There has been a growing number of luxury and hybrid cars that offer so-called "start-stop" technology, which shuts off a car's engine every time it idles for more than just a few seconds. However, while the feature was once available only in a few models, Kia is taking steps to make it much more prevalent, USA Today reports.

The 2012 Kio Rio subcompact will become available to the general public sometime next month, and at a modest price tag of just under $15,000 it will be the most affordable car to offer the start-stop technology. Currently, Porsche and BMW are the only manufacturers that offer the feature.

Not only does the start-stop feature reduce the considerable noise caused by the idling engine, it also can save drivers a significant amount of money on gas over the long haul.

"It's going to be very popular," Edmunds.com senior editor John O'Dell told the publication. "It's a fairly inexpensive way to get a 3 percent to 5 percent fuel-economy increase."

Drivers who are interested in getting a new fuel-efficient car may want to look into New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.