Driven

words by > Jim Gorzelany

WITH gasoline prices all over the map and environmental concerns on the rise, it’s no surprise that automakers are responding with a fleet of new higher-mileage/low-emission vehicles. But not all of them are subcompacts with lawn-mower-sized engines. Some are family-friendly sport-utility vehicles, while others are opulent luxury sedans.

Here’s a look at the latest models that can help save a few dollars on gas and protect the environment at the same time.

Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid

The hybrid-powered versions of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs receive added style and substance over their predecessors. The Mariner is the more elegant-looking entry, while the Escape has a burlier appearance. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor/generator combine to produce 155 hp. A single-gear continuously variable transmission affords smooth acceleration; all-wheel-drive is optional. Electromechanical power steering, front and side airbags and AdvanceTrac stability control are now standard features.
MSRP: $28,000/$30,000 (est.) www.ford.com“>www.ford.com

BMW Hydrogen 7

BMW debuts the industry’s first clean-burning hydrogen-powered luxury car for 2007, the Hydrogen 7. Based on its full-size 760Li sedan, the new model is powered by a 12-cylinder internal combustion engine that’s engineered to run on either liquid hydrogen or conventional gasoline, stored in separate tanks. While the engine produces “just” 260 horsepower, with a 10-second 0-to-60 mph time many economy cars can beat, the car emits only water vapor when hydrogen-powered. Limited availability begins this spring.
MSRP: $150,000 (est.) www.bmw.com“>www.bmw.com

Lexus LS 600h L

This is the first gas/electric car to employ a V8 engine. The long-wheelbase luxury sedan uses the hybrid system as a form of high-tech turbo-charging and has a combined city/highway mpg that’s likely to be in the low-20-mpg range. Like the standard LS 460, the 600h L is tricked out with enough bells and whistles to satisfy any technogeek.
MSRP: $74,000 (est.) www.lexus.com“>www.lexus.com

Saturn Vue Green Line/ Saturn Aura Green Line

Offering not one, but two new hybrid models for 2007, Saturn offers Green Line versions of its Vue crossover sport-utility vehicle and the new Aura midsize sedan. Both have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines and four-speed automatic transmissions, with electric motors/ generators that augment the powertrain when needed. Most of the pairs’ fuel economy savings are realized by having the engine shut down during deceleration and at idle, and the relative simplicity of this technology makes both vehicles broadly affordable to new-car customers.
MSRP: $22,370/$23,000 www.saturn.com“>www.saturn.com