The New York Auto Show is almost upon us, and rather than the usual raft of green concept cars, it's the production vehicles we're most looking forward to this year.
Several green models are set for unveiling, with everything from budget subcompacts, through diesel sedans, to more economical trucks and SUVs set to hit the show.
It's those trucks and SUVs which will be the stars for some.
Not as green outright as some other attendees, all promise much better fuel efficiency than the models they replace--and as we know, the biggest gains can be found on the least efficient vehicles.
That means up to 45 percent economy improvements in the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 25 percent gains for the 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid--replacing last year's 7-seat JX crossover.
Others expected to debut in New York are the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and a new diesel truck--the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
On a smaller scale the 2014 BMW 328d sedan could be set to wrap up the compact luxury market with projected highway economy of more than 40 mpg--and there may even be a wagon version. Volkswagen's new Golf will also come with a diesel engine, with more power and greater efficiency than ever before.
From Scandinavia, Volvo's V60 Plug-In Hybrid could also appear--with its 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine, and rear-mounted electric motor. You can read our recent drive of the car here, though sadly it's not expected to go on sale in the U.S.
Smaller still, we're expecting the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage to debut at New York too. It's another car we've recently driven, albeit in European specification. And while its driving characteristics leave a little to be desired, it's light weight and aero-efficient--so could surprise with its economy figures.
Which of the New York debutants are you most looking forward to? And which is most important for green car buyers in the U.S? Leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
You can read our full New York Auto Show Green Car Preview for more details--and keep an eye open for all the latest New York news on our dedicated show page.
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