D.s.s. E Series Forged Piston 8741-4030 on 2040-parts.com

Peugeot 208 Hybrid FE (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

Here’s Peugeot’s salvo in the fight to make cars more economical: the 208 Hybrid FE. The supermini concept can achieve a claimed average of 112mpg (and a maximum of 141mpg), and emits only 49g/km of CO2. Peugeot is especially keen to point out it’s a conventionally shaped supermini with five seats, unlike VW’s own super-frugal XL1, which looks decidedly sci-fi in comparison, but has a smaller boot than a Ferrari 458… The 208 FE is 25% slipperier and 20% lighter than a regular 208, but that’s only part of the reason it allegedly achieves such eye-opening numbers at the pumps.

Opel/Vauxhall Cascada [w/gallery]

The Opel/Vauxhall Cascada effectively replaces the Astra Twin Top, but attempts to move the model upmarket as a separate product line. It has moved up a size to reflect its prestige aspirations: at 4,697 mm long and 1,840 mm wide, it's longer than an Audi A5. Like many of the latest generation of convertibles, the Cascada ditches a folding solid hardtop in favor of a lighter, more space-efficient and cheaper soft fabric set-up.

2010 Mazda 3: &15,715 base price tag

When the second-generation Mazda 3 hits dealerships in the spring, it will wear a base price of $15,715 (including $670 destination), which represents a $355 increase over its predecessor. Entry-level "i" models remain powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. For the premium "s" trims, a new 2.5-liter four borrowed from the Mazda 6 produces 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque.