Buying a New Efficien Car in 2006? Buy a 2007 Model

September 25, 2005 – Vol.10 No.27

BUYING A NEW EFFICIENT CAR IN 2006? WAIT FOR A 2007 MODEL.

Fall is the traditional time for new model year car introductions. But for U.S. car buyers pinched by high gas prices, and wanting to get something more efficient, waiting for the early 2007 models to come out next spring (even waiting another year) might be worth it. Not only will a few more hybrids and possibly more diesels be available, some very nice efficient conventional cars are on their way. Finally.

Here’s a sample of what’s tap for 2007.

Nissan will have its Versa line (4 and 5 door) in place. Nissan says the cars should get a combined city/highway fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon. Versas should start at about $12,000.

(Nissan, too, is rumored to be planning a car line to compete with Toyota’s successful and fuel-efficient Scion brand.) http://www.nissanusa.com/

Toyota will have its Yaris line up and running with a 3-door hatch, then a 4 or 5 door later on. No estimated fuel economy, but it’s a small car with a 1.5 liter engine; you can expect high 30s possibly into the 40 miles per gallon range. http://www.toyota.com/

Honda will bring its Fit line of econocars to U.S. shores. (They may be called Jazz here). Expect at least a 5-door hatch. Again high 30s into the 40 mpg range.

(Unless Honda changes its mind, the sharp Civic 5-door small wagon launched at the Geneva Auto Show WON’T be sold in the U.S. (Americans get gipped again. Write Honda. Ask why.) http://www.honda.co.uk/front.html

http://motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_05gen_hondacivic/ (for the 5-door Civic)

Hyundai / Kia may have hybrid models by 2007 based on a new 2006 Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. The 2006 versions of the Accent and Rio, already on sale, are getting good reviews and mileage ratings in the high 30s. http://www.hyundaiaccent.com/ http://rio.kia.com/

Ford is expected to have a revamped Focus line in place for 2007. Some industry watchers say it will be the new Focus already introduced outside the U.S. Others say the car will be different. Gasoline mileage in the 30s http://www.allnewfocus.co.uk/

Volvo will have a small car - possibly a hybrid version - by the fall of 2006 as an 07 model. The C30 should be a 3-door hatchback (reminiscent of the early 70s 1800 ES Sport Wagon). The cars are to compete with the Mini as a high end but fuel-stingy car. Mileage unknown. The cars have styling cues along the lines of the all-electric 3CC. http://www.volvocars.com/default.htm http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107193

Volkswagen should have the full line, including diesels, of its next-generation Golf here by Spring. The diesel cars won’t be sold in all states. Mileage for the diesels should be the same as for the current cars, in the 40s. http://www.vw.com/

While waiting for a better selection of fuel-efficient cars to go on sale do this: Drive more slowly, drive less and save money,