'Green'-models are not the money value, study shows

The Detroit Bureau

Toyota Prius C is "Much fuel, but no thing", according to the consumer reports study.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
Hoping to squeeze every last mile out of a gallon of gasoline? Automakers were have launched a flurry of new "eco" models designed to do just that. But a new report warns that the minimal additional mileage not value the hefty price - in some cases as much as 38 years go back to lower fuel costs would require.

The new study by consumer reports raises questions about a variety of conventionally powered eco models like the Ford focus SFE, Chevrolet Cruze eco and Honda Civic HF. But it was also skeptical promised by some hybrid models, benefits, such as the new Toyota Prius C, which it is declared, "fuel economy, but not a business."

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The problem is that the savings are compensated by strong first bonuses average between $500 and $800 on standard models. In some cases, the savings in fuel can however as little as $20 per year. And, in some cases consumers wind Dynamics victims on cheaper Interior and bad way further.

Chevy Cruze eco is a prime example, CR according to researchers. The special model learns some aerodynamic "tweaks" and gets low rolling tires - the price in comparison to similar Cruze lt add $800 but even increased fuel consumption only 1 mile per gallon, to a mid-pack 27 mpg in the city. Highway mileage jumps 4 mpg, 40.

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For the typical owner the income, only $20 per year would save the typical driver speed 12,000 miles a year and numbers $4 per gallon - and a 38-year "Payback" to the Cruze eco require additional cost. Savings would a little better, added the not-for profit publication, for those who follow much highway.

The Honda Civic HF pins on one another $800 to low rolling tires, rear spoiler and closed underbody aerodynamic turbulence reduced. The results in a 3 mpg jump in the compact model kilometers, to a combined 33 mpg. But even annual mileage savings are a modest $135, i.e. a payback period of 6 years - which is longer than most Americans keep a new car.

And the magazine gave the entire driving dynamics of civic HF a bad review, the "it in the bottom places" all small sedans.

The magazine was much more optimistic about the "solid feel" the Ford focus SFE - short for Super fuel economy - which flush wheel covers, a rear spoiler, and the higher mileage tyres. The SFE package gets a bump 3 mpg, $145 per year would save 31 mpg combined, which appreciates consumer reports. The package costs only $495 so payback is one shorter 3.5 years.

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While Toyota Prius hybrid often has praised original model by CR, the magazine report is far less kind to the new Prius c, the compact addition to the expanding Prius "Family." While the new model city mileage rating of 37 mpg is "stellar", the compromise on the General look and feel of the vehicle is.

At a price of only $20.850 explains, "receive the magazine drivers what they pay." "This subcompact hatchback, with the Yaris linked lackluster Toyota, suffers from a stiff ride, very noisy cabin, slow acceleration and cheap-looking Interior."

"Overall the Prius C test result, said consumer reports, puts it slightly under his chief competitors, the mediocre Honda insight, and is too low for us to recommend the model."