I’ve blogged about vehicles that combine the features of both a car and a motorcycle. Ten years ago, the idea of combining both drastically different vehicles would be crazy. Then again, the pressure to create smaller, more compact, and fuel-efficient vehicles have forced manufacturers to create car/motorcycle hybrids. One impressive vehicle that I’ve encountered a couple of weeks ago is the NARO.

Only about three and a half feet wide, 100 inches long, and 67 inches high, the NARO is one small vehicle. Despite the size limitations however, its small enough to maneuver effectively even in bumper-to-bumper traffic. In addition, parking wont be a problem at all because it’s small enough to wiggle through the smallest spaces.

So the NARO is small but then again, any owner would want his car to generate enough power especially in the freeway. Though the NARO isn’t exceptionally powerful, it only uses 25 percent of the power in today’s passenger cars. This is possible through a 400-cc, four-cylinder engine that generates around 20 horsepower. Also, this same motor pushes it to a top speed of 85 mph, while accelerating from 0-60 in 12 seconds.

Sure, you’d have to give a lot a far as power and speed are concerned. That’s already expected since the NARO doesn’t have the size to accommodate a massive and sophisticated engine. Just like many small cars, its upside is its MPG and for this car, it’s pegged at 100. That means that for 100 miles, the NARO only consumes one gallon of gasoline.

Meanwhile, the NARO’s bike-like performance is evident during cornering. That’s because it actually leans so that it doesn’t tip over. Because of that, you have enough time to plan ahead and make the necessary adjustments each time you make a turn.

Right now, the NARO vehicle is still in its concept stage but in a couple of years, I expect it to make some waves.

There’s no question that India’s Reva Electric company is the best at what it does and that’s to manufacture cheap, electric vehicles. It has quietly and successfully created an empire that covers 24 countries. These days, you’ll see Reva factories in Europe, Asia, and even Central America. In Bangalore alone, there’s a plant that can churn out 30,000 cars in a year. Without a doubt, that’s an impressive number anyway you look at it.

Since 2001, the Reva Electric Car has gone a long way. Basically, this compact 3-door hatchback is designed as a city car. Powered by a 6.4-horsepower DC motor and six lead-acid batteries, the Reva Electric Car is one of the most efficient cars you’ll encounter. Unfortunately, it’s MPG-conscious design prevents it from being a speedster. Then again, it’s a perfect vehicle when it comes to weaving the urban traffic.

These days, most electric from Reva can already travel at 50 mph. Aside from that, they come with standards disc brakes, collapsible steering column, and a much improved chassis. This year, they’re lead-acid batteries were replaced by lithium-ion batteries that are lighter and easier to charge while offering an increased coverage.

If you’re looking for a workhorse pickup that does all the dirty job in the world without looking cheap, then take a look at the 2010 Toyota Tundra. Fact is, the Toyota Tundra has been around for a while and the 2010 version simply became better.

So what’s new with the Tundra? Well, it’s V8 engine was upgraded while getting some cosmetic tweaks at the same time. Basically, the midrange V8 engine can pump as much as 310 horsepower. Aside from mere brawn, it improved this model’s MPG rating by as much as two points. That means you have more than enough power for hauling, while still being able to save some fuel at the same time.

When it comes to safety, the 2010 Toyota Tundra is complete with all the brakes, stability control, and airbags that would keep you and your passengers away from harm.

I went to another car show last time and I was surprised to find Chrysler showing off its new concept called the Eco-Jeep or the Renegade Jeep. These days, Chrysler is just too busy cleaning up its act. For years, it just stuck to the prehistoric gas-guzzling models that it stubbornly produced. However, the emergence of fuel-efficient vehicles, forced its top honchos to take a completely different stand.

Meanwhile, the first thing that impressed me about the Eco-Jeep is that it uses two electric motors to power all of its wheels. These motors are energized by a lithium-ion battery pack, which can give the Eco-Jeep a range of more or less 40 miles.

Basically, the Eco-Jeep is a hybrid jeep and if you intend to travel for longer routes, you can rely on its 1.5-liter BLUETEC clean diesel engine for an additional 400-mile range. Unlike some hybrid cars, the Eco-Jeep has an MPG rating of 115 and Chrysler claims that it reduces exhaust emissions considerably.

If you think that it gives something away when it comes to performance, then you’ll be surprised that the Eco-Jeep is a real beast on the road. I was surprised to know that the Eco-Jeep can actually deliver a 248 horsepower, while having an acceleration of 8.5 seconds. I was even told that once you’ve gained momentum, it can easily cover 25 miles in only 13.6 seconds. Its top speed on the other hand is pegged at 90 mph and believe it or not, it’s built for some serious off-road adventures.

Basically, the Eco-Jeep or Renegade allows a maximum of two people. When I tried driving it, I was pleased on well it manages to deal with tight places. Weighing only 3150 lbs. this vehicle is your best bet when it comes to tough terrain. Although it’s not in its best element on the highways, it’s still a decent vehicle nonetheless.

The Eco-Jeep’s design is very similar to the Jeep. Its rounded contours and solid lines that are reminiscent of the Willy’s design. The Eco-Jeep also features massive fenders and wheels also enable it to handle unpredictable terrain. Unlike other jeeps though, it has more than enough space for the cargo area. That means that you can bring plenty of things during your off-road expeditions.

The Eco-Jeep’s mobility is also one thing that I deeply appreciated about this automobile. Essentially, it’s made of lightweight aluminum that makes it suitable for demanding applications. Aside from that, it uses a one-piece soy-based for its seats, while the rest of its interior was manufactured without toxic materials.

The Eco-Jeep was also designed to minimize the numbers of parts that would be needed for assembly and function. In short, the entire assembly design is simple, yet it can still get the job done nevertheless.

Meanwhile, the Eco-Jeep’s instrument panel is nothing short of being supreme. The steering wheel actually has an LED screen that rotates selecting select park, drive, or reverse. Overall the vehicle is a fresh version of the legendary Jeep design. Although I’m not quite sure when it’ll be sold to the market, I would not be surprised if it gets positive reviews in the future.

Sure, electric vehicles are slow, unbalanced, and not to mention small vehicles. When it comes to fuel economy though, they’re definitely second to none. Although I’ve had numerous posts regarding electric vehicles, there’s no way that I’ll be missing on another low-speed beauty called Kurrent.

Essentially a microcar, the Kurrent is a slick two-seater and unlike most small electric vehicles out there, it’s fully enclosed. Aside from that, it also boasts of lockable doors, roll down windows, and even a glass roof. Standard features include wipers, a complete lighting system, parking brakes, and seat belts.

So how does this small carriage gets its power? As an electric vehicle, the Kurrent uses 5.5 horsepower electric motor that is being supplied by a couple of 12-volt batteries. Since it uses stored electricity to run, it has a limited range of 25-40 miles while maintaining a constant speed of 25 mph. To impress you further, it features McPherson strut and regenerative braking as well.

Because of its small size, the Kurrent can only accommodate two passengers at the same time. However, it still has enough space in its lockable trunk to allow a couple of grocery bags inside it.

Needless to say, the Kurrent is far from being an epitome of power and speed. When it comes to MPG ratings though, you don’t even need an ounce of gasoline to make it run. Simply plug it into a regular 220-volt outlet and you’re good to go.