Hyundai won’t be the first automaker to manufacture and sell a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), but it will be the first company to mass produce such a vehicle with the Tuscon FCEV, which will be available in 2015. 

“One of our biggest FCEV differentiators for us is that Hyundai is the first automaker to launch assembly line production of a fuel-cell vehicle,” Derek Joyce, Hyundai’s manager of product public relations, told Cars.com.

Hyundai’s ultimate goal is to move around 10,000 fuel-cell powered Tuscons a year, but for the first year of sales, the company is aiming to sell 1,000 FCEVs.

Exact specifications are not yet available, but Hyundai estimates that the Tuscon FCEV will have a range of 369 miles and a combined fuel economy rating of 71 mpg.

One of the largest issues keeping more fuel-cell vehicles from becoming popular is infrastructure, and Hyundai is investing in that as well. A new initiative from the Energy Department called H2USA is a public-private partnership that is working on advancing hydrogen infrastructure in the U.S. Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Nissan are all part of the program, along with other automotive groups such as the American Gas Association and Association of Global Automakers.

GALLERY: Hyundai Tucson Hydrogen Fuel Cell

[Source: Cars.com]

Discuss this story at hyundai-forums.com

It may be hard to believe, but BMWs can be cheaper in Korea than cars from Hyundai.

Lower tariffs are making German imports cheaper than local Korean-made vehicles.

A BMW 528i for example, is around $64,000 in South Korea while the flagship Kia K9 is around $76,400. Even consumers in South Korea are abandoning their dedication to their domestic brands realizing that German vehicles offer a better luxury bargain.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Hyundai Equus 82% a Lexus LS for 18% Less

BMW isn’t the only German automaker to be benefiting. Mercedes-Benz and Audi have also seen sales increase at the expense of Kia and Hyundai over recent years now that duties on European imports have fallen to 3.2 percent from eight percent since a trade pact was put into effect in 2011.

All of Germany’s big three automakers have seen sales in South Korea rise 25 percent in the first growth – that’s even faster growth than what they’re seeing in China. Hyundai on the other hand, saw its luxury high-end model sales drop 4.7 percent in the same period.

Overall, foreign luxury automakers in South Korea have seen sales grow to 41 percent from 28 percent in the past two years.

GALLERY: 2014 Hyundai Equus Live Shots

GALLERY: 2014 Hyundai Equus

[Source: Bloomberg]

Discuss this story at Hyundai-Forums.com

If he were real, Andy Dufresne would be impressed with Hyundai CEO John Krafcik who despite the obstacles is being named the 2013 Automotive Executive of the Year

After all, both the fictional Shawshank Redemption character and charismatic brand boss were forced to mire their way through a lot of muck… Of course, Dufresne literally crawled through the sewers while Krafcik’s journey was figurative, navigating Hyundai’s mpg misstatement mess.

“With his superb team, John Krafcik has literally reshaped the way Hyundai approaches the market with consumer focus, compelling design, and enduring value,” notes Robert Djurovic, executive director of the Automotive Executive of the Year Award program. “It’s no surprise that accolades for Hyundai products just keep coming.” Or is it?

The saga began when an EPA audit exposed that Hyundai’s fuel consumption claims were exaggerated by an average three percent. Both Hyundai and Kia were embroiled in the controversy and in the most severe case, the Kia Soul was found to fall 6 mpg below its stated figure.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai, Kia Admit to Selling No 40-MPG Models

Despite a hurricane of bad press, Hyundai emerged relatively unscathed. It offered affected owners free pre-loaded debit cards to account for extra annual fuel costs, and despite some lawsuits saw little backlash by consumers.

Now more than seven months after the first stories emerged, Hyundai’s North American CEO is set to receive a venerable industry award in Detroit.

“I accept the honor with the understanding that I am representing the hard work, dedication, and achievements of all the men and women who work at Hyundai around the world, including our R&D facilities in Michigan and California, our U.S. manufacturing plants, and our passionate and dedicated network of 823 Hyundai dealers across the U.S.,” Krafcik said.

