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?
Last edited by Natalya; 10-29-2019 at 11:48 PM..
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