The Detroit Auto Show was touting so many Hybrids I thought I would mention some petrol -powered cars with plenty of fuel economy now and on the horizon.
The Pontiac
Vibe is ideal for commuters in need of some passenger and cargo space
or as a family vehicle, this 5 passenger vehicle also includes a few
important safety features such as driver and front passenger airbags
and seatbelt pretensioners that automatically secure seat belts in the
best position to keep passengers as protected as possible should a
collision occur. Optional safety equipment includes side curtain
airbags, front seat side airbags, stability control and anti-lock
brakes, all of which typically are included as standard equipment on
the Vibe's top competitors.
The Pontiac Vibe is powered by a 1.8 liter, 4 cylinder
engine that produces 126 horsepower and is paired with a 5-speed manual
or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Although not impressively
fast, acceleration is adequate and gas mileage is excellent with
averages rated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The standard warranty is 3 years/36,000 miles for the entire vehicle
and 5 years/100,000 miles for specified major powertrain components.
MSRP: $16,760
Estimated Market Price: $16,465
Invoice: $15,838
http://www.pontiac.com/vibe/index.jsp
Offered as a five-door hatchback or four-door sedan, the Nissan Versa
boasts a surprisingly roomy interior and plenty of cargo space.
Due to its deceptively large cabin, the EPA actually classifies the
Versa as a midsize car. That should give you an idea of Versa's
roominess. While mentioning EPA classification, how could I not mention
city/highway fuel economy? Versa, rated at 27/33 mpg with an automatic
CVT or 26/31 mpg with a six-speed manual, is the highest rated
non-hybrid in its class for 2008.
Versa hatchbacks and sedans are available in two trim levels: S or SL.
The Versa S (starting at $12,630 for sedan and $12,730 for hatchback)
includes niceties like air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, CD
stereo, power mirrors, and a split folding rear seat.
The Versa SL (starting at $14,630 for sedan and $14,730 for hatchback)
adds alloy wheels, keyless entry, power windows and locks, upgraded
audio system with auxiliary jack for MP3 players, upgraded seat fabric,
cruise control and more.
MSRP $14,630.00
Estimate Price: $14,697.58
Invoice $14,116.00
http://www.nissanusa.com/versa/
After 10 years without a subcompact model below its Focus model, Ford
is getting ready to bring its hot, sporty small cars to the United
States after having success with them in Europe for years.
The Ford Verve concept was unveiled last week at the show, offering a
vision of what is to come for Ford's small cars. It's not as glamorous
as the F-150 or the Mustang, but this car has a slick design that looks
good and has an unmistakable Ford flair. If the production version
looks this good, U.S. buyers will have something to be excited about.
Ford calls the Verve a B-car, which means it’s smaller than the Focus.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the car that arrives in 2010
will be a subcompact.
http://autoshows.ford.com/207/2008/01/13/verve-concept-ford%e2%80%99s/
Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com
auto show
