Fuel Efficient Hybrid Cars

The 2010 Toyota Prius is setting the bar higher for hybrid cars, because the features of this new model are even more eco-friendly and sleeker than before. However, Toyota isn’t the only car manufacturer to develop improved hybrids. Ford, Honda and Lexus have 2010 hybrid models, and some are even going to be available before the end of this year.Toyota’s new Prius model has a larger engine (a 1.8-liter gas engine instead of the previous 1.5-liter engine). The engine enables the car to accelerate quicker, which was a common consumer complaint, which Toyota has addressed. Also because of the larger motor, the 2010 Prius gets 51 mpg city and 48 mpg on the highway. Before, it was getting 48 and 45 mpg, respectively. Although the car is more of a family car (five-door hatchback design), it has a modern look, which has also made the car more aerodynamic.The Lexus HS 250h is scheduled to go on sale later this summer or fall, so if you’re looking to take a test drive, you might not have to wait too much longer. Lexus has attempted to create a hybrid vehicle with luxurious features. It has a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle engine, and 30 percent of the interior is derived from plant-based eco-plastic.Ford’s Fusion is designed with an EcoGauge, and it gets 6 mpg more than the Camry Hybrid. More specifically, this vehicle gets 39 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, and it has a 1.3-liter gasoline engine. The 2010 Honda Insight’s fuel efficiency has not been announced. However, it costs $20,470 and has a futuristic appearance with its angular headlights and video-game-like interior display. Honda’s in-house tests predict the fuel efficiency to be 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. The hybrid options for 2010 are exciting, and the prices range so you can find an eco-friendly ride under $30,000. As the years go by, we are sure to see more innovations in hybrid car development. So, if you can’t afford a new car right now, rest assured that there will most likely be a more fuel efficient model available to you in the future.