Why would I say “only 90″ after beating you over the head with slowing down? I have owned small cars, and driven quite a few. In my experience, cars do not usually function comfortably too near their top speeds. This is one I definitely want to test drive in real driving conditions.

The super light weight of the vehicle also makes me wonder how it will fair on the highways.

While small, the car should fit 2 adults and 2 children. (But you know it’s adorable.)

[Source/Image: Axon Automotive]

Post from: EveryJoe

UK’s Axon Auto to get 80 mpg

The Chevy Aveo is one of the least expensive mainstream cars currently on the market. The base model comes in just under $11,000 but comes without AC, and only with a manual transmission. That’s definitely “cheap” but going up a few models and adding some options, you can still get a inexpensive car that delivers comfort. Unfortunately, fuel efficiency is not the best. 24 mpg city driving, but 34 mpg on the highway.

Skip the Aveo entirely if you do mostly in-town driving OR you want a quiet ride on the open road. If you’re looking for better long distance fuel efficiency paired with a nice interior, the Aveo might be for you. MIGHT. Despite an impressive interior, the Aveo is quite noisy at high speeds and shakes over 85 mph. The trunk is plenty big, and the backseat folds down for even more room, but leg room is definitely at a premium (sorry Mamoru ;p ).

You’ll have nicer handling, and a more comfortable ride than other smaller cars, and this is one of few models where the automatic, according to Edmunds, offers better performance.

What about the bottom line?

The 5-dr LS 1LS starts at $12,680. Fit with the power package (power doors and windows, remote keyless entry, and theft-deterrent system) engine block heater, auto transmission, and cruise, the price goes up to $13,430. Add in the sunroof and spoiler, upgraded cd/mp3 and 15 inch wheels, and you’re looking at $15,180.

This is different with the 4-dr models. The LS 1LS starts at $12,830.00 and comes standard with AC, front bucket seats with driver armest and tilting headrests, manual transmission, AM/FM stero with 6 speakers and input jacks, and 14 inch steel wheels. You can upgrade to include many of the same features of the base LT 1LT, including cruise control and better stereo. The LT 1LT starts at $14,580 and comes with more amenities but is upgradable to other extras (including a sunroof). Tricked out you’re looking at $16,600. Even if the extra thrills aren’t interesting for you, pick up the automatic transmission and the engine block heater. Both will help with performance/fuel efficiency (particularly in cold weather.)

Personally, I don’t think I would recommend this with the other models on the market unless you are overwhelmingly driving on highways, and are Really concerned with the quality of your car’s interior.

Sources: Edmunds, Yahoo! Autos, Chevrolet

[Images: Chevrolet]

Post from: EveryJoe

Is the Chevy Aveo Efficient/Affordable?

Honda President, Takeo Fukui, said Honda’s new line up of hybrids will debut in 2009, with a five-seater hatchback similar to the FCX Clarity. Also in the works, a Honda Fit, and a sporty CR-Z.

All of that is great, of course, but when will we get a hybrid minivan? Come on, Fukui. I thought you might be the man to put the plan in motion. For a company seemingly in a race to catch up with Toyota, and having a very successful minivan currently in production, I think ignoring this market is a mistake.

MLive.com also has a list of “hybrid premiums” and how many years it typically takes to get your investment back (based on specific factors, including an average gas price that will soon be surpassed, shrinking these estimates some):

2008 Toyota Highlander
2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid $7,495 11.4
2008 Ford Escape
2008 Ford Escape hybrid $4,161 6.9
2008 Lexus RX350
2008 Lexus RX400h $4,407 6.1
2008 Mercury Mariner
2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid $4,904 6.0
2008 Honda Civic
2008 Honda Civic hybrid $2,803 4.6
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid $438 2.6
2008 Toyota Camry
2008 Toyota Camry hybrid $889 1.5

Their Source: Edmunds.com
My Sources? MLive.com and Forbes.com

Photo: Honda.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Honda to Make Cheaper Hybrid by 2009

I really prefer the SE with the sunroof package. Um, all because of the potential impact on gas … and emissions … and not even a little because it’s “the cool one”. Honestly. Even with the fun stuff added, you come away with a car that has a lot to offer and with the rebate going right now, it’ll cost you under $15,000.

If that’s more than you want to spend though, the GS can be scored – with upgraded audio, etc -for under $12,000. The GLS 4-door is also under $15,000.

Fuel-efficiency is best (27 mpg city/32 mpg highway) with a stick, but automatic (24 mpg city/ 33 mpg highway) for roughly $1000 more per model. Like many of the smaller cars, there are problems when it comes to taking a hit. Rear passenger tests only scored 3 starts for side collisions in the Accent. The rest were pretty good however, at 5s and 4s. Safety ratings can be seen here.

Standard features on all 3:
Dual front advanced airbags with OCS
Driver and Front Passenger Side-impact airbags
Side Air Curtains (front and rear passengers)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Child seat LATCH system
Front seatbelt pretensioners

Not (factory) available? Cruise control. I don’t get this, particularly with the other options they carry. Also not available? A rear wiper. (I have these on two cars and honestly use them maybe once a year, so I was very surprised to see people complaining about them.)

