The Most Fuel-Efficient 2012 Cars
Cars | February 21, 2012Electric vehicles are still pretty much a niche segment, but a growing one with the addition of Mitsubishi i-MiEV to the fleet, which was born in 2011. For folks who can charge up at work for or shorter trips, these vehicles are a wonderful option and federal tax incentives will knock up to $7,500 off the purchase price. Amongst 2012 electric cars, the all-new i-MiEV leads the pack both for cost and fuel-efficiency, and ranks as one of the most fuel-efficient cars of the year.
The Most Fuel Efficient cars have been named for 2012 by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). It has accumulated a list that is dominated by basically all automobile manufacturing companies. Those remaining two are domestic vehicles, although with one being a commercial van. On the list are quite a lot of vehicles with diesel or gasoline engines.
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Building on Mitsubishi’s over three decades of involvement in highly developed electric car development, the company has revealed its first all-electric production vehicle bound for North American market. Based on the most famous gasoline powered ‘i’ minicar in Japanese market, this practical and roomy 4-door 2012 model serves as a basis for new all battery-powered Mitsubishi ‘i’ for North American market. The zero tailpipe emission will be the original North American production car to be motivated by MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) technology, a cutting edge drivetrain engineering, which will serve as a basis for future ultra-environmentally-friendly cars from Mitsubishi. Gone are traditional automotive systems like transmission, fuel tank and gasoline engine, having been replaced by sophisticated components such as electric motor, efficient battery charging system and lithium-ion battery system.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV has already proved itself as a reliable and viable mode of transportation and the company been selling it Japan since the summer of 2009. It anticipates an initial roll out of ‘i’ to its dealership network in western United States (specially Oregon, California, Hawaii and Washington) in November 2011 with entry into northeastern market for following by March 2012 and nationwide availability by end of 2012. Its MSRP is likely to be around $30,000, excluding Federal and offered state financial incentives.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV bound for North American market further differentiates itself from its European and Japanese spec versions with redesigned, bigger body for providing more cabin comfort for four passengers, plus new North American spec bumpers rear and front for improved protection in an event of collision. Other noteworthy safety features include airbags, which control deployment force and protect passengers, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Active Stability Control.
2012 Toyota Prius
The 2012 Toyota Prius is a city car for young generation of drivers. It is the 3rd car in Prius hybrid family and joins Prius (third generation) and Prius V. The Prius is a small compact car designed and engineered for city driving. Due to its small size, The Prius offers impressive fuel economy, while its exterior has similar styling to the current 3rd generation Prius. Nevertheless, the new vehicle has smaller, more streamlined look. At 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the Prius featured a sporty style of wheels and a vibrant blue paint color.
Toyota offers Prius c in four trim levels: One, Two, Three and Four. The c is a base model, which comes standard with Bluetooth, remote keyless entry and automatic climate control, while the Two gets 60/40 split fold down rear seat, 6-speaker audio system, engine immobilizer, cargo area cover and cruise control. The Three comes standard with array of technology with display stereo system with navigation and 6.1-inch touchscreen. The Prius Three model also gains Smart Key system with push button start and Bluetooth. The 15-inch alloy wheels and moonroof are optional.
2012 Lexus CT 200h
In 2011, Lexus marked an introduction of all-new CT 200h, the company’s 5th hybrid vehicle and 2nd dedicated hybrid. As the company continues to dominate the luxury hybrid market, the 2012 Lexus CT 200h premium hybrid demonstrates its commitment to unparalleled sophistication, technology and quality. It is now in its 2nd generation and comes with Vehicle Proximity Notification System, which helps alert cyclists and pedestrians of oncoming vehicle under certain situations by emitting low audible warning sound. Besides, it brings a new exterior color – Nebula Gray Pearl replacing Smoky Granite Mica for 2012.
