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1st place: According to the MSN Autos award-winning Toyota Prius (the reigning champion for fuel efficiency in the U.S. since 2007, EPA rating of 45 mpg highway, 48 mpg city) became the least polluting vehicle with 1,968 kg of CO2 per year. The next-generation Prius is more fuel efficient; it seems as if Toyota will hold on to its first place position in this category.

2nd place: Honda Civic Hybrid
This auto may not have the look of a green car but it produces just 2,160 kg/year.

3rd place: Smart Fortwo
Despite its small size, this auto and the convertible version produce 2,592 kg per year. Surely, you’d think that this car could do better!

4th place: Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid tops the large sedans category, with 2,736 kg of CO2 each year. But watch out for competition from the new Ford Fusion Hybrid which will arrive in showrooms later this spring …

5th place: Nissan Altima Hybrid
One of the sportiest driving hybrids around, the Nissan Altima Hybrid checks in at 2,784 kg/year.

6th place: Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD
Without the all-wheel-drive system, the Ford Escape Hybrid produces just under 3 tons of CO2 – 2,928 kg/year to be exact.

7th place (tie): Toyota Yaris (manual)
The Toyota Yaris with a manual transmission releases just over 3 tons of CO2 per year, with 3,024 kg.

7th place (tie): All 1.6-liter Minis – Cooper, Clubman and Convertible – with a manual transmission produce 3,024 kg/year.

8th place (tie): Toyota Yaris (automatic)
The Toyota Yaris with an automatic transmission posts the same performance as the Fit, with 3,072 kg/year.

8th place (tie): Honda Fit (automatic)
The Honda Fit with an automatic transmission produces 3,072 kg of CO2 per year.

9th place (tie): Honda Civic (manual)
Although equipped with a bigger engine than the automatic-transmission Fit, the Honda Civic with a manual transmission produces about the same amount of CO2, with 3,120 kg/year.

9th place (tie): Honda Fit (manual)
The Honda Fit with a manual transmission releases 3,120 kg of CO2 per year. (Photo: Honda)

10th place: Toyota Corolla (non-XRS, automatic)
The Toyota Corolla with an automatic transmission fares better than the manual version at 3,168 kg/year.

11th place (tie): Toyota Corolla (non-XRS, manual)
The Toyota Corolla with a 1.8-liter engine and a manual transmission produces 3,216 kg of CO2 per year. (Photo: Toyota)

12th place (tie): Kia Rio (manual)
The Kia Rio equipped with a manual transmission does better than the comparable Hyundai Accent with 3,216 kg of CO2 per year. (Photo: Kia)

13th place: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel (DSG)
With the new clean diesel technology and a double-clutch transmission, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel produces 3,240 kg of CO2 per year.

14th place (tie): Chevrolet Cobalt XFE, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper S, Clubman S, Convertible S
Checking in at 3,264 kg/year of CO2 are the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE (and the Pontiac G5 XFE), the Kia Rio with an automatic transmission, the Hyundai Accent (automatic), the MINI Cooper S (Coupe, Clubman or Convertible) with a manual transmission as well as all the John Cooper Works. (Photo: Kia, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Mini)

15th place (tie): Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Like the Saturn Aura, the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid produces 3,312 kg/year of CO2.

15th place (tie): Many cars produce 3,312 kg/year: the Chevrolet Aveo and the Aveo5 with a manual transmission (and, of course, the Pontiac G3 and Suzuki Swift+), the Hyundai Accent with a manual transmission, the non-turbocharged Mini with an automatic transmission (Cooper, Clubman or Convertible) as well as the Saturn Aura Hybrid. (Photo: Mini, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Saturn)

Related articles:

1. Government of Canada Honours Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Award Winners
2. No more ecoAUTO rebate for 2009 model year green cars
3. Go Green and Save: Green Auto Incentives and Rebates from Canada and Federal Government
4. 2009 Green Cars Market Trends Review – Part 2
5. 2009 Green Cars Market Trends Review – Part 1

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