Green Car Test Drive

If you've ever fantasized about driving a silent, uber-green hybrid or electric car, or are thinking about buying one, come out to Dwell on Design in Los Angeles on Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26 for a free test drive between 11 am and 4 pm. Organized by Ron Cogan of Green Car Journal and GreenCar.com, and held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, attendees can try zipping around town in any of 13 fuel-efficient models.

I asked Cogan which green car releases he's most excited about, and he replied: "My favorites are the cars that offer both environmental performance and a fun-to-drive experience. These attributes are found in all 13 vehicles at the Green Cars/By Design ride-and-drive. Some, like the 2012 eAssist Buick LaCrosse, Fiat 500, Kia Optima Hybrid, and VW Passat TDI are especially exciting because few, if any, people (including media) have had the opportunity to drive them since they’re so new. Lincoln’s MKZ Hybrid car is noteworthy because it's earned a place on Green Car Journal’s ‘Top 5 Green Cars for 2011’ list. But really, all the cars we’re presenting are exciting in their own way."

Among the cars that will be available for testing:

Mitsubishi’s Euro-style i-MiEV (Innovative Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle) "shares what Mitsubishi’s new ‘I’ electric car will be bringing to American buyers soon," says Cogan.

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid was honored among Green Car Journal’s ‘Top 5 Green Cars for 2011.’ It's a "sophisticated luxury vehicle with a hybrid system that brings great acceleration and superior fuel economy," says Cogan.

The 2012 Fiat 500 is so new it's a fresh face on the streets of L.A. It's appeal, according to Cogan, is that it's "a fun and nostalgic design, has high fuel efficiency from its gasoline engine, it's fun to drive, and has a great retracting soft top."

"Kia’s first-ever hybrid is classy with a look that’s appealing to those wanting style and high miles per gallon," says Cogan. It's also brand-new; the ride-and-drive at Dwell on Design is your first chance to give it a spin.

VW’s latest four-cylinder Touareg TDI will show how clean diesel crossover vehicles can provide both high functionality and improved fuel economy. "All the functionality desired by families with a more efficient four-cylinder clean diesel TDI engine," says Cogan.

Audi is bringing its A7 sedan to the ride-and-drive to illustrate how its advanced design, low aerodynamic drag, and extensive use of lightweight aluminum helps overall efficiencies. "Elegant design and sophisticated performance," in Cogan's estimation.

Come on out and give them a whirl! After all, "improved environmental performance is as important on the road as it is in our homes, offices, and in all other facets of our lives,” says Cogan. We couldn't agree more.

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