With the New Year, 2013 model-year vehicles are now available at Budget Car Rental locations throughout the United States and Canada. Budget has taken deliveries of new cars and SUVs from a variety of manufacturers, including Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Hyundai and General Motors.

Budget's 2013-MY vehicles include the two-door Volkswagen Beetle, which sports 17-inch alloy wheels and is rated at 31 miles per gallon (highway) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the redesigned Ford Fusion, which is rated at 34 mpg (highway); the Dodge Dart, Chrysler Group's "first vehicle based on parent company Fiat's architecture," with a fuel efficiency rating of 36 miles per gallon (highway); and the Nissan Altima rated at 38 miles per gallon (highway).

Other noteworthy vehicles in the Budget fleet include the 2013 Toyota Avalon, the automaker's "first car designed and engineered in North America"; the third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe with two-row, five-passenger seating; and the redesigned Ford Escape, with seating for five and more cargo space than the previous model year.

The Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150 SuperCrew pickup truck and Ford Econoline E-350 12-passenger van are also available for rent. Vehicle availability will vary by location.

Those looking to purchase a quality, well-maintained used vehicle can also take advantage of Budget's Ultimate Test Drive Program available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada and Texas.

"As we add new vehicles into our fleet, we make older models available for consumers to purchase via our Ultimate Test Drive program," said Tom Gartland, president, North America, Avis Budget Group. "A wide variety of model-year 2012 vehicles are currently available for purchase, and many of our model-year 2013 vehicles will be available later this year. We encourage those looking for a wide selection of late-model cars at competitive prices to visit budget.com."

Related news: Avis Budget to Announce Full-Year Earnings Feb. 13