In the same time period as the cars bearing overzealous mpg badges were built, Hyundai’s annual U.S. sales grew by over 30 percent. More importantly, those sales haven’t dipped through the first quarter of this year despite the controversy.

Sometimes automakers have holes in their line-up bigger than Van Halen did in 1985. Due to a lack of time, resources or manufacturing facilities, the company looks for a quick fix. The solution? Grab a vehicle from another company that fills the void and rebrand it as their own. But like Wade Boggs in a New York Yankees uniform, these rebadged vehicles never look quite right. And, like any decision made by cobbling together bits and pieces from here and there, it doesn’t always work.

In the world of rebadging, Australian General Motors division Holden is king. The company will rebadge anything and everything for the Australian market. Since Holden could have a top ten list entirely their own, we’ll skip them. Instead, let’s focus on vehicles most in North America will recognise in either current or rebadged form. We are not talking platform engineered cars within a company or ones co-developed between two companies, but rather vehicle rebrand jobs that seem to come out of left field and are thinly disguised.

Ah to be young again. AutoGuide’s nationally recognized, board-certified Oracles remember their youth vividly… it was terrible. People often say age is just a number and you’re only as old as you feel, unfortunately they were born wearing elastic-waist jeans and Science Olympiad fanny packs. Gingivitis arrived when they were in middle school.

The Oracles may be human versions of Grumpy Cat but that doesn’t prevent them from doling out the best automotive advice on the Cyb3rw3bz. Their careful guidance is so coveted, so sought after, they’ve attracted some unwanted attention, or so they think. They’re convinced the federal government is watching their every move.

When they’re not installing blackout curtains or cowering in their survival bunkers the Oracles do find time to help others; it’s their job after all. This week faithful reader Tony is in need of some automotive guidance so to speak.

According to his electronic-mail correspondence he and an unnamed male sibling are looking for a new vehicle. They want something quick, fun and functional, but still affordable. They’re looking for something to really get their “blood pumping.” Initially the Oracles suggested Madame Genevieve’s burlesque house but since Tony and his bro probably aren’t from the late 1800s they retracted that recommendation. These young guys are looking for a little automotive action.

For the Oracles all this talk of youth brings up some not-so-fond memories, of band camp, and scalding fondue, of summers at their uncle’s cabin as well as chains and a water heater painted with a clown face… Putting the past behind them, here are their recommendations for Tony and company.

Suggestion #1: 2013 Scion FR-S – $25,255

When it comes to practical and entertaining the Oracles were really pushing for the Plymouth Sundance; it’s one of their favorite vehicles ever built, but unfortunately Ask AutoGuide only applies to cars that are in production. When reminded of this technicality they collectively shouted “POPPYCOCK!” But not even out-of-vogue phrases projected at louder-than-appreciated volumes are enough to change the rules; they still lament the fact that Chrysler let such a magnificent car die.

Back on track their first recommendation is the 2013 Scion FR-S. This alphabetically named vehicle is a thoroughly modern take on the traditional sports car. It’s light on its feet, rear-wheel drive and affordable, plus the legendary quality of Toyota and Subaru are baked right in, like carrots and peas in a chicken pot-pie. When considering the fun-to-money ratio Scion’s FR-S is hard to beat. Base price for the car is a little more than $25,000, including ancillary charges.

In a lot of ways this little coupe is like buying filet mignon for the price of Jimmy Dean Maple Links. It delivers Porsche-grade driving dynamics in a stylish package just about anyone with a part-time job could afford. Would you like fries with that? Of course, and some extra ketchup!

The FR-S is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that puts out 200 horsepower. That’s not a lot by today’s standards but it is enough to move this little car right along.  It can be matched to one of two six-speed transmissions, a proper manual or a pursuer-grade automatic.

