A focus on saving fuel

Product Reviews

From subcompact to luxury, cars are designed with efficiency in mind

November 06, 2011|Consumer Reports

Rising oil prices and tougher fuel-economy requirements have unleashed a wave of small cars, gas-electric hybrids, and electric cars for the 2012 model year, while many larger vehicles have been tweaked to improve gas mileage. Here is Consumer Reports’ take on notable new models.

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

VW introduces the second generation of the reincarnated Beetle. It’s wider and longer, and the trunk and cabin are much roomier, making the car a more practical choice.

Bottom line. More space and power might breathe new life into the Beetle. But lower-trim Beetles have cheap interior plastics, examples of the cost-cutting strategy that hurt the 2011 Jetta sedan.

CHEVROLET SONIC

The Korean-designed, US-built Sonic is an attempt by General Motors to gain traction in the subcompact market. A four-door hatch and sedan are available. Both are relatively roomy, powered by the same engines used in the larger Chevrolet Cruze. The Sonic’s safety features include 10 air bags.

Bottom line. Early drives with a preproduction model indicate that the Sonic is far more competitive than the Aveo it replaces.

HYUNDAI VELOSTER

The Veloster is a small, two-door sports coupe, but there’s a well-concealed rear door on the passenger side that grants access to a two-person rear seating area. The interior design is glitzy-modern. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the Veloster’s fuel economy at 40 miles per gallon, highway and 30 in the city.

Bottom line. It’s hard to believe the miserly fuel economy will allow for much giddyap, but agile handling could trump the need for speed here.

SUBARU IMPREZA

The Impreza redesign has a longer wheelbase, more rear leg room, and an upgraded interior. Subaru claims that the new 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gets 30 percent better fuel economy than the previous model.

Bottom line. If Subaru has addressed its standard all-wheel drive that hurt fuel economy, while making the interior larger and quieter, as claimed, that’s a big plus.

BUICK VERANO

The smallest Buick in decades is an entry-level sedan based on the Chevrolet Cruze. But it uses the same powerful 177-horse four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission as the larger Regal. It has a touchscreen navigation system and uses advanced sound-deadening techniques.

Bottom line. This Buick will be a welcome addition for consumers who want luxury features without going to a larger car.

HYUNDAI ACCENT

The redesigned Accent subcompact is available as a sedan or hatch. Its interior is relatively spacious and well finished. It gets an EPA estimated 30/40 (city/highway) miles per gallon.

Bottom line. The Accent is about sound, affordable transportation. But the interior feels cheap, and the cabin is noisy.

CHEVROLET MALIBU