Audi A1
- Price: $21,046
- Mileage: 46.1 mpg
The Audi A1 isn't currently sold in the U.S., and that's too bad because it gets great fuel economy and has a relatively low price tag compared to Audis sold in the U.S.
According to Audi, the A1 has been named by What Car? -- Britain's biggest car buying guide -- as the best supermini of 2012. Its large engine and compact size make it a stylish alternative to the Mini. It starts at around $21,046.
European consumers get their selection of engines, the most basic being a 1.2-liter, 85-horsepower turbocharged engine on the standard SE model, which gets 46.1 mpg. But the best fuel economy comes from a 1.6-liter, 104-horsepower diesel engine, which gets a pretty astounding 61.9 mpg on the SE. Both come with a standard five-speed manual transmission.
The Audi A1 increases fuel efficiency with start-stop technology and an energy recuperation system. It offers a CD player with MP3 compatibility, six speakers in the front and rear, two tweeters, three-spoke sports steering wheel, and exterior mirrors that are electrically operated and heated.