Hybrid schmybrid.
Just not real sold on this whole hybrid thing, does it pay off, is something
much better around the corner, and what to do with all those big, toxic batteries?
I�m B.C.
with
Top 5 greenest cars that aren�t hybrids, just good old gas engine rides that do it lean and green.
#5 MINI 29/37/32.
This is a car that often gets overlooked as a green ride since its known for
great style and fun handling and all those cooky paint schemes.
Base price just over 20 grand.
#4 Mazda2.
29/35/32.
This is the little cousin to the Ford Fiesta, with a slightly smaller engine.
But oddly enough slightly higher fuel consumption.
And slight goofier looks.
If you like a car
that has a permanent smile on its face and starts at 14,100, hello.
#3 Fiesta SFE 29/40/33.
This is the new Fiesta, in a special fuel sipping configuration called SFE,
technically an option package.
Fiestas are dirt cheap, starting at 13.3 for the sedan.
#2 Golf Jetta Sportwagen A3 TDi Here�s a whole slew of german cars that are right up near the
top: All off them us a 4 cylinder turbodiesel VW family powertrain to deliver 30/42/34 and the
best part about these cars is their performance.
You heard me.
These are the only TDi�s in our
list and if you haven�t driven a small modern turbodiesel you are in for a torque treat you need
to experience.
Your cheapest way into this club is a Jetta TDi sedan at about 23 base.
Before we get to #1, for comparison, the cleanest of them all is the Prius, at 51/48/50 and a
base price of 23 grand.
Its got a price premium in there, no doubt about it.
The only hybrid that
doesn�t cost more than its gas engine counterpart?
Lincoln MKZ at 34,605.
#1: Smart ForTwo: Not for everyone, but at 33/41/36 it�s the fuel sippinest little ride that ever
got a funny look.
Hard to make it your only car, unless you live in a shoe, and with the jankiest
transmission since Grizzly Adams spurred his horse a little too sharply, I have to say it still have
an odd appeal.
That�s it for this Top 5.
Keep you eye out for Top 5 Hybrids, coming up soon .
See all of our
episodes at Top5.cnet.com
