Chevy Cruze ekes out 42 mpg

With a manual transmission, turbocharged engine, and front-wheel drive, you would expect a fast little canyon carver. But the Cruze Eco takes these standard features of the tuner set and turns them into hypermiler gear.

A miracle of turbocharging, the little 1.4-liter engine cranks out 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The Cruze Eco should help debunk the idea that good fuel economy means a gutless car. With that engine and a few tricks to shave weight and reduce drag, the Cruze Eco boasts a 42-mpg highway figure.

Chevy lets the car down a bit in the cabin tech department. The Cruze Eco can be had with the basics, such as iPod support and a Bluetooth phone system, but no onboard navigation system. Instead, Chevy expects OnStar to fill navigation and other connected-car needs for buyers. However, you can use the OnStar app to remotely start the car and unlock the doors.

Check out our review of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco.