Hyundai is on a roll. Just recently, Clark told you how the Korean automaker was praised by JD Power. Now the August issue of Consumer Reports says the Hyundai Elantra is one of the best and most affordable small wagons/hatchbacks.

Earlier this year, Hyundai started offering buyer's assurance as an incentive. Now their marketing wizs are on to gas. If you buy a new car, they will fill up you at $1.49/gallon for 12 months.

Mind you, the cost of gas is likely headed down, barring unexpected world events or weather patterns…but Clark doesn't think it's going down to $1.49! So Hyundai's offer is very generous.

Meanwhile, Consumer Reports trashes the new hybrid Honda Insight. The vehicle received an overall score of 54, which is the second lowest for any small vehicle. This is perhaps the first time ever that a Honda has gotten a low F from Consumer Reports.

Yet the lowest score of all goes to the Dodge Caliber with a 49.

On the other end of the spectrum, the No. 1 hatchback/station wagon is the Mazda 5, which earned a score of 86. That's right up there with some very expensive luxury vehicles. The Mazda 5 has a street price of around $17,000 with power gizmos included.

But what a stunner for the Insight, which Honda was marketing as an affordable hybrid at around $18,500. The people at Honda must be licking their wounds after having put so much research and resources into the Insight.

Other top picks from Consumer Reports in the small car category include the Volkswagen Rabbit, the Volkswagen Jetta-SE and the 2009 Toyota Prius.