Canada's most fuel-efficient vehicles named

More than 10 vehicles on the market in Canada were singled out for their fuel efficiency on Wednesday at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt said manufacturers of the vehicles are the 2009 winners of the ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards.

The awards recognize the most fuel-efficient cars and light trucks available in Canada.

"Fuel-efficient vehicles are good for the environment and help drivers save money on gas," Raitt said.

"By recognizing those manufacturers who are leading the charge to improve fuel efficiency, we are also providing consumers with better information on the options that are available to them."

The awards are part of the government's ecoENERGY initiatives, $3.6 million in measures designed to encourage Canadians to use energy more efficiently, increase renewable energy supplies and develop cleaner energy technologies.

The winners in each of the 10 vehicle classes for the model year 2009 are:

• Two-seater car: smart fortwo/cabriolet
• Subcompact car: Toyota Yaris and Mini Cooper/Cooper Clubman/Cooper Convertible (co-winners)
• Compact car: Honda Civic Hybrid
• Mid-size car: Toyota Prius
• Full-size car: Honda Accord sedan and Hyundai Sonata (co-winners)
• Station wagon: Volkswagen Jetta Wagon TDI Clean Diesel
• Pickup truck: Ford Ranger and Mazda B2300 (co-winners)
• Special purpose vehicle: Ford Escape Hybrid
• Minivan: Mazda 5
• Large van: Chevrolet Express Cargo/GMC Savana Cargo

Raitt said the winners are determined using annual fuel consumption estimates for each vehicle according to the 2009 Fuel Consumption Guide.

The guide is a federal publication that helps consumers compare fuel consumption ratings and check carbon dioxide emissions of passenger cars and light-duty vehicles sold in Canada.