New Car Rebates and Incentives - November 24, 2009
The 2010 BMW 1 Series is a sporty, compact luxury coupe that nips at the heels of the large BMW 3 Series in terms of comfort and performance. The two-door manages to leverage the lighter weight of its small design to provide excellent handling and spirited acceleration, making it one of the most responsive BMWs on the market. A convertible version of the vehicle is also available. The base BMW 128i edition offers imitation leather seats and cruise control, and options include a Sport package that upgrades the vehicle’s suspension, wheels and tires. The 135i coupe comes with a sunroof, the sport suspension as standard equipment and the availability of a premium package that improves interior amenities to include genuine leather and memory seats. Navigation and rear parking assist can also be ordered.
The 2010 BMW 1 Series features a choice of two robust six-cylinder engines under the hood. The BMW 128i comes with a 3.0 liter motor that generates 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the BMW 128i shows as 18 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The BMW 135i slaps a turbocharger onto the same unit in order to squeeze out an additional 70 ponies and 100 more lb-ft of twist. Fuel mileage for this version of the BMW 1-Series drops by one mile per gallon around town and three miles per gallon on the highway when compared to the less powerful model. Each edition of the 1 Series can be had with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
There is a financing incentive of 3.9% interest (5.9% on the 128i coupe) or $1,500.00 cash back on the 2010 BMW 1 Series effective until 01/04/2010.
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser straddles the line between minivan and wagon in a compact package that is both easy on gas and on the eyes. The retro styling of the Chrysler PT Cruiser is what attracts many buyers to the car, as it evokes memories of 1940’s and 50’s automotive design. The vehicle can accommodate up to five passengers, and it offers a 21.6 cubic foot “trunk” behind the rear row of seating – a storage figure which expands to an impressive 62.7 cubic feet with those same seats removed from the equation. For 2010 the Chrysler PT Cruise is available in a single trim level, dubbed Classic, and it offers power windows and door locks, fog lights, a rear spoiler, air conditioning, a CD player and a trip computer. Heated seats for forward occupants and a sunroof are available as options.
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is motivated by a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine that is tuned to provide 150 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic is the sole transmission offered with the vehicle. The PT Cruiser feels fairly nimble from behind the wheel, thanks to its short wheelbase and low curb weight, and it offers fuel mileage that is rated at 19 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $2,000.00 cash back on the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser effective until 11/30/2009.
The 2010 Ford Escape is a popular compact sport-utility vehicle that functions well as both an urban warrior and an occasional wilderness wanderer. The Ford Escape appeals to a wide cross section of buyers, thanks to its combination of features such as comfortable seating for five and good interior storage (67.2 cubic feet in total), as well as a comfortable on-pavement ride and a suspension system that doesn’t mind heading off into the rough from time to time. The Ford Escape comes with a full range of power equipment, air conditioning and cruise control right out of the box, and moving up through its different trim levels and options can add items like the Ford SYNC music and communications interface, satellite radio, leather seats, a sunroof and larger 17-inch wheels. Dual automatic climate controls, an automatic parking system and a navigation system can also be specified on the SUV.
The 2010 Ford Escape starts out with a 171 horsepower, four-cylinder engine that displaces 2.5 liters and also provides drivers with 171 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed autobox can be mated to this motor, and fuel mileage comes in at an impressive 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. A more powerful V6 option is also available, and with 240 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque on tap this 3.0 liter unit is more than capable of keeping up with the flow of traffic. The V6 drops the manual transmission option, and shows fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon during highway cruising. All versions of the Ford Escape can be ordered in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive editions.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $2,000.00 cash back on the 2010 Ford Escape effective until 01/04/2010.
The 2010 Kia Forte sedan is an all new entry from the Korean car company into the very competitive compact market. Aimed at stealing sales from the vaunted Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the Kia Forte adopts exterior styling that is as visually engaging as any other entry-level car currently available. The sedan doesn’t only look good, but it also makes a strong value proposition with the availability of a barebones LX model that provides a CD player, Bluetooth and not much else. Upgrading to the EX civilizes the interior with air conditioning, power windows and door locks as well as cruise control, while the SX makes the leap to a sport suspension, leather wrapped steering wheel and a trip computer. Leather seats are also option, as is a sunroof on the SX trim.
The 2010 Kia Forte sedan makes excellent use of a very economical 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine that provides 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque on its way to a fuel mileage rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. A four-speed automatic transmission can be matched to this engine as an option, but a five-speed manual is standard equipment. The LX trim can also benefit from an available five-speed automatic. The Kia Forte SX replaces the 2.0 liter with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder that steps power up to 173 horses and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six speed manual transmission comes with the sprightlier engine, although a five-speed automatic can be ordered in its place. Fuel economy drops somewhat to 22 miles per gallon around town and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest and $1,000.00 cash back on the 2010 Kia Forte sedan effective until 11/30/2009.
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is a mid-size pickup from the car company more noted for its fuel-saving compact cars than its experience in the hauling and towing field. Nevertheless, thanks to a platform-sharing program with Nissan, the Suzuki Equator manages to borrow many of the features that make the Nissan Frontier such an attractive truck and repackage them for Suzuki fans. The truck can be ordered with either an extended cab or crew cab body style – both seat up to five passengers, but the latter offers full-size rear doors for easier access to the passenger compartment. Five and six-foot cargo beds are available, depending upon the truck’s configuration, and it is rated to pull a maximum of 6,500 lbs. Interior features are highlighted by the availability of air conditioning and a sunroof, while off-road features such as hill descent control and a stouter suspension system can also be ordered.
