Fuel prices may have eased, but the economy remains sluggish. Never fear: A fresh batch of peppy economy cars is heading to showrooms in the near future. Here are four all-new offerings that debuted last week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009.
CHEVROLET CRUZE
On sale fall 2010 The Korean-designed compact Cruze will replace the aging Cobalt for 2011. Powering the sedan is a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Chevy says the turbo engine returns 40 mpg in highway driving.
As a follow-up, Chevrolet will release the subcompact Spark in 2011. Also designed in Korea by GM-Daewoo, the four-door, four-cylinder Chevrolet Spark will be the brand’s smallest U.S. car, measuring 143 inches long, three inches shorter than the diminutive Mini Cooper.
The new Ford Fiesta is displayed during the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2, 2009.
FORD FIESTA
On sale March 2010 Ford of Europe’s sporty five-door hatchback or four-door sedan comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 119 horsepower. Ford says the subcompact Fiesta returns 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway when paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual also is available.
Like the forthcoming Mazda 2 and Chevrolet Spark, the Ford Fiesta is designed to battle the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. The subcompact features electronic stability control, side and head-protecting air bags, keyless entry, push-button start and leather trim.
The new Hyundai Tucson is displayed during press preview days at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 3, 2009.
HYUNDAI TUCSON
On sale December 2009 Crossover SUVs, such as the car-based Hyundai Tucson, are finding favor with buyers downsizing from larger, truck-based SUVs. Because they’re based on cars, they return better fuel economy. Consider the Tucson, just 173 inches long. It gets 31 mpg on the highway from its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Designed in Germany, the Tucson offers two features that assist in low-traction situations: "Downhill Brake Control" and "Hillstart Assist Control." Options include a panoramic sunroof, touch-screen navigation and a Bluetooth hands-free phone.
The Mazda 2 is displayed during the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2, 2009.
MAZDA 2
On sale summer 2010 Known for its models with "zoom zoom," Mazda is adding a dose of fuel efficiency in the form of the Mazda 2, which has been sold in Japan, Australia and Europe since 2007. The company says it will be the most fuel-efficient Mazda when it goes on sale, but didn’t disclose fuel economy or performance ratings.
Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda 2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta. It was named 2008 World Car of the Year at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.
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