Greenest
small family cars
We recommend some green family cars as well as listing the best in class based on their CO2 rankings.
Environmental issues come first, but we've also taken into account what the cars are like to drive, own and live with
Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDi Ecomotive
CO2: 104
For all the buzz that the Prius has created over the past several years, we must say, it has earned its stripes. On top of the combination electric motor, battery and engine, which saves fuel and makes the drive more efficient, the Prius can hold five adults comfortably -- honest -- and a load in the boot. We do object to the bad rear-view vision, however.
If there's one thing you won't get from us, it's a doom-laden view of the future -- you know, peak oil, climate change and all that. But we've got to say, cars are pretty pesky for the planet, so we're psyched when the auto industry comes up with something cleaner and more efficient.
Both the Civic and Prius are reasonably closely matched on specification. Honda claims 0-62mph in 12.1sec, 115mph flat out, 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km. The Toyota’s respective numbers are 10.9sec, 106mph, 65.7mpg and 104g/km.
Under the bonnet, the two cars’ principles are like peas in a pod. Both have small, clean petrol engines mated to continuously variable auto transmissions, and electric motors that also act as dynamos under braking, charging the aforementioned batteries.
A healthy 85 bhp diesel engine takes this Renault Megane from 0-60 in just 12.7 seconds and on to a 108 mph top-speed. Excellent fuel economy of 64.2 mpg gives a range of over 840 miles between fill-ups. At around 117 ppm, CO2 emission levels are outstanding for a car of this class. Standard equipment includes central locking and air conditioning.
Best secret green choice? Okay, this one demands a little suspension of disbelief: it’s BMW’s – no, the world’s – most powerful production 2.0-litre diesel. Armed with variable twin turbos, the first ensuring instant pulling power at low revs, the second kicking in for longer-legged performance. The 123d (from £24,855) produces 201bhp, while maximum torque is 295lb-ft. So green-free then, surely? Well… despite all this the emissions are 138g/km, so the 123d powerslides into band C and bags a tax disc of £115 for a year. Which makes it hardly a demon, despite that satanic performance. And the fuel bill only reinforces the point: at 54.3mpg on the combined cycle, it’s just a few yards thirstier than Mitsubishi’s i car. For that reason, it’s top “secret” green model.
The Skoda follows the tried-and-tested formula. First it paid a quick revisit to the wind tunnel where the aerodynamics were tweaked and suspension lowered to reduce drag. Then a bespoke 5-speed gearbox with longer ratios and a set of smaller 14" alloys with energy saving tyres to pare down rolling resistance were fitted.
The results speak for themselves. In the estate we tested the Fabia Greenline averages an incredible 69mpg while emitting just 109g/km of carbon dioxide, while still feeling moderately quick and topping out at 105mph. Better still, it's priced at a very reasonable £11,490 for the hatch and £12,140 for the estate.
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