european ford & honda mid.sized up over 50mpg

[molecule]

saw these
ford must be testing these in foreign markets because of big oil still doesn't want economy cars for real world people on the market
and just the same wont allow other companies in
only thing i can think
anyways

Ford S-Max
http://www.mpgomatic.com/best_gas_mileage_van.html

Honda FR-V
http://www.mpgomatic.com/honda_fr-v_diesel.html

[VetteOwner]

Originally Posted by theclencher

You'd think that S-Max would sell real well here.

i think it might, looks like a scion and interior looks modern like most new cars nowadays. i think it would fit right in

[4bfox]

I think both would do well in the US....probably never happen though. They wouldn't meet US safety standards, or some other "federal" standards.

Oh well....hoard the VXs, Geos, Chevettes, etc. until big oil is pressured into letting affordable FE vehicles into our market.

[slurp812]

Cars like that just don't sell here. That is changing. If there is $$$ to be made selling them, someone will get them here, you can bet on that. I am one of the few on my street that don't have a minivan/truck/SUV in my driveway. I just smile, and hypermile down the street...

[GasSavers_SD26]

Originally Posted by 4bfox

I think both would do well in the US....probably never happen though. They wouldn't meet US safety standards, or some other "federal" standards.

Agreed.

The new Focus in the US has no relationship to the Focus that they have in Europe. Which is too bad, because they started as the same unit, but then the European one became more sporty.

As for a big oil conspiracy? LOL! Plenty of markets world wide to work. And it still comes down to consumer choices that push markets too.

[trollbait]

It may not be a diesel, but the Mazda5 is the same platform.

[GasSavers_SD26]

Originally Posted by trollbait

It may not be a diesel, but the Mazda5 is the same platform.

Ah, good call on the Mazda5.

Blame the EPA on the diesel issues...again.

[KrazyDawg]

If more people were aware of the MPG diesels in Europe are getting, than there would be a chance and at least a temporary solution until an alternative fuel is available. These type of cars need exposure on CNN.

Nevermind the safety issues. You see motorcycles and big trucks on the road, cars of all sizes. If people weren't in a rush and used common sense there wouldn't be an issue to begin with.

[GasSavers_SD26]

Originally Posted by KrazyDawg

If more people were aware of the MPG diesels in Europe are getting, than there would be a chance and at least a temporary solution until an alternative fuel is available. These type of cars need exposure on CNN.

Nevermind the safety issues. You see motorcycles and big trucks on the road, cars of all sizes. If people weren't in a rush and used common sense there wouldn't be an issue to begin with.

Diesels are very common in the US in trucking, busing, trains, and even in light duty applications in one ton and 3/4 ton pick up trucks. Most of those trucks are sold with the expensive diesel options.

Very little hope of getting the return for a $4k to $7k diesel option during the life of what most new buyers get from their that, but over the total life of the vehicle, it can reap dividends.

Regardless, the EPA continues to beat up diesels. Classic problem of government intervention in the market place. I don't know how many times I have to say it or how different ways it can be said.

Maybe if CNN looked at the EPA...