The size of 2012 Lexus CT 200h packs ultra-low emissions and full hybrid technology, which perfectly meet the demands of highly discerning, young environmentally conscientious customer base. Offered in Premium and standard trim levels, it boasts remarkably low fuel consumption and offers impressive combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg city, 40 mpg and 42 mpg on highway using regular 87-octane gasoline. Furthermore, it can be operated in a switchable EV mode that produces zero emissions.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive of CT 200h gets a distinctive energy management system equipped with four-cylinder gasoline engine. Through the application of marque-specific software tuning and engineering solutions, the engineers of Lexus focused on improving both driving performance and environmental of a full hybrid series/parallel system, along with Ultra-low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels. Using most recent generation hybrid system, the CT 200h takes advantage of the company’s continuous engineering advances for minimizing emissions, delivering driving pleasure and maximizing fuel economy. The extremely efficient engine design, major efforts for reducing parasitic losses, driver selectable driving modes, evaporative emissions system and exhaust heat recovery system all make notable contributions.
Several significant elements inside CT 200h transform the driving experience, making it more relaxed and easier while also helping to improve driver’s attention to the road ahead and minimizing driver distraction. The Navigation Package includes back-up camera, voice command and HDD navigation system along with phone book download capabilities, exclusive Remote Touch controller of Lexus with user-adjustable haptic feedback and Bluetooth hands free phone. The high-tech device integrates multiple, highly sophisticated control systems and the controller is identical to the computer mouse. The driver benefits with enhanced sight lines, reduced eye movement and high-resolution, clear screen. These advances fused with physical feedback offered by the controller make the system extremely intuitive.
For convenience and comfort, the optional Premium Audio Package comes with 10-speaker Lexus premium surround sound audio system with HomeLink, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass and six-disc CD changer. On the other hand, the optional Leather Package gains driver memory, rain sensing variable intermittent wipers and perforated leather seats. Other optional features include auto dimming rearview mirror with backup camera, LED low beam headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling with headlamp cleaners and Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
The 2012 Lexus CT 200h also provides Lexus Enform, a telematics system with Safety Connect. The Lexus Enform and Safety Connect response centers operate 7 days a week, every day of the year and 24 hours a day. Lexus Enform vehicles are factory-ready for subscriptions to plenty of ground-breaking SiriusXM services such as NavWeather, NavTraffic, Stocks and Sports. These services provide complimentary ninety-day trial subscriptions and need separate data and audio subscriptions.
2012 Scion iQ
The 2012 Scion iQ comes standard with Star Safety System that includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), antilock Brakes (ABS), Traction Control (TRAC), Brake Assist (BA), Smart Stop Technology brake-override and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The tire pressure monitoring system is also standard. Its profile, defined by high and strong beltline glides from large, stout headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wraps around the rear, highlighting its geometric shape. Side mirrors with incorporated turn signals accent its clean design and provide it a premium look.
2012 Volkswagen Passat
The bigger, more sophisticated 2012 Volkswagen Passat provides remarkable fuel efficiency estimated at 43 mpg and class leading rear legroom with driving experience only Volkswagen can deliver. Its safety features include company’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response Systems that initiates automatic safety protections in a collision, ESP electronic stabilization program, tire pressure monitoring system, Hill Climb Assist with manual transmission, ABS with braking assistant, extremely rigid body structure for protecting driver and passengers and six airbags. The Passat sets new benchmarks for comfort with its best-in-class rear seat legroom, drastically larger rear seating area, superior touring properties and well-designed controls. Other standard equipments include power windows all around, automatic climate control, insulating glass, air conditioning, cruise control, unique analog clock at the center of the instrument panel, radio-CD system (MP3-capable and external audio input), Bluetooth connectivity and outside temperature display with frost warning.
Premium options include power seat adjustment, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen satellite radio, leather trimmed multifunction steering wheel, front foglights with static cornering lights, choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 510 or RNS 315 navigation systems, new ambiance lighting, wood decor, power passenger seat, keyless access with push button start and memory driver’s seat.
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