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Old 07-17-2022, 07:24 AM   #9 (permalink)
Ecky
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 5,077

ND Miata - '15 Mazda MX-5 Special Package
90 day: 39.72 mpg (US)

Oxygen Blue - '00 Honda Insight
90 day: 54.69 mpg (US)
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I had a blast with my G1 Insight. It shares a steering rack with an S2000 and weighs 1000lbs less. With some minor suspension upgrades it can even handle well, and is engaging to drive. I don't think anyone is going to call a FWD hybrid hatch a Sports Car, but with an engine swap that sent it to 60 in around 4 seconds, it could still deliver over 50mpg on a road trip.

Now I have a latest-generation Miata. It handles superbly and gets great fuel economy, though I have a more efficient engine than is available in the US. Expect to get low 40's when driven normally in the right conditions with a US model, and low 30's for a lot of stop and go city driving. The biggest perk with this car, in my opinion, is the soft top. In 2022, the only other non-luxury car you can get with a soft top is a Mustang. The Insight had more communicative steering and a stiffer chassis, and (as I built mine) was both faster and more efficient. If you wanted something made in the last 6 years, however, I don't think anything comes close to meeting your criteria as well as a Miata.

As R. W. Dale suggested, there are a fair few small FWD hatch (or even coupe) options that might suit. I've had nearly 50mpg tanks out of a Fit, and they're fun to drive. A late model manual Civic is pretty entertaining and efficient. Everyone loves the Golf.
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