Karen Smith Southam Newspapers OTTAWA — When the federal government’s fuel consumption guide was released two . years ago, many motorists scemed unconcerned about their vehicle’s mileage. Today, with gas prices hovering over 60 cents 3 ditre in many parts of Canada (in some places, WELL over), consumers may want to cake a closer look at the annual report. . Compiled by Canada’s vehicle manufacturers and Transport Canada, the guide provides data on the fuel con- sumption of year 2000 mud- els of passenger cars, light- duty pickup trucks, vans and special purpose vehicles, b ter known as sport-utility vehicles. The chief of energy effi- ciency programs at Natural Resources Canada, which publishes the guide, says fuel consumption remains a con- cern among car buyers -— but it is nowhere near as impor- tant as price. Charles Villeneuve adds that those motorists who shell out big bucks for sport- utilities or luxury cars are ‘probably not concerned about a few extra cents a litre when fuelling up. “Many people have a max- imum budge for fuel,” he says, “but if you can afford an expensive car, fuel is not a concern.” In a 1998 survey done by Villencuve’s office, fuel con- sumption was ranked fourth among factors people consid- er when choosing a vehicle. The results were identical to those obtained from a 1994 ~survey. More recent data will soon be available as the ener- gy efficiency office plans to - conduct a new survey in April. Now, the office is doing a study related to the govern- ment’s introduction — two years ago of the EnerGuide Jabel for new: cars. Similar to the labels -for major appii- ances, the label shows the estimated annual cost of pas- ing up'and the litres of fuel necessary for 100 kilometres - of driving. The energy efficiency ahs awe office will poll manufacturers to confirm new vehicles are shipped to dealerships with the appropriate EnerGuide label affixed, a practice thar became mandatory in 1999, one vear after the labels” introduction. Statf will alse poll Canada’s 3,600) ante dealers to ensure they retain the EnerGuide label follow- ing shipment to their show- rooms and lots. Villeneuve says his office will also check on whether dealers make the fuel con- sumption guide readily avail- able to their customers — as they have agreed to do. He says some dealers will put the guides out of clients’ reach if their vehicles do not fare well in the guide. Results of the survey should be available at the end of February, he says. For 2000, the guide now lists cars in four classes —- subcompact, compact, mid- size and full-size. The classifi- cation system uses an interior volume index based on the combined passenger and trunk or cargo space. The fuel calculations con- formed to approved Transport Canada test meth- ods, which include simulated city and highway courses after 6,000 kilometres. These con- trolled laboratory conditions ensure all vehicles are tested identically. The cost calcula- tions are based on prices of 35 cents per litre for regular unleaded, 65 cents premium and 54 cents for diesel fuel. While the guide is a good place to start for motorists interested in getting the most for their dollar, consumers shouldn't rely solely on its findings. The fuel consump- tion of your vehicle varies with how you drive, the sea- son, the road conditions, any optional features your vehicle may have and its overall con- dition. And some of the first round numbers published in the guide were incorrect. These have been corrected on the guide's Web site at . The Web = site also includes any vehicles that may have missed the guide’s pub- lication deadline — although Rolls-Royce, which didn’t have information on its Silver Seraph in time for the book, suill