As more environmentalist promote an eco friendly behavior and encourage people to ride bikes or use public transportation to get around, car manufacturers have quickly jumped on the bandwagon and came up with a solution that most socially responsible drivers could adhere to. As you surely noticed at that major auto shows in Detroit, Chicago and Geneva in the past years, the hype nowadays is all about fuel efficiency.
Even the United States, once known as the land of gas-guzzling SUVs has admitted that it is time for a change. In fact, if you were to look at the sales statistics, you will be pleasantly surprised by the buyers’ choice in the past period. Without further ado, let’s go over the top fuel efficient sedans that are easy on the wallet and on the environment.
1. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Given the fact that is consumes 30 mpg in the city and 42 on the highway, the clear winner of this top cannot be other than the 2013 VW Jetta. However, the reason we placed Jetta in the top position also comes from its impressive power and features. To summarize, the 2.0l 140hp engine is a reliable intercooled turbo style that can support a 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel ABS and an efficient overdrive system. Add the fact that you can select between 42 trims options and that it costs around $27,000 and you can understand why it received this rating.
2. 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
In spite of the fact that the Chevrolet Cruze has a better fuel consumption rating, 28 mpg in the city and 42 on the highway and theoretically at least, it deserves first prize in this top list, the truth is that the Chevrolet’s claims cannot be confirmed or infirmed until summer 2013. Nonetheless, the info released by the automaker so far sounds pretty good: the Cruze will pack a 2.0 turbocharged clean diesel engine able to boast 148 hp and 258 lbs of torque.
3. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen wasn’t joking when they stated that they are preparing to build the most fuel efficient car in the world and both the Jetta and Passat 2013 models stand proof of that. And, the truth is that the differences between the two are not really that noticeable, meaning that Passat consumes an additional gallon compared to Jetta. Considering that Jetta’s design is smaller and that it features a magnificent instrument panel, the one gallon difference could be justified.
4. 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid
Similar to most of the hybrid models in the Honda fleet, the Civil has underwent some serious revamping and is ready, at least according to the manufacturer, to hit the markets this year. Both Honda Civics scheduled to be released have the advantage of the fuel economy rating, which is confirmed to 44 mpg for city, highway and combined driving. Will the new interior leather option and substantial exterior improvements determine drivers to overlook the fact that the vehicle cannot operate at low speeds on battery power alone? Only time will tell.
5. 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Even though the Lincoln MKZ has a design similar to the 2.0l 141 hp engine on the Ford Fusion, its advantage resides in the incredible gas consumption, which the EPA ratings confirm at 45 mpg for both the city and the highway. In all honestly, the $1 billion investment Ford made to revamp the moniker and naturally, restore the Lincoln name to its former glory, hasn’t really paid off given the enthusiasm the MKZ received so far. Sadly enough, most fans and experts have seen the action as do or die and since Ford managed to sell more than half a million of the F series and only 85,000 Lincolns, things are not looking good for the latter.
The first on the list is the Audi A4 which according to EPA returns fantastic mileage per gallon (MPG) both in city and highway driving conditions. One can get 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway from the Audi A4. This car has a four-cylinder engine under the bonnet and is powered by turbocharger. Another added feature is that it has got direct fuel injection system. You can derive 258 lb-ft of torque from this car and the acceleration is great even while returning good fuel economy figures. It is also available as a station wagon variant. If you go for looks and would like to enjoy your drive then Audi a4 is the car you should go for.
The BMW 335d which is next on the list returns 23 and 36 MPG in the city and highway respectively. Apart from its fuel economy you will love its power and torque. Rev up the engine and it will develop 425 lb-ft which is much more than many other cars in its class. Acceleration is also fast without compromising on fuel economy. The BMW 335d by far is the best car in the diesel segment that is currently being sold in USA.
Though the fuel efficiency figures of the Chevrolet Volt are yet to be declared by EPA yet it sounds promising given the fact that this car runs on twin power mode (electric motor and gasoline). That’s right; you don’t have to use fuel at least up to 40 miles. Thereafter you can switch over to gas. This can be an ideal car for people who have to commute short distances everyday. Now they don’t have to fill gas as they used to earlier.
The Ford Fiesta which is available in both automatic and manual transmission variants returns fantastic figures (29 MPG for city and 40 for highway) though the automatic one returns a bit higher. The three great things about the Ford Fiesta are its size, price and fuel efficiency. The car looks good too and takes on the curves smoothly. You will love to drive this car for your everyday errands.
Returning 41 and 36 MPG in the city and the highway respectively the Ford Fusion Hybrid is perhaps one of the most popular hybrid cars. It offers high mileage that can be expected from a hybrid and at the same time it gives the pleasure of a mid-size sedan. The car is spacious and good to drive. The dashboard is user-friendly and the other gizmos give that technological aura. If you are looking for a car that has everything packaged into one then it should be Ford Fusion Hybrid.