Each model has its own list of upgradeable options, even colors. If you like the Accent, but want more room, the Hyundai Elantra is also an inexpensive option.

[image source: Hyundai USA]

Post from: EveryJoe

The Environmentally-friendly & Affordable: Hyundai Accent @ $12,000

It’s no coincidence that European laws are set to change that year. More proof that regulations do effect the market in environmentally positive ways.

And now, for some more Euro-car action … I was amused when I first learned of these automatic stop sign roadblocks that (in some European countries) rise right up out the street. I guess they were news to this feller, too.
[img source Fiat]

Post from: EveryJoe

Fiat shoots for gas and diesel hybrids by 2011

The 2-seater Maya-300 will go 25 to 45 mph (depending on regulations for low-speed vehicles in the sale region) and last for 120 miles per charge. The vehicle is easily recharged through the use of a standard 110V outlet.

The company has mentioned several times the Maya-300 will be affordable, but have yet to state how affordable it will be.

Source:

Electrovaya

Post from: EveryJoe

Electric to go 45 mph & 120 miles per charge

And it’s not hard to tell why. This luxury crossover is packed with techie-(and environmentally-friendly)goodness.

* hydrogen fuel cells
* solar panel rooftop
* plug-ins to feed the lithium-ion batteries to the left and right
* special vents in the grill that can open up to create a more aerodynamic experience

People are really excited by this new car. The only question left is whether or not GM will go on to produce one. Hopefully that answer is yes, but with hydrogen fueling stations few and far between. The Equinox will be tested soon in Southern Cal markets, where the Honda Clarity FCX will be leased starting Summer 2009. How long will it take for this new trend in alternative auto technology to catch on, and what will it mean to the burgeoning ethanol plants Midwestern states have invested so much in?

Source:
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/01/cadillac-unveil.html

Post from: EveryJoe

Introducing the Cadillac Provoq

It’ll be $500 to reserve your car. They come in one color – white – which two variations: an all-electric model that gets roughly 120 miles per charge ($26,900), or the electric-gas hybrid that gets 330 mpg ($29,900). Still much improved over a car like the Prius. Seats two up front with room for a child in back, plus storage room for groceries, etc.

Here’s what’s included, from the website…

Driver and passenger side Airbags Energy absorbing and impact deflecting passenger Safety Cell Advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, CD/MP3/DVD player, XM satellite radio, Large View Rear Camera, and complete vehicle diagnostic system “Eyes Forward” vision system with 180 degree rear sight picture displayed in the driver’s field of view to enhance situational awareness LED interior and exterior lighting for maximum energy efficiency Solar assisted Climate Control System so you always enter a comfortable Aptera that is never too hot or cold And an RFID(Radio Frequency ID) key fob so you never have to pull out your keys to enter or start your Aptera. The key fob simply remains in your pocket or purse.

Post from: EveryJoe

Aptera taking deposits for their Electric Car (California only)

[Note: The facts in this post are currently under review. Look for future posts to decide if the testing done was on the up and up, or if this was a smokescreen used to draw popularity away from electric cars. See comments for more info.]

There’s a misconception about hybrid and electric cars being less safe than gasoline-powered vehicles that has a surprising hand in keeping sales down. Unfortunately, sometimes an example comes forward that fits a stereotype … and it hurts.

The G-Wiz, manufactured by India-based, Reva Electric Car Company, failed Europe’s [automobile] safety standards miserably, and got enough attention to damage the image of electric cars. Thankfully, the company teamed up with Lotus, and has corrected those problems, according to a story in Business Green:

“the new 2008 G-Wiz i “has been independently, voluntarily frontal crash tested for city speed driving conditions at 25 mph by ARAI [the Automotive Research Association of India] following the addition of the Lotus assisted safety package”.

“The new model, which is expected to be available from next year, also boasts enhanced performance, according to GoinGreen, including an advanced drivetrain that delivers a range of up to 48 miles per charge, a top speed of 50mph, improved acceleration to 30mph and new front disc brakes that deliver a 30 per cent improvement in performance.”

The G-Wiz calls itself the most popular EV in the UK.

From a consumer standpoint, I’m not sure if this is a credible fix. Will people once warned of the dangers be apt to buy the same car? Albeit the next generation? It’s happened often enough with major car manufacturers. We’ll have to wait and see if electric-minded purchasers follow suit.

Post from: EveryJoe

Electric car, G-Wiz, improves safety standards

You can see my previous post on the Current Offers and Rebates tool to find deals in your area.
If you’re in the market for a new 2007 or 2008 model, these are the most fuel efficient cars currently for sale:

2007/2008 Subcompact, compact cars

2007/2008 Family sedans

2007/2008 Wagons & Crossovers

2007/2008 SUVs

2007/2008 Minivans

2007/2008 Trucks

I apologize in advance, because the following may be a flood of related posts. I hope no one will be too aggravated. :)

Post from: EveryJoe

Best Fuel Efficiency 2007 & 2008