Over the coming weeks, the fuel economy numbers will be updated to reflect the release of the remaining 2011 model year vehicles. I say "updated" because the 2011 models have been released throughout 2010, with the last of them expected to roll out in December. The top fuel efficient cars will once again be hybrid models with the Toyota Prius retaining its position for a few more months. Come December, the pure electric Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt will debut, with the former expected to dethrone the Prius. Figure that the Leaf's equivalent fuel economy numbers will be in excess of 100 mpg when the calculation methods have been finalized. The Volt may also edge out the Prius although it is an electric car with a supplemental gas engine. Ford Fiesta -- Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine already provides best in class (subcompact) fuel economy, 40 mpg on the highway or 33 mpg combined. Chevy Cruze -- Its 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is lighter and more powerful than the Fiesta and it, too, should deliver 40 mpg on the highway, clearly the leading vehicle in the compact class.
Hyundai Sonata -- Relying exclusively on four cylinder engines hasn't hurt the Hyundai Sonata which gets a class-leading (midsize) highway fuel economy rating of 35 mpg on the highway. Expect the Ford Fusion Hybrid to retain its best in class honors of 41 mpg city, 36 mph highway until the Sonata Hybrid debuts later this year. That car may get 40 mpg on the highway! Toyota Avalon -- For 2011, the Avalon gets 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway edging out the Chevrolet Impala which gets 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. Breaking the 30 mpg threshold may be a year of so away unless Ford figures out a way of sticking in a 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine under the hood of its Ford Taurus. Mazda 5 -- By offering one of the smallest minivans, Mazda has enjoyed an edge no one else can touch. Powered by a 2.3-liter four cylinder engine the Mazda 5 gets 28 mpg on the highway, 22 around town. Ford Ranger -- A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine will likely allow the Ranger to retain best in class fuel economy for small pickup trucks -- 27 mpg on the highway. Not far behind is the full-size Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, getting 23 mpg on the highway. Among sport utility vehicles, there is a three way tie thanks to the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute sharing the same hybrid system. Getting 34 mpg city, 31 highway isn't likely to be challenged although gas powered Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain get 32 mpg on the highway, 22 around on town. As far as diesel powered vehicles go, Volkswagen continues to lead all comers. Its diesel Golf and Jetta models get 30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway by far the best in class fuel economy for any diesel models.
In some cases, it will make perfect financial sense. Price carefully and evaluate feature, functionality, and ongoing manufacturer support. Your answer will present itself with adequate research. 5. What do I Want? What does the Boss want? What do we Need? This is the fifth question that cannot be overlooked no matter how hard you try. It is one thing to say I NEED that to run my business, and it is quite another to say I WANT that. We don't always buy only what we need. We also buy what we want. We buy what is convenient, and what is cool. We sometimes need to buy what we can afford. Depending on who is making that final decision, the financial case for new or old system equipment one way or the other may actually have less impact than you might think. It may simply come down to this: What does the boss want? The balance between needs, wants, and final decision making criteria is a delicate one, but one that must be found in order to make the best overall decision for the organization. 1. How much is it costing me to keep the telephone system I have right now? 2. If I am moving, how much will it cost me? 3. Do I need features that I don't have right now? Is not having them costing me? 4. How much will the upgrade cost to the old system, and are the features available I want and need? 5. What do I Want? What does the Boss want? What do we Need?
The physics are complicated, but, simply stated, if the rear end of the car won't properly follow the front, then handling limits are low and driver effort is high. Replacing the old solid-beam axle with the new four-link rear suspension (with telescopic gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs and stabilizer bar) means reduced body roll, better contact between the wheels and the pavement, and improved ride quality. Angling the shock absorbers and combining them with oval helper springs also contribute to a wider trunk opening for easier loading. Changes to the front suspension also made dramatic differences to the car's feel. Credit the new Servotronic power steering for the sharp response through the steering wheel. Getting the car underway is generally effortless, even in slippery conditions due to the application of various standard traction aids. Every Jetta comes with EDL, an electronic differential lock that varies power to either front wheel depending on which one has more traction. It works by applying the brakes very slightly on the wheel that has lost traction, while at the same time it sends more torque to the other wheel.
