Gas prices jumped right past $3 last year without warning and could do so again anytime.  With so many great fuel-stingy cars out there, why take a chance?

Below are the ten 2006 http://www.MotorTrend.com/new_cars/">new cars whose mileage numbers will best protect you from a pinch.  Note that this is EPA’s estimated mileage, which comes with the fine print of "results may vary" thanks to its archaic testing procedures.  Still, the tests are consistent from car to car, so the finishing order of the cars can be expected to hold up in the real world, even if the exact numbers don’t.

The http://www.MotorTrend.com/new_cars/">new car reviews are as follows:
                                                                        City     Freeway         Average

Honda Insight                         60        66                    63
Toyota Prius  automatic                   60        51                    55.5
Honda Civic Hybrid                           49        51                    50
Volkswagen Beetle TDI                    37        44                    40.5
Volkswagen Golf TDI                        37        44                    40.5
Volkswagen Jetta TDI                      36        41                    38.5
Toyota Corolla                                   32        41                    36.5
Scion xA                                             32        37                    34.5
Honda Civic automatic                     30        40                    35
Kia Rio / Hyundai Accent                 32        35                    33.5

(The Rio and Accent are the same car.)  Except for the Prius and two Civics, all figures are for cars with manual transmissions, which by nature of their more efficient design tend to squeeze out 1-2 extra MPG.  But even with an automatics-only rule, the same ten models still comprise the list in only a slightly altered order – no surprise there.

Hybrids of course take the top three spots, largely thanks to the ability to turn off their engines.  Other reasons include shrunken engines, improved aerodynamic tricks, and harder tires.  Don’t think that mileage comes for free; hybrids cost a couple thousand more at the outset.  Diesel-powered cars occupy the next three spots, though not everyone is comfortable with the technology (mostly due to outdated generalizations of 1980s diesels) or having to find gas stations that carry the fuel. These are the things you need to consider when choosing a http://www.MotorTrend.com/new_cars/"> new cars.

For those who prefer to tread in familiar waters, let’s hack off the top six entries and redo the list.  This time, just normal gas-powered cars:
                                                                        City     Freeway         Average

Toyota Corolla                                   32        41                    36.5
Honda Civic automatic                     30        40                    35
Scion xA                                             32        37                    34.5
Kia Rio / Hyundai Accent                 32        35                    33.5
Toyota Matrix / Pontiac Vibe           30        36                    33
Scion xB                                             30        34                    32
Mini Cooper                                       28        36                    32
Nissan Sentra 1.8L (tie)                   28        35                    31.5
Mazda 3 2.0L (tie)                             28        35                    31.5

10. Mitsubishi Lancer (tie)                     27        34                    30.5

Hyundai Elantra (tie)             27        34                    30.5

Chevrolet Aveo (tie)                          26        35                    30.5

Acura RSX (tie)                                 27        34                    30.5

Yes, there are plenty of cars that get an [EPA estimated] 30 MPG on average, and it’s a pleasant surprise that perennial favorites Corolla and Civic lead the pack.  Presence of the Mini Cooper and Acura RSX serve as proof that mileage need not come at the cost of fun or performance.

Ian Velvet publishes MotorTrend.com’s http://www.MotorTrend.com/new_cars/">new car reviews articles.  His expertise in http://www.MotorTrend.com/new_cars/">new cars is evident is all his articles.  Newly publishing Ezine’s online to illustrate and educate auto consumers.