Ottawa, Canada – Natural Resources Canada has released its list of the most fuel efficient new vehicles for 2007, providing a guide for those seeking to save money on fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2007 Fuel Consumption Guide was accompanied by the 2007 EnerGuide winners for the highest fuel efficiency in each vehicle class. The Guide allows comparison of fuel consumption ratings and carbon dioxide emissions of passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in Canada.

The most fuel efficient cars for the 2007 model year in Canada are: the Toyota Prius, which achieves 4.0 L/100km (71 miles/gallon) in the city; the Honda Civic Hybrid, with 4.7 L/100km (60 mpg); and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, with 5.7 L/100km (50 mpg).

Those three models also held the top spots for dioxide emissions, based on the fuel consumption of a vehicle travelling 20,000 kilometres, with a mix of 55 percent in the city and 45 percent on the highway.

The 2007 EnerGuide winners in each of the ten vehicle classes are as follows:

• Two-seater car: Mazda MX-5 
• Subcompact car: Toyota Yaris
• Compact car: Honda Civic Hybrid
• Mid-size car: Toyota Prius
• Full-size car: Hyundai Sonata
• Station wagon: Honda Fit
• Pickup truck: Ford Ranger and Mazda B2300 (co-winners)
• Special purpose vehicle: Ford Escape Hybrid
• Minivan: Toyota Sienna
• Large van: Chevrolet Express Cargo and GMC Savana Cargo (co-winners).

The guide is formed by NRCan in association with Transport Canada, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada and the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. It is available online at www.vehicles.gc.ca.

The Canadian government has announced plans to introduce tighter fuel consumption standards in 2011, after a voluntary agreement with automakers expires. The new standards are expected to mirror the tough vehicle emissions standards used in California.

The current voluntary pact will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5.3Mt by 2010. These cuts will be achieved by development of advanced vehicle emissions and diesel technology, increased production of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, and application of high fuel efficiency technologies.

The possibility of adopting California-style emissions rules was raised by then-Environment Minister Stephane Dion during a visit to the state in January 2005; a voluntary industry agreement similar to that reached in the European Union was chosen instead. Now, the EU Commission is proposing legislation, as the voluntary agreements are not on track to meet their targets.

Canada regulates fuel economy standards for new vehicles through Company Average Fuel Consumption (CAFC) standards, which stipulate the average economy a manufacturer must achieve for its range of vehicles.

The CAFC goal for passenger cars is 8.6 litres/100km, and has not changed since 1986. The goal for ‘light-duty’ trucks, including sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, has been strengthened over the past few years, and will move to 10.6 litres/100km in 2007.

Road transportation in Canada produces 145 Megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually – 19% of the national total. Transportation also produces up to two-thirds of smog-forming pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides.

---

For More Information: Natural Resources Canada