Top fuel-savers to watch for

Coming down the pike in 2009 are several new cars with the potential to save a lot of fuel. Watch for our full tests in future issues.

Honda Insight

The Insight, arriving in April, looks a lot like a smaller Toyota Prius. Honda claims the dedicated hybrid is capable of 41 mpg overall, better than a Civic Hybrid but less than the Prius. Expect the Insight to be the leastexpensive hybrid you can buy.

Toyota Prius

The redesigned Prius bows in late spring, and Toyota says it is quicker, better with fuel, and roomier. The optional sunroof acts as a solar panel that provides power to help cool the cabin, reduce air-conditioning load, and save fuel.

Chevrolet Equinox

The redesigned Equinox small SUV goes on sale in June. GM says a new fourcylinder engine with direct fuel-injection will provide 25 percent better fuel economy than the previous model. GM estimates 30 mpg highway and 21 city. Our early impression is that it is much improved over the previous model.

Lexus HS 250h

This is the first Lexus hybrid to emphasize fuel economy over performance. It’s smaller than the Lexus ES and uses the Camry Hybrid’s powertrain, which returned 34 mpg overall in our tests. It’s due late this summer. Pricing will start in the low-$30,000s.