Consumer Preview: Green Cars for 2010

The incoming wave of eco-friendly, green vehicles of 2010 offers revolutions in fuel efficiency. Let's take a look at 5 of the leading green cars of 2010 to see how they match up against their green rivals in the industry.

2010 Toyota Prius

The third-generation Prius is blazing the trail for the incoming class of eco-friendly cars for 2010 with a staggering combined mileage rating of 50mpg, thanks to its revolutionary union of gas and electric battery technology. This new Prius presents several upgrades from its previous models that make it one of the more attractive options in this group. Among the features offered in the 2010 Prius, the enhanced performance of a net output 134 horsepower, Toyota's Intelligent Parking Assist, and incredibly low emissions, are what separate this model from its predecessors. Fuel economy, performance, and affordability with a base MSRP of $22,000, make the Prius a leader among the green cars of 2010.

2010 Honda Insight

The reintroduction of the first ever hybrid vehicle has arrived in the 2010 Honda Insight. The insight seeks to be the most cost-efficient eco-friendly car of the 2010 green vehicles with an MSRP of $19,800. The Honda Integrated Motor Assist IMA hybrid system enables the Insight to achieve a combined mileage rating of 41mpg. Honda also markets their Eco Assist system that enables the driver to monitor their driving efficiency using a feedback system and an ECON button enabling more efficient functioning. Their system is very similar to the displays offered by Toyota's Prius, and the two vehicles appear to be very comparable.

2010 Ford Fusion+Hybrid

If you are looking for a fuel-efficient mid-size sedan, the Ford Fusion is the industry's best bet. The Fusion Hybrid model offers 191 net horsepower, a range of 700 miles on one tank of gas, EPA est. 41mpg city, and a smart gauge eco guide display to help you drive more efficiently. The Fusion is an interesting member of the green cars of 2010, and is listed at an MSRP of $19,270.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI

Volkswagen has taken an unorthodox approach to fuel efficiency in their TDI, clean diesel technology lines. The Jetta and SportWagen TDIs offer an EPA 30city/41hw mpg rating, yet VW claims the models perform better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the city and 44 highway. Both the Jetta sedan and SportWagen come equipped with 6 airbags, a top speed of 128mph, and a built-in RNS-510 Navigation system. For those who love to soak in the sun, the SportWagen comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof as well. The dual combination of uncompromised performance and eco-friendliness make these Jettas a contender among its class of 2010 eco-friendly vehicles.

Sources:

http://automobiles.honda.com/insight-hybrid/

http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010fusion/

http://www.vw.com/jettasportwagen/en/us/?tab=tdi

http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/