Of course the driver-shifted gearbox is the only way to go for maximum fun. Part of what makes this seemingly overmatched combination so enjoyable is that you really have to wring the powerplant’s neck to extract the best performance; it’s like squeezing the water out of a brick of cheese. The FR-S is the sort of car that has to be kept on the verge of boiling over, but that’s ok because it enjoys the abuse and you’ll love dishing it out.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Scion FR-S Review

As with anything in life there are a couple minor downsides to Scion’s sporty coupe. First, the FR-S isn’t all that quick. It’s got a tremendous chassis and world-class driving dynamics but the average minivan is probably faster in a straight line. Also, it’s not that practical. Tony and his significant sibling are looking for function to go with their fun, and that’s something the driver-focused FR-S just can’t deliver. Lastly, the fuel economy isn’t terribly good. The car only stickers at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway for the manual.

Suggestion #2: 2013 Ford Focus ST – $24,495

When it comes to practicality the 2013 Focus ST brings all the boys to the yard by drinking the Scion’s milkshake, for breakfast… or whatever the kids are saying these days. This enthusiastic Ford is only offered as a hatchback, which means it has more interior space than the typical Manhattan apartment. It’s designed to haul lots of crap, and haul it does.

The ST offers nearly 45 cubic feet of volume in its cargo hold, enough room for several crates of used books, a dedicated set of wheels and tires for winter driving or even a two-year supply of sauerkraut for the average Polish immigrant family. The Oracles say all food should be packaged in vacuum-sealed bags.

Of course the FocuST hauls more than just boxes of junk and stinky food; you can add ass to that list as well, which may or may not reek like kraut. Another area where this car tops the Scion FR-S is in the engine department. The Ford is also powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but this one is not working alone, it has a helper monkey of sorts in the form of a turbocharger. This highly evolved automotive primate helps the Focus ST’s powerplant deliver 252 horsepower with a truck-like 270 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers imbue this hot-hatch with brisk acceleration at just about any speed. A six-speed manual transmission is the only gearbox offered.

Aside from brute power this car can also dance.  Thanks to a willing chassis it’s more fun to throw around than your spouse on your wedding night (we’re talking about dancing, of course). Ford engineers exhaustively tuned the car’s suspension and sprinkled some other magic dust on the undercarriage to make it feel a little bit like a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The magic works, but some of the dust might have been the chief engineer’s dandruff, because ultimately it’s still a front-driver.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Focus ST Review

With significantly more power and a curb weight that’s nearly 500 pounds greater you’d think the Focus would swill fuel like Ted Kennedy attacking an open bar, but you’d be wrong. According to the EPA this Ford is actually slightly more efficient than the Scion. It should be able to go 23 miles on a gallon of fuel in urban conditions and up to 32 on the highway. Of course if you call on the services of the engine’s simian assistant you mileage will drop faster than a ballistic missile on final approach.

What’s not to like? Well, the styling isn’t for everyone. The Focus ST’s front end looks like a whale shark’s mouthparts, gaping and billowy. It’s probably a filter feeder as well, gobbling up flocks of monarch butterflies and other insects as it tools around. Does the intercooler still work when it’s caked in dead bugs?

SEE ALSO: Focus ST Handling Secrets Revealed

Base price for the ST is about $24,500, slightly less than the Scion. One standout feature is Ford’s Tangerine Scream Tri-Coat paint job, the car’s signature color. It’s a $595 option and is sure to attract more attention than a “free candy” mural painted on the side of an ’87 Econoline van. Still this car is a great choice that checks all the right boxes.

Suggestion #3: 2013 Hyundai Veloster – $22,895

So far the options presented by the paranoid and anxious Oracles have cost around 25 grand. Both the Scion FR-S and Focus ST, while far from pricey, aren’t exactly pocket change, either. If Tony and his brother are looking to save a little scratch without sacrificing fun or function they should also consider what’s behind door No. 3.

If there were an award for “Most Asymmetrical Car” Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo would sweep the podium. Throwing equilibrium a curveball it features an odd number of doors. There are two access portals on the passenger-side of the vehicle but only one elongated entrance for the driver. How’s that for funky?

