10 inexpensive new cars that get over fifty miles per gallon
To use Bob Dylan’s words, “Times, they are a game changer” and this is certainly true when we look at the habits of the new car buyer. Successive governments have failed to curb our excessive demand for fuel; in fact, for many years cars seemed to get bigger and bigger, with fuel consumption figures falling, sometimes barely doubling. Then came the troubles in the oil-producing regions of the world, quickly followed by the credit crunch, and suddenly attitudes have changed. Market forces have influenced the new car buyer, and as a result, automakers have moved quickly to fill the gap that is opening in the market, the need for comfortable yet fuel-efficient new cars. Listed below are ten new inexpensive cars, not in any particular order, or indeed, not even market leaders, although what they do have in common is their ability to travel more than fifty miles per gallon on the combined cycle. They may not be the answer to all of our problems, but they are certainly a step in the right direction.
MINI Cooper 1.6 D
The MINI Cooper 1.6 diesel has had BMW’s EfficientDynamics treatment, low rolling resistance tires, electric power steering, an intelligent brake energy regeneration / alternator control system, an automatic stop / start function and a start-up system. High-precision direct injection are some of the advances that have been made to the new Cooper diesel, and as a result, it achieves a staggering 72.4 mpg on the combined cycle.
Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion
Powered by a 1.4-liter three-cylinder diesel engine that is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger that provides maximum assistance at low speeds, the Polo Bluemotion is one of the leaders in its class. Volkswagen has used a few tricks to get the Polo Bluemotion to perform as frugally as it does, the mandatory low rolling resistance tires, lightweight alloy wheels and improved aerodynamics all contribute to the Bluemotion reaching 74.3 miles per gallon on cycle. combined. Exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter give the Polo another advantage over most cars on the UK market, Co2 emissions of just 99g / km, resulting in zero road taxes. Low cost engine at its finest.
Audi A3 1.9 TDIe
Audi may not be the first manufacturer to come to mind when it comes to budget cars, but this just goes to show how seriously manufacturers are taking the situation we’re in. The A3 1.9 TDIe is powered by a reworked diesel unit and this, combined with aerodynamic adjustments, low resistance tires and a ‘recommended gear’ display means that Audi will get 62.8 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. So if you’re looking for a car with green credentials, but don’t want to compromise on quality, the A3 1.9 TDIe can tick all the boxes you need.
Citroen C1 1.0i Vibe 3 doors
The Citroën C1 could easily be replaced by the Peugeot 107 or the Toyota Aygo, as they all share the same platforms and the same engines, which says that the C1 was chosen for one thing and one thing only, the price. Designed in collaboration between the three manufacturers, they are all extremely capable city cars with low road bottom bands and good mpg figures, slight aesthetic differences are really the only thing that sets the models apart, that and the fact that Citroën runs a little better offers what makes them. the lowest priced model. Powered by a one-liter gasoline engine, the C1 will return 61.8 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and has Co2 emissions of 108 g / km.
New BMW 1 Series 118d EfficientDynamics
Voted World Green Car of the Year in 2008 by 47 journalists from 24 different countries, the BMW 118d EfficientDynamics makes use of energy capture systems, brake energy regeneration, automatic stop and start, optimal gear shift indicators, electric power steering. and lightweight body. panels to achieve a remarkable 62.8 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. With BMW expecting sales of 700,000 cars a year in Europe that have EfficientDynamics built in, the fuel economy is estimated to be in the region of 33 million gallons, a pretty substantial savings for anyone.
Ford Fiesta ECOnetic
When it comes to inexpensive new cars, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic has to measure up to the best. Powered by a specially tuned 1.6-liter diesel engine, the Fiesta ECOnetic is the most economical Ford and possibly the most economical car of the moment. A longer gear ratio, gear shift indicator, aerodynamic wheel caps, low rolling resistance tires, lower suspension, and the fact that it weighs about 40kg less than the previous Fiesta mean the ECOnetic will let you drive 76.3 miles on a combined cycle per gallon of diesel you put in. Ford may be struggling in the US, but with numbers like these, the Fiesta ECOnetic is sure to be a huge hit in Europe.
Volkswagen Touran 1.9 TDI DPF BlueMotion S 105 5dr
Unfortunately, not everyone can use a small city car or hatchback, after all some people have families and this obviously restricts their choice when it comes to buying a new car. For those in that position, Volkswagen has come to the rescue in the form of the Touran Bluemotion. The extremely popular MPV sports a new front grille and air intake, optimized aerodynamics, lower suspension and higher gears along with low rolling resistance tires, combined, these improvements mean that the Touran Bluemotion will return 52.3 miles per gallon in the combined cycle. Proving that you don’t necessarily have to downsize to do your small part.
New Toyota Prius 1.5 VVT-i
When it was released, the Toyota Prius was seen by many as a gimmick, as a result both Lexus and its parent company Toyota have stolen a bit over their competitors. London’s congestion charge exemption has certainly helped raise the profile of the Prius and as a result, it has become a common sight on roads across the UK. Powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a high-performance electric motor, the Prius switches between the two, the electric motor charging at low speeds (up to 28 mph), and the gasoline engine withstanding strain at high speeds. higher. The result, a combined cycle of 65.7 miles per gallon, makes the Toyota Prius an ideal car not only for the city, but also for those who choose to commute.
Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI PD 80 GreenLine
Another offer from the Volkswagen stable to take a trip through the wind tunnel is the Skoda Fabia Greenline, it may not match the Polo Bluemotion or the Seat Ibiza Ecomotive, however it is quite a bit more frugal than the rest of the Fabia range. At 68.9 miles per gallon on the combined cycle, the Greenline should theoretically drive 689 miles on a full tank, put in perspective, that’s seventy miles more than a standard Fabia 1.4 TDI. The Greenline may cost a bit more than its siblings, but with gas and diesel prices the way they are, it won’t be long before you get the cash back.
New Mazda 2 1.3 TS
Generally, as we age, we add weight, something that seems to happen with cars too. Redesigns and facelifts always seem to add a few pounds here and there and as a result bigger and more powerful motors are required just to achieve the same performance. Not so with the new Mazda 2. When Mazda launched the new Model 2, it weighed 100 kg more than the model it replaced. It’s safer (five-star EuroNCAP for adult occupants), has more standard equipment, but still manages 52.3 miles per gallon on the combined cycle – quite an achievement indeed.