The federal government says that the Murciélago has an annual fuel cost of $6,450.
The EPA has yet to rate the electric Tesla Roadster or the Toyota FCHV and the Honda FCX Clarity, two of the first fuel-cell vehicles on the road here, noting in the guide that mileage ratings are "TBD." The guide is available at www.fueleconomy.gov.
Hybrids and the newcomer Smart Fortwo dominated the upper rankings of the list. The top five most fuel-efficient vehicles in the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide are:
- Toyota Prius: 48/45
- Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45
- Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33
- Two-Wheel-Drive Versions of the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid : 34/31
- Smart Fortwo: 33/41
Volkswagen's 2009 Jetta diesels also made a strong showing, ending up in the top 10. The Jetta diesel sedan and wagon with manual transmission rank seventh at 30 city/41 highway. The diesel sedan and wagon with automatic are eighth at 29 city/40 highway.
It comes as little surprise that many exotic cars received sub-par rankings. The 2009 Bentley Azure gets 9 mpg in city driving and 15 mpg on the highway and has an annual fuel cost of $5,863. The 2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti gets 10 mpg in city driving and 15 mpg on the highway, with an annual fuel cost of $5,373. The 2009 Roush Performance Stage 3 Mustang gets 14 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway, with an annual fuel cost of $4,031.
The EPA notes that consumers may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400 for hybrids and diesels or $4,000 for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). "Compressed natural gas vehicles are the only AFVs commercially available as of publication of this guide," it said. The 2009 Honda Civic CNG is ranked at 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $1,366.
For consumers who are weary of high prices at the pump, the guide notes: "You could save $300 to $2,000 in fuel costs each year by choosing the most fuel efficient vehicle in a particular class."
Inside Line says: A must-read if you're shopping for a new 2009 car or truck. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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