Landing somewhere between the cavernous Focus and cramped FR-S, Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo offers up nearly 35 cubic feet of maximum storage space, but like a sketchy payday-advance loan there’s a catch. Isn’t there always? The car’s glass-covered hatch is designed to crack skulls, literally. Don’t slam the trunk lid if there are passengers in the back seat. Anyone parked in the rear that’s taller than an atypically stunted little person is liable to have their skulls bashed in by the glazing. Headroom is severely constrained and the rear window actually extends above the passengers’ noggins. The car should come with avalanche warning stickers.

Behind Hyundai’s increasingly prominent hexagonal grille is a mini version of the Focus’ EcoBoost engine. The Veloster is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo four that belts out a respectable 201 horsepower with nearly as much torque. Driving dynamics aren’t the best, however, and compared to other hot hatches it’s at the bottom when it comes to handling.

It’s an attractive little package and it’s pretty thrifty as well. Fuel economy is 24 city, 35 highway, the best in this comparison.

And just like the Scion drivers have a choice of transmission. A six-speed manual is standard fare while an automatic unit with an identical gear count is $1,000 extra.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai Veloster Turbo Review

As usual pricing is Hyundai’s biggest advantage. Out the door the Veloster Turbo’s base MSRP is just $22,895, including shipping and handling charges. That’s appreciably less than the competition, and the difference is a good amount to invest in a Roth IRA for retirement.

Counting the tallies Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo is a tidy, stylish little vehicle. It offers a blend of performance and utility that falls somewhere between the FR-S and Focus. You could call it Goldilocks, but don’t; why would it cavort with porridge-eating anthropomorphic bears?

DISHONORABLE MENTION

So far the Oracles have presented a handful of competent cars for Tony and his bro-man to ruminate on, but of course there are others worth touching on, if only briefly. Here are some vehicles worthy of dishonorable mention.

The Volkswagen GTI is perhaps the quintessential hot hatchback; it essentially invented the segment back in the early 1980s. Today it offers a luxurious interior and a lot of other niceties but with only 200 horsepower on tap it’s not all that fast. The sensei has been surpasses by his students.

There’s also the Mazdaspeed3. We don’t want to spoil anything, but the AutoGuide crew recently did a comparison with the Focus ST and after you watch it, you’ll understand why it’s on the dishonor list.

On paper the Subaru Impreza WRX makes a compelling argument, but in practice things fall apart (not to be confused with Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s novel of the same title). It delivers a 265-horsepower knee to the groin along with permanent all-wheel drive, but the fuel economy is nothing to boast about and the interior is about as inviting as an airplane restroom.

Also worth mentioning is the Honda Civic Si. This car was once a benchmark in the sport-compact class. In years past they featured screaming VTEC engines and lightweight bodies, a formidable combination. Unfortunately that’s no longer the case. The car is a textbook example of how Honda has lost its way. The current Si should really be called the SiGH. This car is but a shadow of its former self. What does it tell you when Honda’s sporty offering isn’t even one of the finalists?

DOLLARS TO DOUGHNUTS

The Focus ST is a great all-around option that does everything well. It’s swift, practical and thrifty. If you can get past the styling it’s a great choice, but it’s also front-wheel drive. If Tony’s really after driving fun a car that pushes from behind is better than one that pulls from the front.

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo makes nearly as compelling an argument as the Ford, and it’s a couple grand cheaper. What it lacks in performance it makes up for in value. But Tony is looking for fun, not a Corolla.

Once again the Scion FR-S takes home gold. Late last year it won AutoGuide’s 2013 Car of the Year Award and on top of that Features Editor Sami Haj-Assaad decided to take one home. What does that tell you when a member of our staff buys one?

SEE ALSO: AutoGuide 2013 Car of the Year

As always, good luck Tony in your quest for a new car and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

The sales numbers are in for April 2013, and we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best-selling cars for last month.

Kicking off the list is the Hyundai Elantra with a starting MSRP of $16,965. The compact model from the Korean automaker saw 45.2 percent more sales this year than last in the month of April, and has sold 78,991 units so far this year. It’s worth noting that 25 percent of Elantra sales come from the Coupe and Elantra GT hatchback models, which weren’t available last year.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Review

Hyundai will unveil its all-new 2015 Genesis sedan next year during the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

When it does, the brand will unveil the next evolution in its line of luxury sedans meant to rival German makers. During the same show earlier this year, Hyundai pulled the drapes off of its HCD-14 Genesis concept, which despite the name is said not to be a direct preview of the new sedan. Instead, it was a look at design elements to be added to the brands future products.

Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager of product planning, told Edmunds that the new Genesis sedan will be unveiled next year in Detroit but didn’t offer any details on the new car.

Despite that, improved interior materials will need to be high on the brand’s priority list to compete with Audi, BMW and Mercedes. All-wheel drive is something else the Genesis sedan currently ignores but would do well do adopt for snowy climates.

[Source: Edmunds]

Discuss this story at Hyundai-Forums.com

It’s Friday and another work week is slowly…  drawing… to… a… close. Like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s epic musical CATS, this string of five days feels like it’s never going to end. At least people aren’t prancing around the AutoGuide offices in leotards and leg warmers. Meow!

The sweet aroma of freedom is wafting through the air as Saturday beckons from the other side of midnight. Normal business hours may be dwindling but like a Nevada brothel the Oracles never sleep. They on call ‘round the clock to provide car shoppers in distress with desperately needed assistance. A pitcher of espresso and a fistful or NoDoz are their only companions. Yeah, it’s lonely work but nobody said being an expert was easy.

This week Pat is in search of an affordable vehicle for her teenage daughter. Basic transportation is the order of the day but of course her offspring wants something with a little pizzazz; the girl’s been eyeing a Jeep Wrangler but momma says no. A high-riding four-by-four is verboten, just like access to the liquor cabinet or that high-school quarterback from the adjacent cul-de-sac.

Pat is considering a six-to-eight-year-old used vehicle, something reliable, safe and cheap to insure. An example she gave is the Honda Civic. That’s a fine choice but like a second-hand EpiPen pre-owned cars can be risky. Even with a CARFAX history report and a thorough inspection from a trusted mechanic they can still harbor hidden problems.

The Oracles have insisted on a new vehicle for Pat’s daughter who they’ve been referring to as “Abby.” They cannot be swayed on this issue. Attempted bribery with cream-cheese Danishes didn’t even work.

SEE ALSO: Need Advice Buying Your Next Car? Just “Ask AutoGuide!”

Factory-fresh vehicles feature numerous benefits over their used counterparts. They’re backed by impressive warranties, they’re equipped with all of the latest safety and convenience features plus they’ve never been slept in by a pack of weather-beaten drifters. Of course affordability is important and AutoGuide’s experts believe they can deliver a list of new vehicles that won’t break the bank. Here are some of the most inexpensive cars available today.

Suggestion #1: Nissan Versa 1.8 S Hatchback – $15,460

When price is the No. 1 priority it’s hard to beat the Nissan Versa. This B-Segment offering from the Japanese archipelago is a grand-slam value. The sedan version starts at just $12,000; most people probably have more loose change in their couch cushions than that.

The entry-level model is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a strapping 109 horsepower. It’s matched to a five-speed manual transmission. Of course value is important in this week’s episode of Ask AutoGuide but driving like a pauper is not. The entry-level Versa is about as stark as the menu at a Soviet gulag.

Stepping up from there the Oracles are actually suggesting the Versa hatchback, specifically the 1.8 S. The lowest price for this car is about $15,500, which is still a steal by today’s standards.

Even with such an affordable base price the car is equipped with some surprising standard features including power windows and door locks, air conditioning with an in-cabin microfilter as well as a thumpin’ four-speaker sound system. Really, it’s everything you need in a car… and little else.

Under its nondescript hood the Versa hatch is powered by a 1.8-liter four-banger that delivers 122 horsepower. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but an abjectly antiquated four-speed automatic is an extra-charge option. The audacity! Higher-end Versas (that’s an oxymoron if we’ve ever heard one) are offered with Nissan’s fuel-saving but annoying Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

SEE ALSO: 2012 Nissan Versa Review

In the economy department Versas equipped with a manual gearbox deliver a recession-busting 26 miles per gallon in city driving and up to 31 on the highway. That’s ok fuel economy, but not great.

