CarConnection’s let it slip that Ford is about to bring its Transit Connect van here to the States. CC’s blog states that the Transit Connect will be “will be pitched as an alternative to the Dodge Sprinter.” Half a Dodge Sprinter, more like it. The Transit Connection might be angular and relatively tall, but it’s small when compared to the hulking Sprinter …
Since its introduction to America in the 1995 model year, the popular Hyundai Accent has consistently delivered a high mile per gallon (MPG) to purchase price ratio. The Accent’s highway gas mileage figures have hovered in the mid-thirties on the highway throughout the sub-compact’s run. Although the Accent’s gas mileage ratings took a bit of a hit with the reworking of the mileage formula for the 2008 model year, the least expensive Accent’s sticker price is still under $11,000.
Both the three-door hatchback and four-door Hyundai Accent sedan are fitted with a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine, producing 110 horsepower and 106 foot pounds of torque. All models are available with a five-speed manual as standard issue; a four-speed automatic with overdrive is optional.
The SE hatchback, designed for the entry-level boy (and girl) racer at heart, is equipped with a B&M Racing sport shifter, sport tuned suspension, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Does Hyundai fit a common rail turbo-diesel in the Accent abroad? Sure thing, but not here in the States … yet …
The mid-size Sebring has been a fixture in the Chrysler lineup since 1995. Over the run, four-cylinder engine variations of the Sebring have been known to deliver good gas mileage ratings, flirting with a highway range of 30 miles per gallon (MPG). The 2008 Sebring is available as a four-door sedan or two-door convertible. When fitted with the four-cylinder engine, the Sebring convertible is one of the most fuel-efficient ragtops on the market. If fuel-efficient top-down driving’s not your thing, you may be interested to know that the four-door sedan can be equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD).
The domestic 2008 Chrysler Sebring can be fitted with one of three engines:
Internationally, the Sebring can be ordered with a 2.0 liter Volkswagen common rail turbodiesel producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With the turbodiesel and six-speed manual, the European Sebring produces a 0-62 mile per hour time of 12 seconds flat, with 34.4 urban / 55.4 extra urban miles per British gallon … that equates to roughly 28.6 city / 46.1 highway here in the States.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger is a unique automobile. While the mid-size Avenger borrows much of its looks from its big muscular brother the Dodge Charger, an economical engine capable of producing highway estimates of 30 miles per gallon (MPG), can lurk beneath the hood. But it’s not just about looks and MPGs. For those seeking honest to goodness four-season performance, the Avenger R/T model can roll with all-wheel-drive, a high-output engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
In the US, the 2008 Dodge Avenger can be equipped with one of three power plants:
In International markets, the Avenger can be fitted with Volkswagen’s 2.0 liter common rail turbodiesel four cylinder engine. The VW four produces 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With the turbodiesel and six-speed manual, the European Avenger cranks out a 0-62 mile per hour time of 12.0 seconds. The real attraction, of course, is the turbodiesels fuel efficiency: 34.4 urban / 55.4 extra urban miles per British gallon … which works out to US estimates of approximately 28.6 city / 46.1 highway … rather remarkable mileage for a vehicle of the Avenger’s proportions.
The sub-compact Kia Rio is one of the most economical vehicles available in America today. The Rio’s true-entry level price and highway gas mileage figures in the mid-thirty mile per gallon (MPG) range make it the first choice for a growing number of budget-minded motorists.
The 2008 Rio is offered as a four-door sedan and a five door hatchback (known as the Rio5). Fitted with a 1.6 liter DOHC four cylinder engine that produces 110 horsepower (HP) and 107 foot pounds of torque, the front-wheel-drive Rio is equipped with either a five-speed manual or an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, each with overdrive.
While the US-spec Rio’s gas mileage ratings are impressive, there’s a whole lot more to come.
Abroad, the Rio can be equipped with a 1.5 liter common rail turbodiesel engine, producing 108.6 HP and 173.3 foot pounds of torque, with a 0-62 mile per hour time of 11.5 seconds. The European turbodiesel hauls down 49.6 urban / 68.9 extra urban miles per British gallon … that equates to roughly 41 city / 57 highway here in the States.
Kia is developing a hybrid version of the Rio, as well. When the rubber finally meets the road, the hybrid Rio just might be the least expensive hybrid available …