American consumers looking for a fuel-efficient small car can find a range of choices in these non-hybrid models with automatic transmissions, ranked according to combined EPA fuel economy and EPA SmartWay scores. SmartWay designation applies to vehicles with scores of at least 13, calculated by adding Air Pollution Score (APS) and Greenhouse Gas Score (GGS). Maximum score in each category is 10. Features, roominess, performance, style and fuel economy varies, so research everything thoroughly before buying.

No. 10: Scion xD

With its 128-hp, 1.8-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the subcompact 2008 Scion xD, equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 combined mpg while it also maintains low engine noise and produces fewer emissions. The 2008 Scion xD posts these SmartWay scores: 14 (CA LEV-II, LEV). Base sticker price begins at $15,970 for the automatic transmission-equipped model.

No. 9: Hyundai Accent

For 2008, the compact Hyundai Accent, available in 3-door GS and SE and 4-door GLS, is powered by a 110-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). Base sticker prices with optional 4-speed automatic transmission begin at $11,775 for GS, $13,925 for GLS, and $15,375 for SE. Accent’s EPA-estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined while its SmartWay scores are 15 (CA LEV-II, ULEV) and 14 (Federal Bin 5).

No. 8: Ford Focus

The compact 2008 Ford Focus is available in 5-passenger S, SE and SES 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan models. Equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, the base sticker prices for coupe/sedan models are: $15,735/$16,095 (S), $16,565/$16,925 (SE), and $17,910/$18,270 (SES). Power for Focus models comes from a 140-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 24/33/28 mpg. SmartWay scores: 17.5 (CA LEV-II, SULEV), 16 (Federal Bin 3), and 15 (CA and Federal Bin 4).

No. 7: Toyota Corolla

Another compact car, the 2008 Toyota Corolla, powered by a 126-hp, 1.8-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission (CVT), is available in CE, S and LE models. When equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, base sticker prices begin at $15,205 (CE), $16,250 (S), and $16,415 (LE). Corolla achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. Corolla’s SmartWay scores are: 15 (CA LEV-II, ULEV), 14 (Federal Bin 5).

No. 6: Nissan Versa

The fuel-efficient 2008 Nissan Versa is available in automatic transmission in 1.8S hatchback and sedan, and 1.8SL sedan with base prices beginning at $13,610 (1.8S hatchback), $13,510 (1.8S sedan), and $15,460 (1.8SL sedan). Powered by the 122-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, Versa gets EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27/33/29 mpg with the CVVT, while the 4-speed automatic-equipped choice gets 24/32/27 mpg. SmartWay scores for both engine/transmissions: 15 (CA LEV-II ULEV), and 14 (Federal Bin 5).

No. 5: Mini Cooper

The minicompact 2008 Mini Cooper, though only 66 inches wide, can still hold “4 large guys,” according to the manufacturer’s Web site. Powered by a 118-hp 1.6-liter engine, and mated with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the Mini Cooper gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. Mini Cooper’s SmartWay scores are 15 (CA LEV-II, ULEV), and 14 (Federal Bin 5).

No. 4: Mini Clubman

A new 2008 model, this Mini subcompact comes in base Clubman and Clubman S. Clubman’s 118-hp, 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder VVT alloy engine with optional 6-speed automatic transmission gets EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. Clubman S’s 172-hp turbocharged version (also with 6-speed automatic transmission) achieves 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined. SmartWay scores: 15 (CA LEV-II, ULEV), 14 (Federal Bin 5). Base sticker prices begin at $20,600 (Clubman) and $24,100 (Clubman S).

No. 3: Kia Rio

The compact Kia Rio sedan for 2008, available with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission in LX and SX models, is powered by a 110-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for Kia Rio is 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. SmartWay scores are 15 (CA LEV-II, ULEV), and 14 (Federal Bin 5). Base sticker prices start at $14,290 (for LX equipped with automatic transmission), and $15,090 (SX with automatic transmission).

No. 2: Honda Civic

The subcompact 2008 Honda Civic base coupé DX (with a base sticker price of $14,810), is powered by a 140-hp, 1.8-liter, inline, 4-cylinder alloy engine. Civic DX features Drive-by-Wire technology and with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway/29 combined mpg. The 1.8-liter engine qualifies as a ULEV in all 50 states. SmartWay scores: 15 (CA LEV-II, ULEV), and 14 (Federal Bin 5).

No. 1: Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris subcompact for 2008 is available in Liftback, Liftback S (base sticker prices: $12,250-$13,925 with automatic transmission), Sedan and Sedan S (base stickers: $12,950-$14,450 with automatic transmission). Standard engine is a 106-hp, 1.5-liter, VVT-i 4-cylinder. Mated to an optional 4-speed electronically controlled automatic, the Yaris gets EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers of 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined, making it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid small car you can buy. Yaris’ SmartWay scores: 16 (CA LEV-II, ULEV), and 15 (Federal Bin 5).—Suzanne Kane