MPG-o-Matic Review Summary: Every once in a while, a car rolls into the driveway that proves just how good things can be … the Audi A6 Quattro TDI is one of those cars. Unfortunately, the A6 TDI isn’t for sale in America, just yet …
Under the hood, the Euro-spec 2007 Audi A6 TDI is fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 direct injection clean diesel engine, producing 233 horsepower (HP) and 332 foot pounds of torque.
The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is available with a 2.4-liter inline four cylinder or a 3.2-liter V6 engine, in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) trim.
While on the road, the Grand Vitara’s gas mileage is merely par for the class; off the beaten path, the little truck shines. This is not a poseur’s SUV. With the Grand Vitara, gas mileage is secondary to competence off road. Folks in the know buy this one to get it dirty.
The 2009 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine that produces gas mileage ratings of 16 city/22 highway (2WD) and 15/21 (4WD).
Although a manual transmission had been available starting with the 2002 Liberty, all 2009 Liberty models are fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission, exclusively. A more fuel efficient 2.4-liter four cylinder engine was available in the 2003 through 2005 Liberty.
MPG-o-Matic Subaru Forester Review Summary: As a tall AWD wagon, the Subaru Forester forges its own trail amongst its peers, with a comfortable ride, roomy interior, generous headroom, and excellent visibility.
The Subaru Forester competes most closely with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Saturn VUE, and Nissan Rogue in the compact crossover all-wheel-drive (AWD) market. Subaru’s reliable Symmetrical AWD and less truck-like demeanor have won the Forester (and the brand) a loyal following.
Update: Hyundai has lowered the MSRP on the entry-level Accent GS to $9,970 … making it the cheapest new car in America … for now …
A new version of Nissan Versa is the second cheapest new car in America today. With a starting price tag just under $10,000 ($9,990 to be exact), the Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 Base sits atop the chart of 2009’s Cheapest Cars, delivering the goods with a roomy interior and very good gas mileage.
Folks looking for the cheapest car on the market need look no further than this value-priced four-door. While we haven’t had the chance to spend time with the 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 yet, we did spend a week with its five-door hatchback sibling earlier this fall. It’s a pleasant little car. Our Versa review clearly shows the car’s strengths.
