All wheel drive is another marketing ploy that I don't really understand. I know in MN. all wheel drive is very nice to have. Here in AZ. I checked out an R32 and it is all wheel drive, mpg sucked. Stated 18 and 22 but the salesman was upfront and said he gets about 16 in the city and never over 20 on the highway. Size of a GTI and gets SUV mileage. The Audi all wheel drive cars are the same plus you need to put in premium fuel.
Smart car only gets 38 mpg so the Minis, Toyotas, Mazdas are equal or better than. As far as Hybrids go the Prius gets the best ratings and battery costs are going to go down, not up as more and more people get these cars. Fuel costs on the other hand are not going anywhere but up. Once big oil sees you will spend $4 per gallon what makes anyone think they will get it back down to $3?
Our here SUVs are just sitting for sale. Prius and small cars are popping up all over the place. Another couple of years and I have a feeling we are going to look like Europe with all the small commuter cars.
Can't wait for a solar or all electric car the size of a Prius to come out.
