If you’re looking to increase the amount of “green” on the planet or just in your wallet by dropping your fuel expenditure, here’s a look at 2014’s most eco-friendly vehicles.
People who buy eco-friendly models not only make less air pollution, but help make green cars more admired and encourage manufacturers to develop even-cleaner cars.
Top of this year’s greenest-car list.
1: Peugeot 308 BlueHDI 120 – 91.1mpg, 82g/km CO2
Peugeot’s 308 – the 2014 European Car of the Year – returns an incredible 91.1mpg joint with just 82g/km CO2 when fitted with the French firm’s BlueHDI 120hp 1.6 turbodiesel unit.
2: Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 90 Eco 2 – 88.3mpg, 83g/km CO2
In real-world circumstances, we’ve seen more than 84mpg, so with a very cautious right foot and some clever techniques, we’re confident Renault’s claims of 88.3mpg with 83g/km CO2 would be achievable.
3: Hyundai i20 1.1CRDi – 88.3mpg, 84g/km CO2
In eco-orientated Blue trim, it emits just 84g/km and averages an striking 88.3mpg. Combined with great value prices, Hyundai has a undeniable deal – one of the greenest regular-engined road cars, for one of the best-value prices on the road.
4: Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi – 88.3mpg, 85g/km CO2
The roomy and practical Kia Rio five-door, five-seat supermini is a star when it comes to economy. With 88.3mpg and 85g/km CO2, Kia said it was the most cost-effective conventional-engined car on sale anywhere in the world at launch.
5: Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 110 Bluemotion – 88.3mpg, 85g/km CO2
Yet another Volkswagen Golf variant that nails its brief flawlessly, the 110hp Golf Bluemotion’s 1.6-litre turbodiesel unit will cover an incredible 88.3 miles for every gallon.
With a anticipated range of more than 900 miles per tank, assuming an average of around 10-12,000 miles per year, it means you might only have to fill up 11 times in 12 months.
6: Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCI 95 Econetic – 85.6mpg, 85g/km CO2
The UK’s favourite car is the sixth most economical one – when it comes to petrol and diesel, that is. Returning efficiency like this and combining it with the Fiesta’s traditional feisty driving dynamics, it’s no shock it’s so popular.
Ford’s most frugal supermini will return a claimed 85.6mpg with 85g/km CO2, meaning like every car before it, it’s road tax free.
7: Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTI 95 – 85.6mpg, 88g/km CO2
Given the Fiesta is much newer than the Vauxhall Corsa, with much newer engines, too, the Vauxhall’s older, smaller 1.3 turbodiesel returns similar power and similar fuel economy from 0.3 litres less.
It offers specifically the same fuel economy as the Ford at 85.6mpg combined. Even at 3g/km CO2 more, it won’t make a difference to road tax – it’s still free. There’s a new Corsa coming soon, though, so be expecting even more.
8: Peugeot 208 1.4 e-HDI EGC – 83.1mpg, 87g/km CO2
With the 208, Peugeot has made its most eye-catching supermini since the classic 205. But it’s not just an eye-catching face: the super-efficient 1.4-litre e-HDi engine is also very fuel-efficient too.
It is able of returning up to 83.1mpg and emits just 87g/km, with a clever and faultless stop-start system cutting inner-city exhaust emissions as well, like many cars on this list.
Citroen
9: Citroen C3 1.4 e-HDI Airdream – 83.1mpg, 87g/km CO2
Not to be beaten by its parent firm Peugeot, Citroen has also completed its most fuel-efficient supermini yet. The Citroen C3 in Airdream guise emits just 87g/km CO2.
This equates to diesel fuel economy of 83.1mpg. As Citroen dealers love to do a deal, it’s a green supermini that’s well worth checking out.
10: MINI One D – 83.1mpg, 87g/km CO2
The MINI One D is the first premium supermini in our rundown to combine low running costs credit to high efficiency and all the prestige you’d expect from a marque like MINI.
With its new third-generation hatchback, it’s truly hit the nail on the head when it comes to blending desirability and brand image with what small car buyers want – lots of fuel economy and fun handling.
Check out our cars available for leasing at Green Apple Leasing
