While walking through the displays at the 2011 Detroit North American International Auto Show, we thought about what we’d recommend to readers. As we studied the dozens of new vehicles ranging from hybrid sedans to full-size SUVs, we knew our recommendations needed to factor in future fuel prices.
We contacted independent oil analyst Patrick DeHann. As the Senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, DeHann tracks fuel prices for tens of thousands of independent gasoline stations.
Unfortunately, DeHann reported, in just the last few months the supply of crude oil has dropped considerably due to cutbacks from oil producing countries. Because of this supply reduction, DeHann expects that gas prices will begin to climb.
So what new models would we recommend to combat rising gas prices? These are our top five picks:
2012 Fiat 500
Depending on your age, you may not know that the Italian manufacturer Fiat ever sold cars in North America. Well, it did, some 27 years ago. Now Fiats are coming back, with the brand partnered with Chrysler. The 500 offers American buyers a fun, retro-styled car that’s similar to the Mini Cooper.
Immensely popular in Europe, the two-door 500 hatchback is smaller than the Mini. But like it, the Fiat is roomier inside than it looks. Full-size adults won’t have trouble getting comfortable in the front seats. The rear seats are a snug fit for those over 5-foot 6-inches. The trunk holds 9.5 cubic feet and the rear seats fold when you need more cargo room.
2012 Ford Focus
If you’re not ready for a micro car, then the larger Ford Focus might be what you’re looking for—especially because the Focus achieves similar fuel economy.
The all-new Focus comes in a four-door sedan and sporty five-door hatchback body styles. The new Focus drives so smoothly and quietly that you might mistake it for a larger, more expensive car. Riding on a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase than 2010, the two new bodies share a crisp, modern design that is highlighted by clever details.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Hyundai’s innovative 2-motor hybrid system biases performance for the way Americans drive (fast), which is why the Sonata gets its best mileage (40 mpg) on the highway. City mileage is still an impressive 36 mpg.
2012 Hyundai Veloster
It’s an unusual name for an unusual car: The Veloster looks like a sporty 2-door hatchback from the driver side, but it’s not. When you look at the car from the passenger side, you realize it has two doors on that side of the vehicle, giving it a total of three doors plus the hatch. The design is brilliant in its practicality because it simultaneously gives the driver easy access to the front seat while making things convenient for passengers on the curbside.
2011 Chevrolet Volt
What if you could instantly become immune to gasoline price swings? Driving a Chevrolet Volt could be your ticket to freedom from gasoline, provided you commute less than 35 miles and have a place to plug in to recharge the car’s batteries.
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