The value-conscious version of the 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup is outfitted with a thrifty 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission are both available, and fuel mileage comes in at 19 miles per gallon around in city driving and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. A 4.0 liter V6 is also in the cards for those who want to tackle heavier jobs, or who want to equip their Suzuki Equator with four-wheel drive. Adding 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft to the mix, the six-cylinder is a potent upgrade over the smaller fuel saver, although fuel mileage dips to 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. A five-speed automatic remains the sole transmission choice for this engine.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $3,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Suzuki Equator effective until 01/04/2010.
List of 2010 Hybrid SUVs
The list of 2010 hybrid SUVs includes sport utilities vehicles of all sizes and prices. Whether you need an affordable compact crossover or prefer the opulent style of a luxury full-size land boat, you can reduce your carbon footprint with the help of hybrid technology. The 2010 hybrid SUV lineup, listed in order of fuel efficiency, is as follows:
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
(32 mpg combined)Scooting along at 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is one of the most fuel efficient and popular hybrid SUVs for the year. Its compact size accommodates up to five passengers, and the new engine introduced last year delivers plenty of acceleration with a total of 153 horsepower. For added green car appeal, the 2010 Escape Hybrid comes equipped with an electric AC unit, which means gas isn't wasted when you crank up the cold air. Base price for the Escape Hybrid lingers around $30,000.
2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
(32 mpg combined)The Mercury Mariner Hybrid (as well as the Mazda Tribute Hybrid) is a rebadged clone of the Ford Escape Hybrid. As such, the 2010 Mariner Hybrid matches the Escape in all levels of vehicle performance, including fuel efficiency of 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Major distinctions between the two Ford hybrids are largely cosmetic, with the Mariner offering a more elegant, upscale appearance. If you like the size of the Escape Hybrid, but would prefer something a little less rustic, then the Mariner Hybrid is a good option. With an MSRP around $30,000, the price of the Mariner Hybrid is comparable to the Escape.
2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
(32 mpg combined)If you live in California, then the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid is another compact hybrid SUV option for you. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid is the result of a collaboration between Ford and Mazda. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is identical to the one found on its brothers. Comfort and convenience is comparable to the Ford Escape Hybrid, though interior features offer a slightly better fit and finish. Compare the interior environments of the Tribute and the Escape to determine which one you prefer. Base price for the Tribute Hybrid also starts around $30,000.
2010 Lexus RX Hybrid
(30 mpg combined)The 2010 Lexus RX 450h is one of the only luxury hybrid SUVs for the year. With mid-size proportions and Lexus' legendary prestige, the RX Hybrid is a great choice for those who prefer the finer things in life. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers plenty of on-road performance. However, if you want off-road capabilities, you'll probably want to look somewhere else. The 2010 RX Hybrid earns 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Base MSRP for the 2010 RX 450h comes in above $41,000.
2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
(26 mpg combined)If the triplet Ford hybrids feel too cramped for you, then the mid-size 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid may be a better choice. With larger proportions and a 3rd-row seat, the Highlander is a green machine that is perfect for carpools and cargo. Additionally, the 2010 Highlander slants towards luxury, with a well-appointed cabin, quiet ride and plenty of optional upgrades.
The 2009 Highlander was named a Top Safety Pick by the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With a base price of more than $34,000, the Toyota Highlander isn't the most affordable hybrid on the market. However, 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway are excellent numbers, given the vehicle's size.
2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)The 2010 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is one of the only full-size SUV hybrids for the year. The Tahoe, along with its Yukon and Escalade brothers, is your only hybrid choice if you're looking for off-road and towing capabilities. The beefy V8 engine is mated to two electric motors to offer 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway (25 percent boost in fuel efficiency over the standard Tahoe). However, if you don't need the size and muscle offered by the Tahoe, a smaller hybrid SUV (or even efficient traditional SUV) may be a greener, more economical option. Base price for the Tahoe Hybrid is about $50,000.
2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)The GMC Yukon Hybrid is a slightly dressed up version of the Tahoe. Base price is comparable to the Tahoe ($50,000), but the GMC Yukon comes with a number of add-ons that can raise the price considerably. Like the Tahoe, the Yukon Hybrid seats up to eight and is a great choice if you need a hybrid for hauling and off-roading. Compare the cosmetic differences of the Yukon and Tahoe to determine which one feels like a better vehicle for your needs.
2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
(22 mpg combined)Opulence meets environmental consciousness in the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. The Escalade hybrid offers all the power and performance of its less expensive Tahoe brother, with 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. However, if you're looking to be pampered with luxurious features and high-tech gadgets, then the Escalade is a good match for your upscale tastes. Of course, to get a hybrid SUV that doesn't compromise on luxury or performance, you'll have to pay for it – base price is more than $73,000.
2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6
(18 mpg combined)BMW enters the hybrid SUV market this year with the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6. With 485 horsepower and 575 lb-ft. of torque, this is by far the most powerful hybrid on the market. Two electric motors combine with a twin-turbo V8 to offer 17 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. That may not seem all that great for a hybrid, but compared to the traditional X6, it equals a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. If performance is on the top of your list for a luxury hybrid SUV, then the $90,000 ActiveHybrid X6 should be on your short list.
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