Hybrids are not the answer. They are more-expensive and more-efficient soon-to-be-obsolete technology. Their major flaw is that they still burn gasoline, and a lot of it. There is no way that you are going to see a hybrid do 82-84MPG. 50-60MPG tops is more realistic. Many years ago, Suzuki sold a subcompact vehicle in North America (Swift) which cost MUCH less than any hybrid (even adjusted for today's dollars) and realistically got mid-50s MPG on the highway. This ultra-efficient vehicle was also sold by Chevrolet, which dubbed it the "Geo Metro". The closest thing to a fuel efficient non-hybrid you are likely to find in 2006 in North America would be a Toyota Scion XA or a Honda Fit. But note that you won't find the 1.3 liter version of the Honda Fit. You will find a 1.5 liter version, though. I doubt very much that it will get 56MPG, but low to mid 40s is probably doable. Paying $2000 extra for a car with slightly better fuel economy and infinitely more numerous maintenance headaches does not seem like such a good idea.
$2000 extra for a hydrogen car would be reasonable, but not for a gasoline burning car with electric motors, also. -Dave