The Versa also comes with a “Good” safety rating, literally. The danger watchdogs at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the vehicle an overall “Good” rating in their rigorous offset crash test, which isn’t too shabby for a small car.

Suggestion #2: Toyota Yaris 3-Door L – $15,165

Toyota’s Yaris hatchback is the only vehicle on the road today that makes you talk like a pirate, yarrrr matey! Park one in your garage and everyday can be September 19^th.

Starting price for the three-door version of this salty cur is 15,165 buckaroos out the door, including destination and delivery fees. It undercuts the municipal-grade Versa by a couple hundred dollars. Clearly Toyota’s chumming the waters to attract ravenously value-conscious shoppers.

Still, even at that price the Yaris comes with some nice features. Air conditioning is standard as are fabric-trimmed seats (hopefully they’re not covered in burlap); power door locks, nine air bags and a fold-down back bench for extra luggage space are also included

Curiously, power windows are not offered on the base model, so limber up your wrists for a whole lot of crankin’. It’s like starting a Model T every time you head to the drive through.

Powering the Yaris is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and it only puts out a measly 106 horsepower. If Abby has ADHD this is the perfect vehicle for her as there’s nothing to get overly excited about. It’s the automotive equivalent of the Dewey Decimal system, functional and nothing more.

The Yaris L features a five-speed manual transmission for shift-yourself engagement. If three pedals are as off limits as a Jeep Wrangler then a four-speed autotragic gearbox is also available for an additional fee. Dig up your buried treasure chest because it’s $725.

SEE ALSO: 2012 Toyota Yaris Review

Like the Versa this little Toyota also earned a “Good” rating from the IIHS folks, but pushing the envelope one step further the car also drove away with “Top Safety Pick” honors, meaning it’s an even better choice if you have too much grog and drive off the gang plank.

Additionally fuel economy is a Yaris strong point. The car delivers 30 miles per gallon in the city and up to 37 on the highway.

Out and about the Yaris handles like a car, meaning it accelerates, stops and steers. Don’t expect driving excitement in any of these half-pint hatchbacks because you won’t find it. It’s a fruitless quest akin to searching for Amelia Earhart or trying to purchase booze from a Vatican City vending machine. At the end of the day just remember one thing about this Toyota: The Yarrrris is a carrrrr!

Suggestion #3: Hyundai Accent GS 5-Door – $15,590

If Nissan’s Versa is the DMV and the Toyota Yaris is a Social Security Administration branch office what low-level governmental building would the Hyundai Accent be? Answer: The post office, because stuff is always in motion. This spunky little five-door brings a healthy dose of passion and emotion to the segment without going totally off the deep end by bringing a scattergun to work.

Where the Versa and Yaris are strictly business the Accent is stylish and fun; it’s an attractive vehicle that a young person shouldn’t be embarrassed to drive. It beats the crap out of a hand-me-down ’94 Chevy Lumina.

Trouncing its Japanese competitors every Accent ships with 138 horsepower courtesy of a 1.6-liter inline-four. It’s postage-paid and insured; the car even clears customs without a hitch. The GS trim is delivered with a standard six-speed manual gearbox but an automated six-shooter is $1,200 extra.

As for creature features the Accent comes with much the same stuff its competitors do. Air-con is standard, as are luxurious body-colored exterior door handles. Protecting what matters most – its occupants – the car also earned a “Good” rating from the safety zealots at the IIHS. It’s not a “Top Safety Pick+” but an A- on the final exam is nothing to sneeze at.

SEE ALSO: 2012 Hyundai Accent GLS Sedan Review

Like a first-class letter arriving at its destination for a measly 40-something cents the Accent is equally thrifty at moving its cargo. Passengers and their parcels may not be hand-delivered by a uniformed representative of the U.S. federal government but you could do a lot worse than this South Korean subcompact. With a manual transmission the Accent should be able to stretch a gallon of unleaded 28 miles in the city and 37 on the highway.

