I’m a huge proponent of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). It’s just so effective and efficient vs. steady state cardio. I do not want to spend any longer on cardio than I have to! HIIT (vs. steady state cardio) is more efficient, burns more calories in less time, is superior at improving cardiovascular fitness, has a greater after-burn, is a more effective fat-burner, and enables you to retain and even build lean muscle mass.
Shape Magazine put together a great “slideshow” outlining some of the superior benefits of HIIT (this includes Tabata). If I haven’t already convinced you, perhaps this will.