All of the automakers are pushing fuel efficiency these days and most of them are doing more with less. They pretty much have to, what with tightening CAFÉ standards and that whole climate change thing. Naysayers would whine that we'll all be stuck driving boring cars with as much pizazz as a plate of cold pasta.
Not so fast.
Four-bangers are keeping the torch lit for those of us who dream of a future full of fast apexes and lateral g's. A direct-injection four can bring plenty of excitement and solid fuel economy, especially if it's got a turbo or supercharger and it's powering a light enough car.
Doubt our word? The car geeks at Kelley Blue Book surveyed a bunch of 2010 four-bangers and listed the best of the bunch. It's an impressive bunch. (Combined city/highway fuel economy figures are from fueleconomy.gov.)
- Audi TT/TTS. All-wheel drive and performance (200 horsepower for the coupe, 265 for the TTS) to match the great looks. 26 mpg. (TT Coupe).
- Honda Civic Si. A perennial favorite of the tuner set remains a stalwart pocket rocket with 197 horsepower. 24 mpg.
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T. Sure, the V6 R-Spec is quicker still, but this four is impressive with 200 hp. 24 mpg.
- Lotus Elise/Exige. It's a Lotus. What more do you need to know? 23 mpg.
- Mazda Mazdaspeed3. Nimble, turbocharged and practical yet fast with 263 horsepower. 21 mpg.
- Mini Cooper S/John Cooper Works. A decent update of a classic with 172 horsepower in the S and 208 in the Works. 29 mpg (Cooper S).
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR/MR. Turbo'd engine provides 290 horsepower; the suspension and brakes make sure you can make the most of it. The mileage is weak though, at 18 mpg.
- Nissan Sentra SE-R/Spec-V. A sleeper, but with 200 ponies and six-speed box, it'll keep you entertained. 24 mpg.
- Subaru WRX/STI. If it was good enough for the WRC (until Subaru pulled out, anyway), it's still good enough for you. 21 mpg.
- Volkswagen GTI. The original hot hatch proves itself again with a great engine and handling to match. 25 mpg.
Doing more with less is definitely the wave of the future. As raising fuel economy and lowering emissions become a leading concern among automakers, regulators and policymakers, cars like these show we can still have fun.
We'd like to remind you that we didn't make this list, Kelley Blue Book did. They've invariably ticked some of you off by omitting the car you are absolutely sure should be on the list. Sound off in the comments and tell us why you think your choice should be included.
Photo of the Audi TT coupe: Audi
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