Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - What will be the Ultimate North America Econobox of the future?

Natalya · 10-27-2019, 06:02 PM

It's almost 2020. Right now the current MPG champions that can be had for a low price and deliver ultra mileage are of course the G2 Geo Metro and the G1 Honda Insight, with all its problems. But they're getting old, their fleets are dwindling, and newer used econoboxes are dropping in price faster and faster as Americans and Canadians keep buying larger vehicles.

Through the years:
G1 Jetta Diesel 1.8L
CRX HF 1.5L
G5 Civic VX 1.5L
G1 Geo 1.0L

Current:
G2 Geo 1.0L
G1 Insight 1.0L

Future??
G4 Micra 1.6L (Canada) // Versa (US)
G2 Prius 1.5L
G2 Insight
G6 Mirage 1.2L
Prius C 1.5L
G1 Leaf 80 kW
G2 Volt 1.5L

I think the defining characteristics are going to be:
- Commonly available for less than $4000
- Engine < 2.0L
- Easy to either ecomod or drive better to get better fuel economy
- Low coefficient of drag

I've only got experience with the G2 Insight, but as an example their prices are bottoming out. I've seen them sell for $2000 or $3000 with still functioning hybrid systems and under 200K miles. The one I had also had a very easy time beating the EPA estimate after I did only a couple mods to it.

What cars are going to take the torch?

10-27-2019, 06:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Natalya Engine-Off-Coast Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Atlanta Posts: 561 Red 2000 Insight (2017 through 2019) - '00 Honda Insight 5MT 90 day: 64.72 mpg (US) Red 2000 Lithium Insight (2020) - '00 Honda Insight LTO 90 day: 71.76 mpg (US) Thanks: 223 Thanked 305 Times in 175 Posts	What will be the Ultimate North America Econobox of the future? It's almost 2020. Right now the current MPG champions that can be had for a low price and deliver ultra mileage are of course the G2 Geo Metro and the G1 Honda Insight, with all its problems. But they're getting old, their fleets are dwindling, and newer used econoboxes are dropping in price faster and faster as Americans and Canadians keep buying larger vehicles. Through the years: G1 Jetta Diesel 1.8L CRX HF 1.5L G5 Civic VX 1.5L G1 Geo 1.0L Current: G2 Geo 1.0L G1 Insight 1.0L Future?? G4 Micra 1.6L (Canada) // Versa (US) G2 Prius 1.5L G2 Insight G6 Mirage 1.2L Prius C 1.5L G1 Leaf 80 kW G2 Volt 1.5L I think the defining characteristics are going to be: - Commonly available for less than $4000 - Engine < 2.0L - Easy to either ecomod or drive better to get better fuel economy - Low coefficient of drag I've only got experience with the G2 Insight, but as an example their prices are bottoming out. I've seen them sell for $2000 or $3000 with still functioning hybrid systems and under 200K miles. The one I had also had a very easy time beating the EPA estimate after I did only a couple mods to it. What cars are going to take the torch? __________________ Red 2000 Insight (2017 through 2019) Black 2010 Insight (Sold) Silver 2001 Insight (Sold) Last edited by Natalya; 10-29-2019 at 10:48 PM..