Economy cars Archives - Page 7 of 8

Economy cars, Auto Shows-Museums, Automotive News

Chevrolet showcasing Cruze, Aveo, Spark at Washington Auto Show

Here are the cars’ details: Chevrolet Spark: The five-door Chevrolet Spark is the manufacturer’s smallest car. It combines style, roominess and versatility to a segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars. Spark will provide great fuel economy, and its trim size makes it agile. The U.S. production version of the Spark will debut in early 2012. Chevrolet Aveo RS show car: The Aveo RS show car provides a glimpse of what designers have in mind for the production car. Its electric Boracay Blue finish, motorcycle-inspired exposed headlamps and taillamps, low roofline, fender flares, large wheels and tires, and dual-cockpit interior hint at the next-generation Aveo. The Aveo has a sporty aggressive front fascia; clean, uninterrupted body side lines; an integrated rear

Economy cars, News Service, Specialty cars

Tata Nano, world's cheapest car, soon on its way to the United States?

Speaking at the New Delhi Auto Show, Ratan Tata said his company is considering distribution of the Nano in the United States after its pending debut in Europe at the end of 2011. “We also recognize there is a market (for the Nano) not only in developing countries, but possibly in the developed countries,” said Tata and as reported on Reuters.com. “For the United States we need a car which has a larger engine and we need additional crash test modifications and we are in the process of doing it.” The Nano first gathered its signature as “the world’s cheapest car” two years when Tata showcased the Nano for first time as the last New Delhi Auto Show. Tata said

Economy cars, Sports Cars

Honda Insight, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The original Honda Insight, sold from 2000 to 2006, was odd-looking. But as the first mass-produced hybrid available in the United States, its unique status and strange looks made it cool. When the Insight departed, the Toyota Prius took over hybrid dominance, and Honda hasn’t been happy since. The Insight returned in 2009 as a 2010 model and Honda is ready to go head-to-head with the Prius by offering its new base model Insight for less than $20,000 — the country’s least expense hybrid. Toyota has responded with new Prius. It’s more expensive and in its recent tenure, several times more Toyota hybrids have sold than any other hybrid. So Let the competition begin. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (5)

Economy cars, News Service

Toyota planning new challenge to 'cheap car' Tata Nano

Since the announcement of the first production plans for the Tata Nano, the auto industry has remained abuzz about the minimalist vehicle known as the world’s cheapest car. After months of controversy and delivery delays, the Nano is now being sold in India and Tata has plans to export the $2,000 car to other countries. Several other manufacturers make cars that cost less than $10,000. And Toyota now says it will join the “cheap” car market. It plans to release a concept car it will target to the world’s emerging markets. The concept model’s name is EFC. It stands for Entry Family Car. Toyota has not announced pricing for the car, nor many of its details. But the expected price

Economy cars, Specialty cars

Tata Motors planning diesel and facelifts for 2011 Nano

The exported edition will also feature 5-speed gear box which is absent in the Indian models which restrict speed to 65 mph based on safety. The five-speed gear box will be ideal for the European roads as Indian roads to do not facilitate gear changes at 65 mph. The exterior changes will also include and opening tailgate and a modified outside rear view mirror which allows movement of the mirror in its casing. This feature will also allow electrical adjustment feature in the future. There will also be check straps on the doors to limit the opening of doors. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The

Economy cars, Sedans

Nissan Versa, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

It ain’t true. With a base price of $10,000 and change, the Versa base model has a lot to offer — whether it’s in the U.S. and Canada, or in Mexico, Japan, China and several other countries where it’s called the Tiida. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (5) It’s easy to forget the car has only 107 horsepower. Because it’s lightweight and nimble, it gives the impression it’s quicker than it really is. That’s not a bad thing. Rather the “illusion” makes the Versa all the more fun to drive. Braking/Steering/Handling (5) A few experiences when the brakes seemed “soft.” Steering and handling, though, are a strong point. It’s fun to shift through the five-speed manual transmission, particularly since the

Economy cars

Honda Fit, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Add it all up, and once again Honda has taken a good car that would have fared well without upgrades and innovation and made it more attractive. It was and remains arguably the finest entry level car in the United States. It’s hard, though, to classify the Fit as entry level. It’s Honda’s smallest vehicle. Yet, with a price range from $13,950 to approaching $20,000 (with all options), it’s an entry level car on par with other brands priced well into the $20,000 range. The Fit is still fit, for sure. But it’s now a more well-rounded “athlete.” It’s hard to notice at first glance, but consider: The Fit’s wheelbase has been increased 2 inches to 98.4 inches; the overall

Economy cars

Tata Nano: New York Times test drives India's new $2,000 'People's Car'

The Times had its reporter, Nick Kurczewski, in Pune, India, to test drive the Nano. It’s the estimated $2,000 car some industry experts believe could be as important to the automotive industry as the Ford Model-T and the Volkswagen Beetle. “The Nano has a 32-horsepower, 624-cc, 2-cylinder engine mounted in the rear. Access is given to the engine via a removable panel underneath the foldable rear seat. Despite being a fraction of the size of most economy-car engines, the all-aluminum engine provides reasonable pep. Engine noise is also far less than one might imagine given the size and simplicity of the Nano. “Acceleration is hardly neck-snapping. An informal timed run from zero to 50 miles an hour took 16.4 seconds;

