Eco-smart is a catch phrase that refers to the environmentally conscious trend. The automobile industry, along with just about every other industry, is making efforts to be competitive by offering "green" choices to car-buying consumers.
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/01/Porsche-918RSRIHPic-537x357.jpg
This Porsche is just one hybrid super-car.
The best options for Earth-friendly vehicles are hybrid (gas/electric) or electric. Eco-smart options use less gas than traditional cars, get more miles to the gallon, and are for people interested in doing their part for the environment, along with those unwilling to pay gas prices.
2011 brings new innovations in eco-friendly cars at reasonable new car prices. Let's take a look at the most affordable eco-smart cars of 2011.
Ford Fiesta
Price: $13,320
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a hatchback sedan that gets 29 miles to the gallon in the city and 40 on the highway. At just over $13,000 and with an aerodynamic design, the Fiesta is an eco-responsible bargain.
Ford Focus
Price: $16,000–$19,000
The 2011 Ford Focus is a four-door sedan with hatchback that gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The Ford Focus is known for its high performance and standards.
Ford Fusion
Price: $20,000–$25,000
The 2011 Ford Fusion is a hybrid model that gets 41 miles per gallon in the city, and 36 on the highway. Lower on the price scale, the Fusion has scored high in styling, interior, and tech options.
Hyundai Sonata
Price: below $26,000
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a hybrid sedan from South Korea that gets 37 miles per gallon in the city and 39 miles per gallon on the highway. What makes the Sonata different is the six-speed automatic transmission along with the lightweight lithium polymer batteries which are lighter than other hybrid vehicles.
Nissan Leaf
Price: starting at $32,780
The 2011 Nissan Leaf, a purely electric vehicle, looks a lot like a Toyota Prius. It is a four-door compact hatchback with five seats and a range of approximately 100-miles that "drives like a real car" with zero emissions from the tailpipe. There are several models to choose from with prices ranging up to $33,720. Tax incentives are available.
Chevrolet Volt
Price: $40,000
The 2011 Chevy Volt is a midsize four door sedan with hatchback that retails for $40,000 and qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Despite the more expensive sticker price, the Volt is in a class of its own; not quite a hybrid, it is considered a never-been-done-before car: a full-performance electric vehicle with extended range.
The Volt has an on-board gas generator that creates electricity, and the vehicle can be used in two modes: battery-powered mode with a range of approximately 35 miles or in extended-range (gas powered) mode for up to 375 miles.
CONCLUSION
With so many affordable eco-smart cars available, it is becoming easier and easier for consumers to make the switch to hybrid or electric cars. The auto industry is doing their part to respond to the challenge of creating green vehicles that are more fuel efficient while emitting lower emissions. For those with cash, these expensive options are out there, too.
This guest post was written by Christina Jenkins. She can found on Twitter at: www.Twitter.com/OhJenkies.
