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Saturday 2 February 2013

TOP 10 HYBRID CARS WITH THE BEST GAS MILEAGE


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Top 10 Hybrids with the Best Gas Mileage
By High Gear Media,
Discovery News, 1 February 2013.

Are you in the market for a hybrid car?

You probably want great gas mileage, without switching to diesel fuel, or taking the next step into plug-in vehicles.


The good news is, plug-ins aside, virtually all the most fuel-efficient cars on sale right now are hybrids. Whether you're after a spacious subcompact or a sleek sedan, there's a hybrid to suit most needs.

Below you'll find our run-down of the ten most efficient, rated by EPA combined mileage.

10. 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE - 41 mpg

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43 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, from US$26,140.

The Camry Hybrid was recently updated, but the official EPA figure looks a bit old-hat next to some of the other hybrids on this list. It's not the most expensive, so you'll get a few miles of extra fuel with the money you save on the sticker.

9. 2013 Honda Insight - 42 mpg

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41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, from US$18,600.

Compare the 2013 Insight to its early-2000s predecessor and this model seems to have lost its mojo - it's heavier, less efficient and not as fun to drive. On the other hand, it's more practical and the cheapest hybrid car for sale. It still corners better than a Prius too, even if it isn't as comfortable - or fuel-efficient.

8. 2013 Lexus CT 200h - 42 mpg

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43 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, from US$32,050.

Under the skin, the CT 200h isn't that dissimilar from a Prius. The edgy bodywork and a few tweaks mean it isn't quite as efficient. The real-world economy difference isn't as large as the EPA figures suggest. But it's more sporty to drive than the Prius and that Lexus badge on the front will count for something.

7. 2013 Toyota Prius V - 42 mpg

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44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, from US$26,650.

Prius fans wanting a bit more practicality do have to drop a few mpg to get there, but the Prius V still makes for a practical, usable family vehicle. The 40 mpg it gets on the highway shouldn't be sniffed at either.

6. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid - 45 mpg

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42 mpg city, 48 mpg highway, from US$24,995.

"VW" and "gas mileage" in the same sentence used to be the preserve of diesels - but not any more. The Jetta Hybrid has pulled the carpet from under its TDI brother, with 45 mpg combined economy and an impressive 48 highway. VW is proud of how it drives too - touting the "Sure it's a hybrid. But it's a turbo hybrid" tag-line in its advertising. The 1.4 turbocharged engine certainly offers decent performance.

5. 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - 45 mpg

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45 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, from US$35,925.

Think Ford Fusion Hybrid underneath, with a classier, more dramatic exterior. The MKZ Hybrid loses out a few mpg all around to its Fusion cousin, but you get more luxury and a more prestigious name as a consolation. And if you'd said five years ago that a Lincoln would be one of the most efficient cars on sale, people would have thought you were mad.

4. 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid - 47 mpg

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47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, from US$27,995.

Ford has had its best few months ever for hybrid sales, and the Fusion Hybrid can claim some of the glory. Despite concerns that Ford hybrids aren't getting close to their EPA gas mileage figures, the Fusion looks good on paper and drives well out on the road. It'll even look good parked on your driveway.

3. 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid - 47 mpg

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47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, from US$25,200.

When it comes to high gas mileage, Ford is catching up fast to top-rated cars on this list. The C-Max hybrid has better EPA gas mileage and a lower price tag than its closest rival, the Prius V wagon. It's also the better car to drive. Only lingering doubts about its real-world economy may put you off.

2. 2013 Toyota Prius - 50 mpg

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50 mpg 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway, from US$24,200.

The Prius is no longer the most advanced hybrid out there, but the formula was right from the start - borne out by that combined EPA figure. It's taken a smaller version of the Prius line, or plug-in cars, to beat it on economy. If you can live with the looks, the dull drive and the image, it's still well worth a look.

1. 2013 Toyota Prius C - 50 mpg

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53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway, from US$19,080.

It's no surprise to find the Prius C topping the list for gas mileage. With a smaller, lighter body than the regular Prius and a smaller engine, it just grabs the spot from the larger car thanks to improved city mileage. It's more fun to drive too, though its less aerodynamic body makes it less efficient on the highway.


Top image: Virtually all the most fuel-efficient cars on sale right now are hybrids.

[Source: Discovery News. Edited.]


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