I would rather have a Bug-Eye Sprite, Triumph Spitfire, or even a Fiat 850.
I can probably buy any one of them, fully restored, for under $8,000
Classics don't depreciate, the modern junk is "upside down" the moment it leaves the dealer!
All of which can get better mileage than the hybrids in the article.
Alas, they're not as fuel-efficient as you think. Remember, those cars have pretty ancient engine technology with carburetors and not really that high compression ratios, and as such you'll be lucky if you can get 33+ mpg unless you drive with a really light foot on the accelerator. The 2006 Honda Civic, on the other hand, has a modern engine with very precise fuel delivery, electronic trottle controls, variable-timing four-valve per cylinder heads, and electronic control of spark timing. As such, 35+ mpg is easily achieveable on steady freeway driving on a much bigger car with way more interior space than the cars you described.