28/35 MPG (EPA 2007)
$22,695 (including destination) - $1,300 tax credit = $21,395

For comparison...

Camry LE auto: $21,595 - 24/33
Accord LX auto: $21,520 - 24/34

The BAS light-hybrid approach is finally making sense because they're not charging a premium for it (versus its non-hybrid competitors.)

Alloys and stability control, both of which aren't available on 4-banger LX Accords and LE Camrys, are standard. Not exactly breathtaking, but it's pretty compelling in the lower-end midsize family segment.

Since BAS is physically small (tiny motor and compact battery pack) GM should strongly consider making it an option in their other small/midsize cars such as the Aevo, Cobalt, and Malibu. That move would go far in making hybrid ownership more mainstream.

For what it's worth, the BAS system will be available on the redesigned 2008 Malibu (and I read a rumor that it will be available on the G6 as well). I assume they'll wait until the next major redesign to add it to the small cars.

I actually wish they would make it standard on every model, whether I4, V6, V8, etc-with the possible exception of things like the Corvette, and maybe some Cadillacs. Think of the economy of scale that would be achieved by going from a couple thousand units per year to hundreds of thousands. Add that to direct injection, and 6 speed transmissions across the board, and the relatively small improvements could really start to add up.