Toyota has announced that it's most fuel efficient model will be the Yaris in 2012. It will come with a 1.3 liter start-stop engine and no hybrid tax. Sadly though, this inexpensive, amazingly efficient new car will NOT be sold in the US market. It is to be a Europe only delicacy like the Aygo. Sorry but I would prefer a start-stop Yaris to a Prius that costs twice as much and uses more gas. If anything it proves that a safe, reliable car need not be expensive to be efficient. If only Toyota would sell it here I would put myself on the waiting list right now.
Toyota: ’12 Yaris to offer highest-mpg model in brand’s lineup
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No green technology will ever make a substantive environmental impact until it is economically viable for most people to use it. This must be from a reduction in net cost of the new technology, not an increase in the cost of the old technology through taxation
(Note: the car sees 100% city driving and is EPA rated at 37 mpg city)