With rising commodity prices, problems with distributor countries, and the imbalance between supply and demand, it becomes an inevitable experience for motorists to start considering using fuel-efficient cars over their fuel-efficient counterparts. popular with superpowers. If the auto industry has anything to say about it, it’s clearly that people should start opening their minds to green options. The last five years have given way to the creation of hybrid, electric and smart cars for the new generation of responsible consumers. If you want to become part of the trend and help alleviate global warming as well as lower your normal gas bills, here are some of the most fuel efficient SUVs and cars of 2012 that you may want to consider buying.
First on the list is the Hyundai Accent. This one retails for $9,985 and carries a total cost of $11,464 in its first year of use, gas budget already included. It has a fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and is considered the most affordable and low-maintenance car on the market as of today. It may not be as fancy as a Ferrari 360 Modena, but it certainly saves you a lot on gas payments, as the latter can only get 11 miles per gallon.
Next up is the Kia Rio. At $12,295 apiece, this fuel-efficient car offers more savings than the 31-mpg Accent. Annual fuel costs for this machine are around $1,434. Although it is less attractive, it is fully functional and will take you where you want to go.
Next, the Scion iQ. This is a smart car just ten feet long, offering not only fuel efficiency, but top-of-the-line safety features including 11 airbags. It gets 37 miles per gallon, with a 1.3-liter engine, and has 94 horsepower, which isn’t bad for a car its size and $15,995 price tag.
Fourth on the list is the Toyota Prius. This is probably the most popular of all the fuel-efficient cars released in 2011 and 2012, with a sticker price of $24,760 and fuel economy of 51 miles per gallon. The best hybrid car yet, this midsize vehicle seats a family of 5 and runs on 134 net horsepower from a 1.8-liter engine.
Finally, there is the Nissan Leaf SV. One of the latest fuel-efficient SUVs released, this vehicle is actually the first mass-marketed electric of its kind in the world. It has a fuel economy of 106 mpg which shaves about $700 off typical energy costs incurred by this type of machine. Like all 2012 models, it has high-tech connectivity and navigation specs. Although it is quite expensive at $36,050, it receives a federal tax credit of $7,500.
Some of the high-end green cars that are not on this list are the Audi A6 2.0T Premium and the Infiniti M35h. Although they are competitive in style, their price ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 do not justify their use. For one thing, they have lower fuel economy ratings than a $10,000 car at 33 and 32 mpg, respectively. If you want to ensure fuel efficiency and the best value for your money, you don’t need to sacrifice much for an attractive cast.
