Rising oil prices and tougher fuel-economy requirements are the inspiration for the latest wave of fuel-saving vehicles. Prominent among them are more small cars, gas-electric hybrids, and electric cars. However, many larger mainstream vehicles are being tweaked to improve their gas mileage by more conventional means, such as innovations in turbocharging, weight reduction, aerodynamics, and direct fuel injection.

Moreover, even the least expensive cars will have improved safety features, because federal laws now require antilock brakes and electronic stability control as standard equipment on all cars and light trucks. And backup cameras are becoming common, especially on SUVs, where they’re often needed the most.

Here’s our take on some of the most notable new models.

1. Audi A6-Summer 2011

It’s significant that Audi and BMW are bringing four-cylinder engines to their elite sedans.

2. Buick Verano-Late 2011

This compact yet upscale Buick will be a welcome addition for consumers who want luxury features without going to a larger car.

3. Chevrolet Malibu-Early 2012

The Malibu will come up against some stiff competition in this segment from midsized stalwarts such as the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry. But if the Malibu retains the Buick Regal’s ride, handling, and interior quality, it should become a strong competitor. Notably, the new Malibu won’t be offered with a V6 engine.

4. Chevrolet Sonic-Fall 2011

Our early drives with a preproduction model last winter indicate that the Sonic is far more competitive than the Aveo.

5. Hyundai Accent-Summer 2011

The Accent is about sound, affordable transportation. But the interior feels cheap, and the cabin is noisy.

6. Nissan Versa-Fall 2011

If the new engine has sufficient pep, this car should do well. Nissan touts a starting price of less than $11,000, but you’ll probably pay about $16,000 for a well-equipped version.

7. Subaru Impreza-Fall 2011

The Impreza has been a good, reliable car for years, but its standard all-wheel drive hurt fuel economy. If Subaru has addressed that shortcoming while making the interior larger and quieter, as claimed, that’s a big plus.

8. Toyota Camry-Fall 2011

We would expect the Camry to retain its comfortable ride and quiet interior and hope the interior quality doesn’t backslide, as it has in some recent Toyotas.

9. Toyota Prius V-Fall 2011

The V provides more cargo space than a hatchback or sedan and better fuel economy than an SUV or wagon.

10. Volkswagen Beetle-Fall 2011

More space and power might breathe new life into the retro Beetle. But lower-trim Beetles have rather cheap interior plastics, examples of the cost-cutting strategy that hurt the 2011 Jetta (available to subscribers) sedan we tested.

11. Volkswagen Passat-Summer 2011

If Volkswagen’s new emphasis on value pricing doesn’t cut corners, then the new Passat might be a solid competitor. But it has lost some of the sharpness of its predecessors.

Source ConsumerReports.org

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