isn’ on the Web site. _ Abeut 420,000 guides were published in November, 00 kn (14. ased ‘on city. $$ 190,000 of which were dis- tributed to 3,660 car dealers _Pontiag Sunfire Coupe 35 Speed Getrag Tronsmissian © care co Player . Upgraded 15° Wheels Anti-Lock trating System © PASSLock!s Theil Deterrent System © 2.2 Litre TISHP Engine STKe 20149 Fader jsel outa Peaese CASH Et PURCHASE 188" or 1 Ph er $15,988" up io 3 months" par mentd/$2,430 down payment ané $300 security deposit required eme Sierra Regular Cab © Vonec 4306 V6 Engine © 200 © 5 Specd Mowal Transmission with Overdrive * 4 Wheel Disc & 4 Wheel Anti- Lock Braking Systam © 40/20/40 Splii Front Seat with Custem Cloth Tim » Full instrumentation including: Tachometer, Engine Hourmetes & Driver Message Centre Chrome Wheels, Grille and Gumpers » A‘AFM Stereo » Tilt Wheel © Locking Ditereni . Man omauie Mead labs $t44 20206 CASH Pune PURCHASE Poche 298" or 4, 9% or $22,188! up fo 48 months’ ber monttvS?.S75 down payment and $350 security deposi! required ‘99 Cadillac Catera across Canada. You can aise pick up the provincia! tree guides at Transportation Pontiac Sunfire Sedan Cantrot © Air Conditioning « Upgraded 1£' Veneels « owes Door Locks * Remote Keyless Entey with Panic Alarm ¢ Cruise Contro! « Anti-Lock Braking System Cassette ¢ Dual Theft Deterrent System © PASSLock!i ¢ 2.2 Like VISHP Engine © Rear m pelle off CO Player STK# 20017 36 MONT: roaaese Crsh Fe Pan ASE Sins:ihLexse, 18, 1. ‘9% or $18,508" up ta 48 manths' per mentt’$2.760 down payment end $300 securdty deposit required GMC Safari © Vertec 4300 VE SF1 190HP Engine © 4 Speed Automatic Transmission « 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System * Air Conditioning » AM/FM Stereo with Cassette © Detuse Chrame Grille « Dzcp Tinted Glass « 8 Passenger Seating * Luggaye Carrine * PASSLockll Theft-Oeterrent system * Cloth Seating © Next Generation Driver aud Front Passenger Air Bags © Puwer Locks. STK# 20111 36 Fobel lil PURCHASE casHry PURCHASE FIMARCS 568 3.9% or $23,008 up fe 46 months’ per nionty$4,708 cows payment and $375 security deposit required Brand new, leather, 3.0 litre V6, 200hp, frout and rear heated seats, power sunroof, chrome wheels, am/{m cass, CD, loaded with options. Was $49,890 Now °42,900 “85 Cadillac Seville STS Word class luxury performance sedan. 300HP 4.6 litre 32V Northstar engine, leather, adaptive seats, power sliding sun- rooi, electronic dual zone climate control, a/c, custom sieer- ing wheel, chrome wheels, am/fim/cass/ed, universal garage ocr opener, heated front and rear seats, tilt, cruise, all luxu- Ty options. Was $70,930 - CAA Ft at ate a ae ee a ete awe ee RAE ROR Oren T LAK Ministry of licence 2000 to request a copy. Pontiac Grand Am Ureciiaginntiaee 4 Speet Automatic with Trartion [TUM soe* 2.4 Litre Twin Cam 1S0HP Engine * 4 Speed Automatic Transmission with Enhanced Traction * 4-Wheet Anti-Lock Braking System « 4-Wree! Indspendent Suspensinn © Air Conditianing » Next Generation Driver and Front Passenoer Air Bags » AM/FAY Sterco Cassette © PASSLockil Theft-Getenent system Tilt Wheel « Power oor Locks STK 20050 3a Fodor yaad case pure PURSHASE 958° or 2. 0% or $21,548 up to 48 months’ per month/$2.430 down paymenl and $300 securit, deposit required Sis ak Pontiac Montana ‘THE BEST FUEL ECONOMY th IT'S CLASS © 3.4 Litre 3400 YG tB5HP Engine © 4 Speed Automatic Transmission © 4-Viheal Anti-Lock Sraking System © Ale. Conditioning « Power Qaor Locks/dirrors * Dual Slicing Ooors * Deep Tini Giass » AN-FM Ststeo © Ti Wheel © Power STK# 20114 © case Pune PURCHASE 248" or 1 cn or $25,408 up 048 monis® per inonth/$4,825 dows payment and $300 security deposit required Moos ust, bureaus. Or call 1-800-387-