To put an automotive spin on an old axiom, 40 really is the new 30—in miles per gallon. What’s particularly remarkable is that this impressive highway-mileage figure is increasingly being achieved not only by hybrids and other alt-fuel cars—which post their best numbers in the city—but by regular gasoline-powered vehicles with relatively low price tags.
A look at eleven current and forthcoming cars that deliver 40 mpg highway reveals MSRPs ranging from $12,490 (for a two-door Smart car) to around $20,000 (for a four-door Ford Focus SE). With global turmoil continuing to push pump prices higher, it’s clear manufacturers understand they can boost sales by focusing on a statistic that for most of the past few decades was a non-issue for the American automotive consumer. In fact, Ford recently started running ads that specifically boast about reaching the 40 mpg mark.
“Even five years ago, consumers wanted horsepower and driving dynamics, but now we have rising gas prices,” says Tracy Handler, senior analyst at IHS Automotive. “In the end, even more than CAFE standards (federally mandated fuel economy targets) gas prices really drive what companies are doing now, because of what concerns their customers. So they’ve set 40 (mpg) as a target, mainly for advertising reasons, and are achieving it with innovations ranging from air-flow louvers with sensors to simply cleaning up the underbody for better aerodynamics.”
Here’s a quick look at models that deliver 40 mpg on the highway:
2011 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback, 40/29, $17,300: For anyone thinking about stowing a bike or other athletic gear into the rear of your Fiesta, the hatchback is the way to go. What you give up in terms of the formal stance of a sedan you gain with regard to overall versatility.
2011 Hyundai Elantra, 40/29, $14,830 base MSRP: Helping this automaker leave its once ho-hum reputation in the dust is the Elantra, offe
ring interesting looks, a quality (and quiet) cabin and a range of creature comfort options at a base price that’s one of the lowest around for a sedan.
2012 Ford Focus SE Sedan, 40/28, $18,790: Equipped
with the optional SFE (Super Fuel Economy) package, which includes low rolling-resistance tires and Ford's six-speed automatic transmission, the redesigned Focus looks like the well put-together big brother to the Fiesta. It's a handsome sedan with respectable build quality that comes packed with features such as anti-lock brakes, six airbags, and remote keyless entry.
2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe
2012 Hyundai Accent, 40/-, spring: Hyundai’s b
udget-conscious model shares the same swoopy styling as its Elantra and Sonata cousins, though in a slightly more compact body. But thanks to a small (3-inch) growth spurt, it provides commendable cargo space and interior room.
2012 Hyundai Veloster (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
2012 Kia Rio, 40/-, fall: The redesigned Rio comes in a variety of configurations (from three- to five-door) and with a range of engines (diffe
rent displacement gas and diesel options). No word just yet which combo will garner that chart-topping highway mileage, though it’s likely to be one of the smaller (and lighter) gas engines mated to an automatic transmission.
2011 Mazda3
