Starting at $14,995 including delivery charges, the G3 hatchback, which shares much of its construction with the similarly-priced Chevrolet Aveo, is inexpensive, but still at least $1,500 above the starting prices of the Nissan Versa ($12,990) and the Toyota Yaris ($13,300) hatchbacks.
All of the cars in the segment offer similar fuel economy and performance. The G3's 106hp (79kW) 1.6L Ecotec engine is estimated at an EPA rating of 27mpg city and 34mpg highway (8.7L/100km and 6.9L/100km, respectively), roughly equivalent to its slightly cheaper Japanese rivals.
The GMC Sierra Hybrid pickup truck, on the other hand, has no direct competitors either domestic or overseas, as its full-size truck build and hybrid-drive powertrain are a unique combination oon the market. Starting at $38,995 for the 2WD model with the 1HY trim package, the vehicle is also eligible for a $2,200 federal tax credit due to its hybrid powertrain.
Fuel economy is very good for a full-size pickup, bordering on the lower end of mid-size sedan territory at 21mpg city and 22mpg highway (11.2L/100km and 10.7L/100km) in 2WD guise. Four-wheel-drive models average 20mpg (11.7L/100km) in both city and highway driving. That's over 40% better than the standard pickup in town and 25% better on the highway. GM says that despite the improvements in fuel economy, the Sierra Hybrid sacrifices nothing in terms of power or towing capacity.
Mating a two-mode hybrid system with a 332hp (247kW) 6.0L gasoline V8, the Sierra Hybrid can manage up to 30mph (48km/h) in electric-only mode, even when towing at its 6,100lb (2,767kg) max towing capacity.
Reader Comments
Tue Nov 18 2008 3:08 PM
NoNameDenton says
The G3 is ugly, kill it now.
Tue Nov 18 2008 4:55 PM
beyondgreen says
Doubt anyone will want to buy a car from a automaker that is on the brink of bankruptcy. We need to get on with becoming energy independent and make electric cars more affordable. Why not spend some of the billions toward this? It would cost the equivalent of 60 cents a gallon to drive.We have the knowledge, we have the technology, what America lacks is a plan. Jeff Wilson has a new book out that is beyond awesome. The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW. He walks you through every aspect of oil, what it is used for besides gas, our depletion of it. The worlds increased need ie 3rd world countries becoming more modernized and consuming more. He explains EVERY alternative energy source and what role they can play to replace oil. His research is backed up with hard data and even includes a time frame and proposed legislative agendas to wean America off oil. www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com
Tue Nov 18 2008 8:03 PM
mburleigh8 says
Why does GM keep building these ugly cheap cars.
GM really needs a whole new design and enginering teem.
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