Best of 2017 Compact Car- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid - Save tons in gas money (and help out the environment too)

If you are considering a new compact car, you should take a close look at the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The world is running out of reasons to only sell and supply hybrid and EV vehicles as cars like the Ioniq come along that are better than most hybrids and regular compact cars such as the Corolla, Elantra, Civic, and Focus.  With the Hyundai Iconiq, now anyone can buy a reasonably priced, fuel efficient compact car. Please note, I do not own any of these cars but have driven all of them, I currently drive an Audi.

In 2017 the Hyundai Iconiq Hybrid, Chevy Volt, and Toyota Prius are the top hybrids, but, with a tip of the hat to Hyundai to produce the first hybrid to feel and drive like a real car, it is also one of the best compact cars on the market as well. A similarly equipped Elantra or Focus is only $1000-$1500 less than the Ioniq Blue (base model) which starts at $22,200. You can save about $1500 a year in gas so your investment will return positive value in 2 years!

Hyundai Ioniq (hybrid) has been touted as a Prius killer at 58 MPG combined city/highway with a total range of 690 miles in the Blue model all at $22,200. The Chevy Volt (plugin/hybrid) claims up to a 420 mile range and 42 MPG combined but starts at a hefty $34,095. The Chevy EV Bolt gets 238 miles to the full charge! So there are lots of choices out there as automobiles are switching over to electric tech. The Ioniq also comes with Android Auto support, now with Waze integrated into Android Auto. The only car more affordable than these two hybrid is Toyota's Prius C at $20,630.

The Ioniq feels and drives like a car using a dual clutch transmission instead of a CVT, it's the first hybrid to look and feel like a regular car since the Chevy Volt approach. They've also perfected the combustion engine to electric engine transitions, they are seamless and quiet, you cannot tell when they switch. The Ioniq also has decent combined horsepower at 138hp combined, only the Volt has more at 149hp combined.

Hyundai also has a full EV car though not as advanced as the Chevy Bolt EV or Testla Model 3 EV. Hyundai is also bringing a plug-in hybrid in September 2017 to rival the Chevy Volt (plugin/hybrid) with battery capacity for 26 mile range just running on electric.

However...
For 2017, there are a lot of 2nd placers and they range up and down the price scale. Mostly reaching 40/45 MPG in the sedans and SUVs returning around 30MPG combined mileage.

Ford Fusion Hybrid 
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Audi eTron
Acura MDX Hybrid
Lexus GS Hybrid
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Coming Soon:
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Testla Model 3

VW TDI, Diesel Jeans, Levi's Quality, Limited Express Mens Jeans, Toyota Prius

Diesel or not to diesel, that is the question.  From the Volkswagon Jetta Sportswagon TDI  and Diesel Jean, to the Toyota Prius and Levi's Jeans. Which do you fall behind?

Pro-Diesel

First off the 2009 Volkswagon Sportswagon TDI. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-banger that produces 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, it will be the first automobile to meet the world’s most stringent emission control standards, California’s Tier II, Bin 5. Gas mileage is between 30-city and 50-highway (depending on driving style). 50 state legal and environmentally safe, it emits only nitrogen and h2o. A sporty feeling drive, it beats the Prius off the line and in getting a real car feeling. (2009 Volkswagon Sportwagon pictured on left)





Diesel Jeans are high priced but the designer jeans are as popular as ever. There's just something about the feel, quality and look of them. Girlfriends and wives buy them for their men when budget is not a concern. Designed in Italy but currently being manufactured in various countries including Italy, they have a high quality control regiment and is one of the reasons they are a favorite. They offer from very casual distressed and destroyed looks to conservative but stylish looks. Particular models are nice enough to wear to the office then casually on the weekend. Other premium brand jeans are 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, Rock&Republic and others.  (2009 ad pictured on right)




The Anti-Diesel?

The Toyota Prius and Levi's Jeans are what are I consider the anti-diesel. Its almost like preferring crayons over markers. They are affordable and consistent quality. If you just need jeans, Levi's are great at their price range of around $30 to $50. The quality of Levis jeans are good but not premium. The basic Levi's are not up to par with even Guess Jeans until you get into Levi's premium models. The typical classic 501s, 505s and 517s are of the traditional style cotton jeans while the higher numbered models are closer to the lighter and thicker Limited Jeans style cotton jeans. Check out the 512s if you can find them. With any pair of stylized jeans, the right shoes can compliment the look. If a stickler for quality, check the seams inside the jeans between an expensive pair and a typical pair and compare. You will see the difference and decide what is really worth it. You can find special edition Levi's for much more at premium stores..(Levi's 527 Raw Cut pictured)

As for the 2010 Toyota Prius. Is the TDI a Prius-killer? I personally think so but if you want an engine that you can sneak quietly back into the house with get the Prius. If you don't have the need for a driver's car with really good gas mileage, then it's a valid contender. The question becomes, "Is it the diesel or the hybrid?" Using a very small gas engine in conjunction with a battery array, the Prius is quiet as a mouse off the line and uses it gas engine for higher speeds (2010 Toyota Prius on the right)