Entries Tagged 'review' ↓

MPG-o-Matic 2012 Kia Rio Five Door Review Summary: If there’s one word to describe the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door, it’s “value.” In the old days, folks referred to inexpensive fuel-efficient hatchbacks as “economy cars,” and they were spartan and rarely attractive affairs. The Rio turns that notion on its head with an abundance of style and features at a base price starting under $14,000.

The Rio is equipped with a direct-injected DOHC CVVT 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower (HP) and 123 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is only available in the base LX model. A six-speed automatic with overdrive is optional in the LX and standard in both the EX and SX. The automatic transmission features a manual shift mode.

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Mazda3 Review Summary: Mazda boldly touts the 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv as “the first 40 MPG car worth driving.” While that might seem like a lot of hype, it’s not too far off the mark. The Skyactiv3 delivers a class-topping combination of MPGs and driving dynamics.

The new Skyactiv-G engine is offered in the Mazda3’s i Touring and i Grand Touring trim. The direct-injected DOHC VVT 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 155 horsepower (HP) and 148 foot pounds of torque. It’s a solid motor, but the whole Skyactiv story is about more than just the power plant. Mazda’s more conventional 2.0 and 2.5-liter engines continue to be offered in the i SV/i Sport sedan and s Touring/s Grand Touring trim (both sedan and five-door), respectively.

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Ford relies on a bit of aerodynamic magic – and an option package – to allow the 2012 Focus to hit the magic 40 mile per gallon (MPG) highway mark. Unfortunately, the Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package is only available on Focus SE sedans equipped with the six-speed PowerShift dual dry-clutch automatic transmission. If you prefer the five-door hatchback or a manual transmission, you’ll have to settle for a slightly less fuel efficient vehicle.

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Ford Focus Review Summary:
When you compare the 2012 Ford Focus to the previous year’s model, the differences are remarkable. Remove their badges and you wouldn’t guess the two cars share the same name. The 2012 Focus looks, feels and drives like a European car that just happens to be built at a Michigan Assembly Plant … because, in fact, it is. While it falls a wee bit short of the fuel economy claims of its rivals, the new Focus is truly world class.

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Fiat 500 Review Summary: While the 2012 Fiat 500 is available in entry-level Pop trim at an enticingly low price, it’s the mid-level Sport model that hits the mark.

The 500 Sport manual proves that fuel-efficient cars can be exceptionally fun to drive. If you’re ready to learn how to drive a stick shift, the 500’s easy-to-drive gearbox is the ideal place to start. Ciao Bella!

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