Economy cars

Tata Motor's Nano (You Tube debut video)

After much anticipation, reservations for the Tata Nano, the India-manufactured car some automobile experts believe will be as influential as the Model T Ford and the Volkswagen Beetle, will be available for March 23 in more than 400 dealerships in India. The Nano, billed as the world’s cheapest car and nicknamed “The People’s Car,” will cost an estimated $1,945 or 100,00 rupees, the currency of India. According to Tata Motors representatives, full production of the Nano will take 1 1/2 years and only a limited supply of the vehicle will be available this spring. Ratan Tata, who conceived the car, said a European version of the Nano meeting all European emission and safety standards will be available in 2001. It

Economy cars

Suzuki SX4, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

It’s easy to dismiss entry level sub-compacts. They’re unlikely any buyers’ dream cars. And, really, what can a consumer expect for about half of the $30,000 average price of new car in the United States? How about a Suzuki? Really? Yes, as Honda (Fit), Nissan (Versa), Smart (ForTwo) and Scion (XD) have all proven, there’s s much to offer in the sub-compact segment. And Suzuki should be included in fraternity of the surprisingly strong entry level sub-compacts with the 2009 SX4. It’s not the most economical choice in the category, but Suzuki has found a unique way to market the car. It’s the least expensive vehicle available in the United States offering a navigation system as standard equipment. My weekly

Economy cars, Electric and Hybrid

Toyota Prius, Corolla, 2009: Weidel On Wheels

As a consumer and parent who usually who pays my daughter’s gas bill, her thinking is applauded and appreciated. Even with gas taking a much needed downward turn, prices are still high enough that gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles are no longer the rage. In fact, auto manufacturers are beginning stray from SUVs. With gas price still an over-riding theme and shoppers seeking value, here are two gas-conscious vehicles offered by Toyota in 2009. * Prius — A good friend owns a Prius and swears by its considerable merits. The gas mileage (he claims close to 50 mpg) is fabulous, even if you don’t drive the car like my buddy, whose road habits resemble a cautious 70-year-old woman. But even the

Economy cars, News Service

Nissan To Soon Offer No-Frills Versa For Less Than $10,000

The new Versa model is made in Mexico and will be available beginning Nov. 18, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The sub-$10,000 price is $3,000 less than the current cheapest Versa available. The cheapest car now sold in the U.S. is the Hyundai Accent at just over $11,000. “A sticker price under $10,000 is certainly appealing to customers in an economy where people don’t have money anymore,” Robyn Eckard of Kelley Blue Book told the newspaper. The new Versa will have a 1.6-liter engine, rather than the 1.8 liter offered on the current Versa. It will get 34 mpg on the highway, compared with 33 mpg currently. General Motors was the last automaker to offer a

Economy cars, Pickup Trucks

Kia Rondo, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

One of the tangible, unwritten tests of a new vehicle is its initial comfort. Does a car suit a driver without a lengthy technological learning curve? There’s something to be said for an efficient, straightforward, no-nonsense car that doesn’t require intense reading to operate. Welcome the 2008 Kia Rondo. It’s nothing new that a good share of drivers still scoff at car manufacturers from Korea. But all of misgivings should now be considered history. Kia offers affordable, safe vehicles with the car industry’s best warranty. I recently drove the Kia Rondo for a week while visiting Missouri, logging more than 1,000 miles. There’s nothing too severe about driving in Missouri. With the exception of a few days of steady rain,

Economy cars

Honda Fit, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

So, let’s state upfront its price and gas mileage. The base model Fit costs $13,453 and mileage range from 27-33 mpg (with a manual transmission). So, it’s easy to see where the Fit fits a tight budge. Adding one more car to its extensive stable of vehicles, the Japanese manufacturer introduced the Fit in 2007, replacing the Civic as its entry-level vehicle. Although the Fit was new to the United States, it’s been sold in Japan since 2001 and progressed to the European market one year later. Another reason the Fit is considered by youthful car shoppers is it’s a four-door hatchback that seats five and offers versatility. Another feature sure to interest the younger generation is a dealer-installed adapter

Economy cars, Sports Cars

Hyundai Accent, 2008: Bill Belew’s Car Buzz

The Hyundai Accent is certainly affordable; the five-passenger SE compact hatchback I drove was priced at $15,370. The Accent is equipped with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and 110 horsepower. Mileage estimates are 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual I drove. All models include standard front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are standard on SE coupes. The Accent’s design is simple with a feeling of roominess from the driver’s seat but not for our young daughter or for my golf clubs. Visibility is good and the short hood allowed for a panoramic view. Though certainly not quick, the 2008 Hyundai Accent performed aptly. I thought of it as my

Economy cars

Honda Civic Hybrid, 2008 (Video Review)

The IMA, as previously mentioned, allows a vehicle to operate solely on electric power in certain situations. The CVT feature replaces conventional gears with a belt-and-pulley system that continuously and automatically adjusts to provide a more efficient and nearly unlimited number of drive ratios. Since its redesign in 2006 (the 33rd year of the vehicle’s distribution in the Unites States) the Civic no longer looks staid. It’s now a sporty, full-sized sedan that comfortably seats five. Videogragher Bruce Aldrich and I review the car in a two-minute video. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in

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