review

2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Review Summary: The 2012 Subaru Impreza is the most fuel-efficient AWD vehicle on the highway in America, bar none. The closest challenger for the Impreza’s remarkable 36 miles per gallon (MPG) are the 2012 BMW 528i xDrive , 2013 Audi A4 quattro, and 2013 Audi A5 quattro at 32 MPG … all of which are significantly more expensive than the Impreza’s starting MSRP of $17,495.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is powered by a sequential multi-port fuel injected DOHC 2.0-liter Boxer (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower (HP) and 145 foot pounds of torque. The Impreza is available with a five-speed manual transmission or CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic, as either a five-door hatchback or four-door sedan, but only in All-Wheel-Drive (AWD). Manual-equipped Imprezas use Continuous AWD with a viscous-coupling locking center differential, while CVT-equipped models use Active All-Wheel Drive with an electronically managed continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. All 2012 Impreza’s are equipped with the naturally-aspirated 2.0 liter Boxer. The WRX and WRX STI are fitted with the 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer.

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2012 Toyota Prius C Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Toyota Prius C Review Summary:

The 2012 Toyota Prius C is known in other countries as the Yaris Hybrid. Toyota chose to capitalize on the strong cachet of the Prius brand in the United States, by dropping the Yaris nameplate. Whatever you call this pint-size five-door, it’s the most fuel stingy four-passenger vehicle sold in America, when measured dollar-for-dollar. (The Prius C starts at $18,950, while the full-scale 3rd Gen Prius starts at $24,000.) If you have plenty of road to cover, with much of it at lower speeds and in traffic, the Prius C will slash your fuel bill by a considerable amount … even more so if you make the effort to drive it properly.

The 2012 Prius C is powered by a Hybrid Synergy Drive System that incorporates a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor that produces a net 99 horsepower (HP) and 125 foot pounds of torque. The Prius C is front-wheel-drive (FWD) and uses an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).

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2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist Review

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2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist Quick-Specs MPG-o-Matic 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist Review Summary: The 2012 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist plays the efficiency card, as it targets the more affordable end of the luxury full-size market, with the Lincoln MKS, Acura TL, and Lexus ES350 as its primary competitors. The LaCrosse eAssist mates a 2.4-liter inline four with a lithium-ion battery powered electric motor, which achieves significantly better fuel economy (25/36) than the conventionally powered MKS (17/25), TL (20/29), and ES350 (19/28). When compared to the slightly smaller Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (41/36), the LaCrosse eAssist is an equal in the highway efficiency, but drastically behind in the city.

The 2012 LaCrosse eAssist is powered by a Direct Injected VVT 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with an eAssist mild hybrid system that produces 182 horsepower (HP) and 172 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. A conventional 3.6-liter VVT V6 is available with either all-wheel-drive (AWD) or front-wheel-drive (FWD). The LaCrosse eAssist is not offered with AWD. (The eAssist system is shared with the Chevy Malibu Eco and Buick Regal eAssist.)

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2012 Nissan Juke SL Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Nissan Juke Review Summary: The Nissan Juke delivers solid performance but is saddled with an undeniably polarizing design. It’s one of those cars that must be driven to be understood. Nissan refers to the Juke as “The Bold Urban Sport Cross,” but it’s right at home on those country roads, spraying gravel. Folks will cross-shop the Juke against everything from the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ to the Subaru WRX, Suzuki SX4, and MINI Countryman.

The 2012 Nissan Juke is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 16-valve Sequential Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) inline four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower (HP) and 177 foot pounds of torque. The Juke is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). A Continuously Variable automatic transmission (CVT) is fitted to both models, but a six-speed manual transmission is only available in FWD. The five-door hatchback is offered in three levels of trim: S, SV, and SL.

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Review

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Chevy Malibu Eco Bowtie MPG-o-Matic 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Review Summary: The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco dukes it out in the midsize sedan segment with the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. General Motors chose to cast aside the flashy hybrid emblem of the Eco’s predecessor, in favor of a small green badge. The new Malibu Eco swaps in a 2.4-liter inline four and lithium-ion battery powered electric motor in place of the older Hybrid’s 3.6-liter V6 and NiMH battery pack. We found the new model to be quieter, faster, more fuel-efficient, and more refined.

The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco is powered by a Direct Injected VVT 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with eAssist that produces 182 horsepower (HP) and 171 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.

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