Yup the Nissan Z was too small and doesn’t drive like she likes. So we are still looking.
Check out the Lexus CT200h. Mileage is 43 city and 40 highway. The powertrain is the same as the Prius; it will be very slow. The BMW 335d is about $15,000 more and gets 23/36 MPG. If those don’t work, adjust your expectations.
The CRX and 370Z are too small, right? Most cars that get 35mpg are going to be small, and the larger ones that do(hybrids), will not handle like she wants them to.
In short, I seriously doubt she’ll ever be happy with anything.
Do either of the Porches get 35 MPG? How did 35 MPG become your criteria? If you can afford cars in this class, surely it isn’t the cost of gas that’s limiting you. If you’re trying to be ‘green’, it may be worth considering that on a hybrid, the manufacturing and transportation costs for materials, as well as the materials used, recyclable or not, will offset by far any gains in fuel economy or emissions.
BMW 128i or a 328i maybe your best option 28 mpg highway