Mazda sold a rebadged Ranger, forget its name. They dropped it a few years ago, along with some other Ford things. I believe Australia is getting a diesel Ranger soon, but its almost the same size as the F150. That's why Ford isn't going to be selling the redesigned Ranger in the US.
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Cool cars with good gas mileage >30mpg
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Mazda sold a rebadged Ranger, forget its name. They dropped it a few years ago, along with some other Ford things. I believe Australia is getting a diesel Ranger soon, but its almost the same size as the F150. That's why Ford isn't going to be selling the redesigned Ranger in the US.
Here's my choice, coming very soon to the North American market:
2012 Hyundai Accent (five-door hatchback and saloon shown here)
The new Accent--unlike the old model--uses the new Gamma 1.6-liter engine with gasoline direct injection and six-speed automatic (technologies that used to require a really expensive German car to find as standard), which means decent acceleration and still gets very good fuel economy.
2012 Hyundai Accent (five-door hatchback and saloon shown here)
The new Accent--unlike the old model--uses the new Gamma 1.6-liter engine with gasoline direct injection and six-speed automatic (technologies that used to require a really expensive German car to find as standard), which means decent acceleration and still gets very good fuel economy.
Another vote for the Mini -- my under-the-radar yet still fun-to-drive car of choice.
Unfortunately, a well optioned John Cooper S with limited slip diff will cost north of $30k.
Unfortunately, a well optioned John Cooper S with limited slip diff will cost north of $30k.
You just simply don't compare naturally aspirated engines to turbocharged/supercharged engines. Take your Golf off the turbo and it probably makes 140hp.
Also, compare the torque curve of a turbo 4 to that of a naturally aspirated 6 to that of a naturally aspirated V8.
Speaking of V8s, don't assume they are gas guzzlers. Corvettes can achieve high 20s on the highway (although that's largely due to gearing).
Then how come BMW's renowned inline 6's barely make the low 300s with twin turbos?
They didn't like it -- it claims to be a hybrid sports car, it isn't that good as a hybrid (heck it gets worse mileage than the original ICE-only CRX but is 700 lbs heavier) and it is terrible as a sports car (0-60 is 10 seconds and it's not a nimble handler). It's an affront to the original CRX's spirit, and not only is it NOT a hybrid sports-car fusion, it's not very good at either.
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I just wanted to mention Suzuki Cars, but than I had a look on their US-Site and saw, they don't offer their small, speedy and not-thirsty cars in the US.
Modern turbo cars generally have extremely flat torque curves - often flat from 1500 - 5000 rpm - better than many NA cars.
You could buy an older Mercedes Diesel. With proper care, they run FOREVER. And it's a Mercedes, I mean, who DOESN'T want one?
I feel inclined to point out that some of you are stating "rated" MPG, which 9 times out of 10 is NOT representative of real world economy.
In terms of REAL WORLD economy, the word "fun" and "efficient" do not often go hand-in-hand. That said...
Ford Fusion Hybrid, Altima Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and the now-gone Mercury Milan Hybrid represent cars where they can have fun and cool styles, yet be over 30 MPG in terms of efficiency in REAL WORLD conditions. Of course, they're also $10k more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts.
As far as non-hybrids you're basically trapped on the lower end of the spectrum (IMO). Your Ford Fiesta, Civics, Accords, some Scions, the Kia Optima I believe can also hit that mileage. Conservatively, I *could* get 30 MPG in my Altima 2.5SL. But I'd have to drive like an old grampa OR it be all freeway driving AND it would have to be all flat, no hills or valleys - neither of which are the case.
In terms of REAL WORLD economy, the word "fun" and "efficient" do not often go hand-in-hand. That said...
Ford Fusion Hybrid, Altima Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and the now-gone Mercury Milan Hybrid represent cars where they can have fun and cool styles, yet be over 30 MPG in terms of efficiency in REAL WORLD conditions. Of course, they're also $10k more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts.
As far as non-hybrids you're basically trapped on the lower end of the spectrum (IMO). Your Ford Fiesta, Civics, Accords, some Scions, the Kia Optima I believe can also hit that mileage. Conservatively, I *could* get 30 MPG in my Altima 2.5SL. But I'd have to drive like an old grampa OR it be all freeway driving AND it would have to be all flat, no hills or valleys - neither of which are the case.
A little correction here--the modular motors came in 2V, 3V, and 4V versions (I have a 2V version myself). They also rev quite a bit more than you would think, much more than a small block Chevy (have one of those also). For a V8, they are fairly rev-happy. They did fairly well with the Mustang crowd, especially the 4V versions, but the return of the 5.0 (clean-sheet design) has been welcomed with open arms, certainly. Amazing engines, those new 5.0s. And they are very, very responsive to mods. 412/444 hp in bone stock form is nothing short of impressive, especially with the gas mileage they get. The sky really is the limit with those 5.0s.
Thats still only 444hp from a 5.0 V8 though. TVR was 440 from a 4.2 straight 6. I understand what you say about the low rev high torque but theres still quite a difference. Different cultures I guess?!
Bone stock, with lots of room for improvement.
I agree, hp/liter is completely useless, and something Europeans always like to tout for some reason. It makes no difference, I look at the engine that's in the car, and how it performs and the numbers it puts to the wheels--that's what matters.
This is so true, and it's something a lot of people really need to let go of. Just the other day in another thread here in CD, an STI owner was saying what gas guzzling POS cars the new Camaro and Mustang were, and then I posted stats showing that they still got better gas mileage than an '11 STI and that was the end of him. People need to realize the cars also handle too, and have for 25 years. A Camaro from over 20 years ago put down a .92G skidpad, bone stock. The new Mustang (just the base GT) stops better, accelerates faster, and runs the same time around the track as an M3. The Boss 302, built for the track, would embarrass the M3. The criticism of the M3 was that it lacked balance and mid-range torque, and suffered from understeer, none of which are easily fixed. The criticism of the Mustang was that it needed better shocks, which anyone/everyone would replace anyway when they lower the car. In other words, with the numbers the new cars put out, they are nothing short of impressive on all fronts, and it's time people realize that. American performance cars get good mileage and have handled well for the last 25 years. It's not 1968 anymore.
Here's the back-to-back comparison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOwSPccbzl4
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The Honda 4 cylinders are ultra efficient and reliable. For upscale, the Acura TSX will get great gas mileage and run for 200K miles.
Dunno but here is a nice video of the car itself (doesnt give much on specs though) and here are the specs.
Basically naturally aspirated 4.2ltr straight six producing 440bhp and hitting 215mph (for £75,000).
I'm not having a go or anything, just showing off the car really as its one of my favs
They are an acquired taste with regards to looks but I think it looks stunning
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If I remember correctly, the current 3-Series models use the N55 3.0-liter I-6 with a single turbo, rated at 306 bhp. BMW probably kept the engine in a relatively mid state of tune for engine longevity and fuel economy reasons.
The 335i has the N55 with the single turbo. The 335is still has the N54 Twin Turbo putting out 330 or so HP.