Continuing the trend towards better fuel efficient models, even without a hybrid or alternative fuel technology, General Motors has announced that 18 2009 cars have a highway fuel efficiency rating of at least 30 miles per gallon. One of these cars is the new to the United States Pontiac G3.

The G3 will be available in spring 2009 and features five doors, a 1.6L four-cylinder engine, 106 horsepower and a highway rating of 34 mpg. From the General Motors press release:

“It will also feature an unusually rich mix of standard features for an entry-level car, including air conditioning, a CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, fog lamps, rear spoiler, OnStar, and a host of standard safety features, including four airbags, that gain the G3 a five-star frontal crash rating.”

Other General Motors models that made the 30mpg + list for 2009 are the Chevrolet Aveo sedan, Aveo5, Cobalt, Malibu 2.4L, Malibu Hybrid, HHR and HHR Panel. In addition to the G3, Pontiac’s G5, G5 GT, G5 XFE coupe, G6 2.4L sedan and Vibe are also in this elite camp. Last, but certainly not least, owners of a 2009 Saturn Astra 5-door, Astra 3-door, Aura four cylinder, Aura Hybrid or Vue Hybrid are also going to see a +30mpg highway rating.