The petrol price dropped significantly from almost R10/litre, but the spike in fuel prices has left a lasting impact on the way that many consumers feel about fuel efficiency. Manufacturers are responding to this increased demand for fuel efficient vehicles with several new petrol-sipping cars.
Here’s a quick rundown on what’s available today: (the first number is the estimated mileage on city streets, the second is the estimated highway mpg)
2009 Toyota Prius: 48/45
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 34/32
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid: 34/30
2009 Mazda Tribute 2WD Hybrid: 34/30
2009 Mercury Mariner 2WD Hybrid: 34/30
2009 Smart Fortwo Coupe: 33/41
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Hatchback: 30/41
2009 Toyota Yaris: 29/36
2009 MINI Cooper Clubman: 28/37
2009 Honda Fit: 28/34
2009 Toyota Corolla: 27/35
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 27/25
2009 Lexus RX 400h: 27/24
2009 Honda Civic: 26/34
2009 Nissan Versa: 26/31
2009 Saturn Vue Greenline: 25/32
2009 Ford Focus: 24/35
2009 Chevrolet Aveo: 24/34
2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid: 24/32
2009 Saturn Aura Green Line: 24/32
2009 MercedesBenz E320 Bluetec: 23/32
2009 Audi TT: 23/31
2009 Audi A4: 23/30
2009 Chevy Malibu: 22/30
2009 Nissan Rogue: 22/27
2009 Lexus GS 450h: 22/25
2009 Subaru Impreza: 20/27
2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid 2WD: 20/22
Trading in a gas guzzling car can make a much bigger difference than upgrading a fuel efficient car for a super-efficient car. The most efficient car on this list (the 2009 Prius) will emit approximately 4.0 tons of Carbon Dioxide in a typical year. That’s less than half as much as the Hybrid Chevy Tahoe, which emits about 8.7 tons of CO2 every year. (www.practicalenvironmentalist.com)
