2011 Audi A3 rocks fuel-efficiency rankings

Fellow German carmaker Volkswagen also did exceedingly well in the Most Fuel Efficient Vehicle ratings, nabbing four awards with three different cars: The Jetta Sportwagen (wagon, sports car), Jetta (sedan) and Golf (sedan).

"Volkswagen's TDI Clean Diesel models continue to play an important role for the brand. We are proud to have this efficient option for our consumers on the majority of our models," said Jonathan Browning, president of Volkswagen Group of America.

"We are happy to have the Golf TDI, Jetta TDI and Jetta Sportwagen TDI recognized by NADAguides and we look forward to introducing the midsize segment to the benefits of Clean Diesel technology with our all new 2012 Passat coming this fall."

Ford Motor Co. had winners in three categories while Honda, Kia, Nissan, Toyota and Smart each had at least two model winners cited for exceptional fuel efficiency.

Category winners for Ford were the Transit Connect XL (van), Fiesta HB SE (wagon) and Ranger regular cab (trucks).

Honda won with the Odyssey Touring (van) and CR-V CVT (coupe). Kia, the Sorento (crossover) and Soul (SUV). Nissan, the Rogue (crossover) and Leaf (hybrid). Toyota, the Prius (hybrid) and Tacoma (truck). And Smart, for two versions of its fortwo (coupe and cabriolet).

BMW won for its 3 series (luxury), Mitsubishi for its Outlander Sport (SUV) and Scion for its xB 5-door wagon (crossover).

Each vehicle segment offers models that get 23 miles per gallon or more in combined city and highway driving, based on data reviewed by NADAguides analysts. Hybrid vehicles were required to deliver at least 50 mpg.

NADAguides is a publisher of vehicle pricing and information and guide books. The company aims to help people who make fuel efficiency a priority when buying a car.

Hawke Fracassa writes about cars from Detroit for TorqueNews.com. You can reach him at [email protected].
This page is updated on April 18, 2013.