Suggestion #BONUS ROUND: 2013 Mazda2 – $15,515

Betcha didn’t think of Mazda, didya? The company’s offering in the B-Segment is the Mazda2, a smiling little pumpkin-seed of a car. It’s competitively priced compared to its rivals and offers similar fuel economy and safety ratings.

Behind that toothless grin is perched a 1.5-liter engine that turns out just 100 horsepower, less than the asthmatic Yaris and far behind the athletic Accent. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or a four-speed autobox that’s shorter on gears than Verne Troyer is on inches. Heel, Mini-Me! Heel! A feather-light curb-weight of right around 2,300 pounds makes up for a lot of that power deficit. Now if only Mazda would make a Mazdaspeed version of the Mazda2.

Standard features are more bountiful than the first Thanksgiving. Power mirrors, windows and locks, air conditioning, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat plus a USB port are all included in the base price, which is right around $15,500.

Joyless insurance mongers even like the car. At the risk of sounding like a sounding like a sounding like a sounding like a broken record the Mazda2 also earned a “Good” overall rating from the IIHS.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Mazda2 Touring Five-Point Inspection

If there’s any one particular downside to this vehicle it’s fuel economy. The 2 is not particularly thrifty, even with pitiful horsepower and a trim waistline. Uncle Sam says the car will do 29 miles to the gallon around town and just 35 on the highway when equipped with the manual transmission.

Suggestion #HONORABLE MENTION

So far the AutoGuide Oracles have started something of an Asian offensive by only recommending Japanese and South Korean cars. To be fair that’s a bit skewed but it’s still better than an offensive Asian.

For some home-grown flair the Oracles decided to briefly touch on a couple other vehicles before pushing their final recommendation. First up is the Chevy Sonic. Base MSRP for a five-door model is $15,595.  For mechanicals it offers a 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed stick. A 1.4-liter turbo with tons of torque is optional. Fuel economy is 26/35 for an average of 30. The Chevy Sonic feels sturdy like a big car and that’s a good thing.

The Oracles can’t mention the Bow-Tie brand without bringing up its archenemy, the Blue Oval. Ford vs. Chevrolet is a classic rivalry that dates back more than a century. Today the Sonic and the Fiesta face off in the B-Segment. Ford’s festive hatchback starts at $14,995 and comes with a 1.6-liter engine and a five-speed row-it-yourself trans. Other than that there’s not much to say. According to the EPA Fiestas of this configuration should deliver 29/39 MPG, which makes for an average of 33. As always your mileage will vary, probably significantly.

And then there’s the Honda Fit, the third of this trio of add-ons. They’re all of the sportier sort and generally a better buy if you want to spend a bit more.

IN CONCLUSION…

So, what’s the right new vehicle for Pat’s daughter “Abby”? Well, a Jeep Wrangler of course, but since that’s not in the cards, here are her options.

The Versa is affordable and that’s about it. Nissan’s subcompact offering feels decidedly like something generic and that’s never a good thing. It’s safe and solid but about as dreary as waiting in line for jury duty. Next!

Aye-aye, it’s Yar-us versus them, matey! Toyota’s B-Segment car is arguably a step up from the Versa; at least it has a small dash of personality. Additionally it’s significantly more efficient and comes in a quasi-sporty three-door configuration. But ultimately crank windows and pirate talk are enough to keep the Yaris from running aground.

Of this quartet the Mazda2 is easily the most fun to drive, after all it has “Zoom-Zoom” DNA. It’s light, scrappy and offers a rather nice interior for the class. Unfortunately it’s not as efficient as some of the others, meaning there’s one other vehicle that’s a better overall choice… the Jeep Wrangler…

This week the AutoGuide Oracles are recommending the Hyundai Accent. It’s pretty, powerful and efficient, plus it’s a great value. It’s an automotive jack of all trades, which makes it the perfect vehicle for a budget-minded young driver. And if there are any doubts about longevity, the car is backed by a 5-year, 60,000-mile new-vehicle warranty as well as 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Cha-ching!

As always, good luck in your quest for a new car and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

Compact cars are affordable, they’re usually a lot of fun to drive and can deliver impressive fuel economy numbers. As government regulators push for ever-greater efficiency, small sedans and hatchbacks are becoming increasingly important.

While their list of virtues may be long, C-Segment cars do have some liabilities. For starters they’re usually not very spacious. Tall passengers can find their back seats about as roomy as a straight jacket. Likewise, luggage space is severely constrained. No one buys a Civic for hauling sheets of plywood.

Still, compacts are frequently called upon to lug loads of junk to upstate colleges; they’re asked to handle an extended family’s worth of Christmas shopping during the holidays; and they’re even enlisted to serve truck duty by hauling bags of topsoil or ready-mix concrete from home-improvement stores. Like mini moving trucks, drivers put these vehicles through their paces, and even though they may not have a lot cargo or passenger volume, room is an important factor to consider.

Here’s a list of the Top 10 Small Sedans with the Most Trunk Space.

Hyundai found itself in hot water today after an ad aimed at the European market used a suicide attempt to sell cars.

“Hyundai understands that the video has caused offence. We apologise unreservedly…

“The video has been taken down and will not be used in any of our advertising or marketing,” (sic) the automaker said through its U.K. public relations Twitter account.

The commercial shows a man sitting in his new Hyundai ix35 with a hose taped between the tail pipe and open passenger window, presumably pumping exhaust fumes into the cabin. He takes several deep breaths before the camera cuts to a view outside the house and a caption reads: “The new ix35 with 100% water emissions.”

UPDATE: Hyundai Motor America released the following statement about the video: “We at Hyundai Motor America are shocked and saddened by the depiction of a suicide attempt in an inappropriate UK video featuring a Hyundai. Suicide merits thoughtful discussion, not this type of treatment.”

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Discuss this story at hyundai-forums.com

J.D. Power and Associates released its 2013 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study today. 

It reveals that consumers are most interested in tech that displays and improves fuel economy, followed by wireless connectivity for cell phones.

New car buyers were asked twice which new tech feature they most wanted on their new vehicle; once when price was not a factor and then again with the price as a factor. Out of 22 features polled, both a fuel economy indicator and active grille shutters made the top five new technologies that consumers most want in both the pre- and post-price poll.

“Vehicle owners are continually aware of rising fuel costs and the need for better fuel economy,” said Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. “As they have come to understand the benefits of new automotive technology, they are increasingly interested in those that allow them to manage their fuel consumption with greater efficiency and help better manage their cost at the pump,” he said.

In-car cell phone technology has continually been growing, with 67 percent of vehicle owners now possessing a smart phone. Not surprisingly then, the top choice on the pre-price list is device/application link, which drops to the second position once an average price of $300 is introduced. Since last year, interest in having a link from a consumer’s smart phone to their car’s infotainment system has grown by 10 percent. New vehicle owners want their car’s infotainment system to powered by their smart phones, says J.D. Power.

Safety continues to make the list as well, with a surround-view camera sitting in the fifth spot on the post-price list. This system is listed with an average price of $500, making it the most expensive feature that consumers say they want the most.

There is some interest being shown to autonomous vehicles, but mostly to safety features associated with self-driving cars such as emergency braking and steering and automatic park assist.

“While it will take more time for vehicle owners to embrace fully autonomous driving, the gateway for acceptance is underway given relatively strong interest in many semi-autonomous features,” VanNieuwkuyk said.

The 2013 Pikes Peak hill climb is approaching, and Hyundai released a pair of videos showing off exactly what the brand is doing to prepare for this years race. 

In 2012, Hyundai driver Rhys Millen set a record at Pikes Peak, and hoping to break his own time, Hyundai is working on dropping 1,000 lbs. from last year’s race car through the use of titanium and carbon fiber. Under the hood will be a modified version of the Genesis Coupe’s V6 engine, which the brand is aiming to get 900 hp out of.

The race to the summit takes place on June 30, 2013, and will include an all-new unlimited class rear-drive racecar from Hyundai along with the production-based Genesis Coupe model piloted by Millen which set last year’s 9:46.164 record time.

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Discuss this story at GenCoupe.com

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