Fuel Consumption : How's it's determined and how to improve it

Despite all the well-intended advice, our reliance on the automobile will never be eradicated. Anyone with a family to care for knows that. Perhaps the most effective strategy is to buy highly fuel-efficient vehicles when the need for a new car, truck or SUV arises. With that in mind, Natural Resources of Canada has published its 2007 EnerGuide list, which identifies the most fuel-efficient vehicle in each category tested:

Two-Seater : Mazda MX-5, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder (city 9.5, hwy 7.3 L/100 km)

Sub-compact : Toyota Yaris, 1.5-litre 4-cylinder (city 6.9, hwy 5.5 L/100 km)

Compact : Honda Civic Hybrid, 1.3-litre hybrid (city 4.7, hwy 4.3 L/100 km)

Mid-Size : Toyota Prius, 1.5-litre hybrid (city 4.0, hwy 4.2 L/100 km)

Full-Size : Hyundai Sonata, 2.4-litre 4-cylinder (city 9.6, hwy 6.3 L/100 km)

Station Wagon : Honda Fit, 1.5-litre 4-cylinder (city 7.3, hwy 5.8 L/100 km)

Pickup Truck : Mazda B2300 / Ford Ranger, 2.3-litre 4-cylinder (city 9.9, hwy 7.5 L/100 km)

Special Purpose : Ford Escape Hybrid, 2.3-litre hybrid (city 6.4, hwy 6.9 L/100 km)

Minivan : Toyota Sienna, 3.5-litre V6 (city 11.7, hwy 8.1 L/100 km)

Large Van : Chevrolet Express Cargo / GM Savana Cargo, 5.3-litre V8 (city 14.7, hwy 10.4 L/100 km)


Further information on fuel efficiency, including a complete listing of fuel consumption ratings for all vehicles sold in Canada, is available at: www.vehicles.gc.ca