What are the tricks that car designers and engineers use to squeeze out those last few miles per gallon in your next new car--regardless of what size it is?

In our continuing series of videos on ways to drive a little greener and stretch your gas budget that much further, editorial director Marty Padgett gives a quick (and we mean 45 seconds) tutorial on some of the ways that new cars get better fuel economy.

Standing in front of a bright green 2011 Mazda Mazda2 subcompact hatchback, he quickly walks around the car and ennumerates three separate methods Mazda used to improve gas mileage on its new-for-2011 Mazda2.

The EPA rates the Mazda2 with a five-speed gearbox at 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, for a combined overall rating of 32 mpg. Each rating is 2 mpg lower if you opt for the automatic transmission.

Have a look, then check out some of our other recent videos (links below the video box).

VIDEO: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, Two-Minute Drive Review

VIDEO: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, High Gas-Mileage Features

VIDEO: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, Our Real-World Gas Mileage

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