High gas prices are arguably the biggest reason behind the decline of demand for mid-size sedans in the United States in the past year or so, and the increased interest in small and compact cars, which are cheaper and much more fuel-efficient.
Small & Midsize Sedans are More Fuel Efficient Thus a Better Buy for Some Drivers
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Also, sedans are pretty expensive to buy, and a lot of people, especially those living in the cities, find them to be impractical, because of the size, which makes it difficult for them to find a parking place.
However, there are a few car makers that are confident that consumers haven’t lost their interest in this segment entirely, and they hope that they can make them popular again, by offering new and improved models that have far better fuel economy.
Top Mid-size Sedans, Hyundai Sonata, Subaru Legacy, & Ford Focus
Some of the most anticipated future mid-size sedans include the Hyundai Sonata, the Subaru Legacy, and the Ford Focus sedan, which are expected to be released later this year or in early 2018.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Classy New Redesign
Hyundai has decided to redesign the Sonata, which is supposed to be much more stylish, with a rear deck lid spoiler as perhaps its most distinctive exterior feature. It was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, and will go on sale by the end of summer 2017 or early 2018.
Specifications of Sonata
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Price | $21,600 - $34,350 |
| Top Speed | 150 mph |
| 0 - 60 | 7.2 secs |
| MPG | 23 / 32 |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 |
The 2018 Sonata will also get a new grille, and will have more high-tech safety features than its predecessors. It will come with a lane departure warning system, automatic high beams, forward collision warning system, and blind-spot monitoring system.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Sonata
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Performance | Drivability in Eco Mode |
| Tech Level | Exterior Looks for some |
| Ride Quality | Owners Manuals |
| Handling and Braking | Rapid gain stains, imprints, scratches on vehicle |
| Safety Features | Visibility |
| Cost Effective | Quality Assurance |
In addition to being one of the safest sedans on the market, it will be among the most fuel-efficient ones, too, with a fuel economy rated at about 32 mpg. Also, it should be more affordable than other sedans, as it’s expected to cost about $22,000 for the lower end model.
2018 Subaru Legacy New Beautiful Shape & Style
Japanese car maker Subaru hopes that the 2018 Legacy will help it get a bigger piece of the action in the mid-size segment in the U.S. This is another model that gets a refreshed design, and much improved fuel economy and sophisticated safety features.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Subaru Legacy
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Spacious interior and trunk | Anonymous exterior design |
| All-wheel drive is standard | Lack of a turbo |
| Updated interior with more luxury | Weak base engine |
| Good fuel economy | Abrupt throttle tip-in |
| Good quality materials | Sedate styling |
Rear-view camera will be standard, with rear-cross traffic alert, and blind-spot detection as available options, and as far as fuel efficiency is concerned, it will get 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which are quite good figures for such a large car. It will be powered by a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine, that delivers 175 horsepower.
Basic Specifications of Legacy
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Price | $22,815 |
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Net Horsepower @ RPM | 175 @ 5800 |
| Net Torque @ RPM | 174 @ 4000 |
| MPG | 25 / 34 |
| Rating | 3.5 / 5 |
2018 Ford Focus Potential Better Fuel Economy
Thanks to the 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine, that is paired to a manual 6-speed transmission, the 2018 Ford Focus will definitely be one of the most efficient sedans in the market when it goes on sale in late 2017.
Specifications of Ford Focus
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Price | $17,775 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 160 hp |
| Top Speed | 121 mph |
| 0 - 60 | 8.5 sec |
| MPG | 30 / 40 |
| Rating | 3.5 / 5 |
The exterior has been largely modified, with a redesigned trunk lid and front grille. While details about fuel economy are yet to be released, it should be a pretty efficient car, with Ford claiming that it will definitely be one of the most efficient gasoline-powered mid-size sedans.
Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Great Price | No AWD Option |
| Excellent Fuel Efficiency | Some Models Don’t Offer an Automatic Transmission |
| High-Performance Version | No performance exhaust system |
| Superb Safety Rating | Front-wheel-drive system only |
| Versatile Design | Louder than most vehicle types |
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Conclusion
When these, and similar sedans hit showrooms, they should help improve the mid-size market segment, as they address the biggest issues that have led to a huge drop in sales over the past 12 months, such as poor fuel economy and high purchase price.
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