by Emily Muelford, a British car enthusiast and friend of CarNewsCafe
Fuel efficiency is at the top of everyone’s priorities when it comes to looking for a new car. The price of fuel has been steadily increasing over the last decade, and it is now something that car buyers really consider when looking for a new car.
Chevrolet has introduced a number of models that cater for the fuel efficient car buyer. These cars achieve over 30 miles per gallon, which provide a great return on your fuel costs. The fuel efficient Chevy models that you should consider are the Malibu, Sonic and the Cruze. Each car has its own unique look, style and is fitted with its own distinct features.
In 2012, Chevrolet introduced the Cruze Eco which was by far the most fuel efficient car in the segment. Even by today’s standards, it is incredibly competitive amongst other cars in its class. The Cruze has the feel of a sedan, but the efficiency of a smaller compact car. It is fitted with a 1.4L turbocharged engine that offers the driver 138hp through its four cylinders. It has a six-speed manual transmission that offers the driver 28 MPG through the city and up to 42 MPG on the highway. Chevy also offers the Cruze Eco in automatic, and that delivers 26 MPG in the city and up to 37 MPG on the highway. Not only is this car very fuel efficient, it is also one of the safest cars on the road. Within the car you will have the security of knowing that it is fitted with ten standard airbags. It also has more space within it than the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. Finally, the Chevy Cruze received the ‘Best Compact Car for the Money’ by U.S. News and World Report.
The Chevy Sonic offers delivers the same fuel efficiency as the Chevy Cruze with the benefit of a lower price tag. The Sonic is a far better replacement for the old Aveo, and it is available in hatchback, as well as the sporty sedan body styles. The Sonic carries the same engine as the Cruze, which delivers both power and fuel efficiency in a single engine. The Chevrolet Sonic design was inspired by motorcycles, so you can appreciate the aerodynamics of the car as you admire it. The biggest difference between the Sonic and a motorcycle is the passenger and cargo space that you have available; it beats nearly all of its nearest competition.
The reliable, and award winning, Chevrolet Malibu (from Georgian Chevrolet) offers both style and features. It has won the Consumers Digest ‘Best Buy’ award for the past three years. Although not as efficient as the Chevy Sonic or Cruze, the Malibu offers the driver more style and a loaded interior. The Chevy Malibu contains a 4 cylinder DOHC engine, together with a 6-speed automatic transmission. As previously mentioned, the Malibu is not as fuel efficient as either the Sonic or the Cruze, but it still manages to achieve 33 MPG on the highway. It has also been tested and achieved 528 highway miles from just one tank of gas. Although you do not get the same MPG as the Cruze or Sonic, the engine is more complex with its Variable Valve Timing feature. This allows the engine to enhance the torque for increased efficiency.
Chevrolet has definitely been bringing great, fuel-efficient cars to market. Well worth putting on your list if you are looking for a new car this season.