Advances in clean-diesel engineering are prompting many auto shoppers to consider diesel-powered vehicles. Consumers have always liked the fuel efficiency, but now diesels are much cleaner and don't have the dirty, smelly stigma. Some models even have tax incentives.
CO2 emissions dropped 6% and corporate average fuel economy increased 7% during 2009, according the Environmental Protection Agency. It was part of a positive six-year trend beginning in 2005 that reverses a long period of increasing CO2 emissions and decreasing fuel economy from 1987 through 2004.
Although subcompacts remain less than 5% of total car sales, these new cars come with tons of safety features, great fuel economy, versatility and style. Hatchbacks are preferred over sedans with their small trunks. The six vehicles competing in this market are: Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, and Mazda2. Comparisons can be made in fuel economy, styling, performance, and interior space.
KBB.com's new Windows 7 phone app provides car buying and selling information. Included are new and used car KBB values, MSRP, invoice, fair purchase price, CPO, as well as private party and trade-in values. Microsoft is providing valuable apps for its smartphone Windows 7 users, and KBB benefits mobile car buyers with information on car buying.