Five fuel-efficient little cars dazzling critics

Each of these cars won accolades from journalists worldwide at the New York International Auto Show in April. It seems the era of the big SUV is truly over. See what the critics are buzzing about.

(Photo: Honda)

Honda FCX Clarity

Honor: Green Car of the Year, winner

Cost: $600/month

Fuel Economy: 72 mpg (equivalent)

Availability: It runs on hydrogen, it produces no pollution ... but it's only available to a select few in Southern California, where there are refueling stations.

In the Meantime: Honda sells the No. 2 most fuel-efficient 2009 car, the Accord Hybrid. It's fuel economy: 42 mpg, combined. (The Honda Fit also made the list of most fuel-efficient 2009 models.)

(Photo: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen Golf

Honor: World Car of the Year, winner

Cost: $36,500

Fuel Economy: 44 mpg (estimated, for GTD diesel version)

Availability: Not available yet in the U.S., look for the latest iteration of the Golf this fall.

In the Meantime: The most fuel-efficient 2009 Volkswagens on the market are the Jetta and the Jetta SportWagen, which get a combined 34 mpg. Buy the six-speed diesel models for the most efficient ride.

(Photo: Fiat)

The Fiat 500

Honor: Green Car of the Year, finalist

Cost: Approx. $14,500

Fuel Economy: 36-56 mpg (estimated, depending on model)

Availability: Not available in the U.S. -- yet. The expected merger of Chrysler and Fiat should bring this minicar to showrooms across the country by 2011.

In the Meantime: If you want a little car with an international flavor, try the Smart Fortwo (36 mpg, combined) or the Mini Cooper (32 mpg), both of which rank among the most fuel-efficient 2009 cars.

(Photo: Ford)

Ford Fiesta

Honor: World Car of the Year, finalist

Cost: Approx. $14,500

Fuel Economy: Approx. 30 mpg

Availability: Look for the new Fiesta within about a year. Until then, we'll learn more about this car from the 100 people Ford chose to drive and blog about it unfettered by corporate PR agents.

In the Meantime: At 32 mpg combined, Ford's most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market in 2009 is the Ford Escape Hybrid (FWD), an SUV.

(Photo: Toyota)

Scion iQ (Toyota)

Honors: World Car of the Year, finalist; Green Car of the Year, finalist; Design, finalist

Cost: Approx. $14,000

Fuel Economy: 54 mpg

Availability: It's still an open question whether U.S. car buyers will join those in Europe and Japan enjoying this new microcar.

In the Meantime: Toyota makes the most fuel-efficient 2009 car, the Prius. At 46 mpg, it bests the second-most efficient car on the road by 10%. (Toyota's hybrid Camry and the Yaris also make the list of most fuel-efficient 2009 models.)

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc

More from The Daily Green

• Most Fuel-Efficient 2009 Cars and SUVs
• 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas
• How to Pay Less Than 50 Cents for Gas
• 16 Efficient Electric Bikes
• One of These Cars Will Get 100 mpg and $10 Million