2009 Audi A4 Sedan Avant
The Audi A4 was one of the first luxury cars offered with a 4-cylinder engine.

When it comes to trends, the automotive market is no different than that of any other consumer product. The ebb and flow of consumer preferences sees a variety of vehicles fall in and out of favor with buyers. For example, the traditional truck-type SUV market (Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner) has all but disappeared. In its stead are more car-like crossover SUVs (Ford Flex, Toyota Highlander), which are now the order of the day.

Consumer Guide is noticing another emerging trend. Automakers are working overtime to bring their products in line with the more-stringent fuel-economy standards that are looming on the horizon. This quandary poses a problem for some of the more-upscale brands. How can they decrease their products’ fuel consumption and still provide the luxury and convenience items customers expect?

The most logical approach, at least for the time being, is to follow the European model of producing smaller cars powered by thrifty 4-cylinder engines. At the same time, make these cars available with a variety of upscale features. Oh, and don’t skimp on the fun-to-drive factor, either.

Here is a group of five cars at the forefront of what we believe is a growing trend. While these cars are modestly sized, they offer decent get-up-and-go, solid handling, good fuel economy, lots of features, and starting prices in the $28,000-$35,000 range.

08.26.2009