Driven
WORDS BY JIM GORZELANY
High-Mileage Hotties
These days, impressive fuel economy ratings can be found in vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
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It doesn’t take a genius to ascertain why car and truck buyers are suddenly paying serious attention to fuel economy ratings. Gasoline prices heading toward the heavens can affect even the most horsepower-hungry buyers. Fortunately, at least a few automakers entered 2006 prepared with new higher-mileage models to help feed the growing demand for fuel-frugal vehicles. Here’s a look at some of the latest rides that deliver better-than-average economy. |
Honda Civic Hybrid
Redesigned along with the rest of the compact Civic line for 2006, the Hybrid remains one of the most miserly autos on the market. A 110-horsepower, four-cylinder gasoline engine works in tandem with a 15-kilowatt electric motor/generator and a self-charging battery pack to afford an impressive 49 city/51 highway mpg. A continuously variable transmission delivers manual-gearbox economy and performance with the convenience of an automatic. Standard equipment is on a par with the top gasoline-powered version, with a navigation system being its only option. www.hondacars.com. MSRP: $21,850
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
A gas-electric-powered version of Mercury’s handsome midsize SUV packs a 133-horsepower 2.3-liter gasoline engine, an electric motor/generator, a battery pack that charges itself and a single-gear continuously variable automatic transmission. All told, this powertrain imbues the lavishly-equipped Mariner Hybrid with acceleration that’s equivalent to a V-6 gasoline-powered version, but enables it to boast fuel economy that’s actually better than the base four-cylinder model.
It registers a noteworthy 29-city/33-highway mpg. www.mercuryvehicles.com. MSRP: $29,840
Volkswagen Jetta 1.9L TDI
The diesel-powered version of VW’s Jetta sedan delivers exceptional fuel economy with far less mechanical complexity than a hybrid-powered vehicle. Its 1.9-liter, turbocharged direct-injection, four-cylinder diesel engine produces 100 horsepower and racks up a full 36 city/41 highway mpg.
This gives the car an effective cruising range of over 600 miles on a single (14.5-gallon) tank of gas. Antilock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-Slip Regulation and VW’s Electronic Stabilization Program are all included for maximum control and stability. Interior room and cargo volume are both generous, with front-side and side-curtain airbags standard. www.VW.com. MSRP: $21,290
Hummer H3
That’s right, a Hummer. The 2006 H3 is the first Hummer for which the term “fuel economy” can actually be used in a positive manner. Smaller in stature than the H2, the midsize H3 remains a boxy and high-riding SUV with Tonka-Toy styling and a rugged demeanor. Its 3.5-liter, inline-five-cylinder engine generates 220 horsepower and allows the vehicle to garner a respectable 20 mpg on the highway. Two full-time, electrically controlled four-wheel-drive systems are offered, with the optional version enabling the vehicle to climb 16-inch vertical steps and cross 24-inches of water. www.hummer.com. MSRP: $28,935
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai revises its smallest and least-expensive sedan for 2006, giving it added power, a roomier interior and fresh styling. A new 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 110 horsepower with a thrifty 32 city/35 highway mpg. Antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist, front side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags come standard. It’s backed by a five-year/60,000 comprehensive warranty, with 10-year/100,000 limited powertrain coverage. www.hyundaiusa.com. MSRP: $11,000 (est.)