Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Aveo

Edmunds.com recently concluded a study which indicated that a hybrid may not be the cheapest way to travel. The truth is that many normal small cars cost less in the long run to operate, despite the fact that their fuel mileage may not reach that of a comparable hybrid vehicle. Of course, all of the associated bits and pieces which make a hybrid a hybrid cost money, especially such big-ticket items as the motor, batteries and computer systems. This fact means that a typical hybrid vehicle is going to cost more than a vehicle with a single drivetrain.

Coming in at the top of the list for cheap transportation is the Chevrolet Aveo. Of course, before plunking down your hard-earned cash, we'd suggest doing a bit more research. The Honda Civic hybrid managed to break the top twenty for low-cost transportation, though it would spring into the top ten if gas were to hit $5 a gallon, which it surely will. The popular Prius lands at number 34 at current gas prices and would reach number 26 at the five-buck a gallon gas price. Certainly, there's plenty more to consider than just the cost to operate a vehicle, such as how much space is available and safety ratings. Still, for those looking for mobility on the cheap, the Aveo is tops. For everyone else...

[Source: Auto Observer]

According to our list of the cheapest cars in the world, Fiat already offers the ninth least expensive car available: the Palio. It seems as if that might be the cheapest vehicle which Fiat would be interested in placing its name on, as reports are coming in which indicate that the company is considering a new brand for the further development of low-cost cars. Already, Fiat's competitor Renault has announced that it intends to continue operating in the cheap-car segment that it competes in already with the Logan. Bajaj is said to be working with Renault on its upcoming $2,500 Nano challenger.

So far, there has been no indication on whether the new brand will be a resurrection of a previous marque owned by Fiat or something completely different. Though the new low-cost vehicle would seem to be in direct competition with the Tata Nano, Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne indicates that the two brands, which already cooperate in other ways, might be working together on the project.

[Sources: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd, Reuters]