economy. Is it too good to be true? No, it is true.
Base Price: $18,450
Nissan Versa
A new subcompact entry from Nissan, the Versa slots under the Sentra in the Nissan lineup. That’s not to say it is lacking, by any means. Smart styling, impressive features and the choice of sedan or hatchback go a long way to breaking up the boredom of the compact car segment. With a 1.8 liter engine and 6 speed manual transmission, you are sure to get the combined 38 mpg that Nissan is touting. Surprising options for the class include Bluetooth capability and satellite radio. Sales begin early this summer.
Base Price: Around $12,000
Toyota Yaris
The Yaris is yet another subcompact that has been sold in Europe for several years, just reaching the U.S. this year. It fills the void that the ridiculous looking and hideously equipped Echo left after its departure from the Toyota lineup in 2005. Both a sedan and two door hatchback are offered, the hatchback definitely looking more purposeful than its four door counterpart. Fuel economy is rated at 34 mpg city, 40 highway.
Base Price: $10,950
VW TDI
While I’ve had my qualms with Volkswagens in the past, their diesel offerings should not go unnoticed. The 1.9 liter TDI engine can be currently had in the Golf, Jetta, and New Beetle. This year, a new Pumpe Düse technology offers up more power and cleaner emissions. Expect around 35 mpg city and low 40s on the highway, depending on model and transmission. Some recent road tests have returned close to 50 mpg and more under certain conditions. The VW TDI is no doubt one of the hybrid’s strongest competitors.
Base Price:
Golf: $19,580
Jetta: $21,605
New Beetle: $18,390