So you want to buy a new car and you want it green – good for the environment that is. Forget about those future concept cars you’ve been reading about: you want to know what’s on the market and available to you right now, good to go… Here are your top 5...
1. Toyota Prius – 5 eco stars
Without doubt, the greenest car available in Australia right now is the Toyota Prius. It’s a hybrid, which means it has a normal engine plus an electric one that’s powered by batteries and automatically switches between the two to save on petrol.
It also has advanced aerodynamics – to reduce drag, low-rolling resistance tyres (narrow, stiffer tyres have less drag) – and is made of lightweight materials, which increase the efficiency of the car.
The Toyota Prius has earned a 5-star eco rating from the government’s Green Vehicle Guide (www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au), who are commissioned to study and conduct tests on cars in Australia to see how environmentally friendly they are.
The Prius retails for around $37,400 and it releases 106g of carbon dioxide per kilometre (to compare, the average car releases 175 - 260g). But it’s the fuel economy that really makes the Prius the greenest, giving you 4.4 litres of petrol for every 100km, which is the equivalent of a scooter! It has an 8.5 greenhouse and also air pollution rating (10 is the best). Viva la green!
2. Fiat Punto – 5 eco stars
With adorably cute looks (think stylish and Italian), the Fiat Punto is also as green as they come. Known as ‘the Italian Stallion’, ironically there is nothing remotely ‘Rocky’ or macho about this little number.
The key to the Fiat Punto’s 5-star green tick is first and foremost in its great fuel economy (5.7 - 5.9 litres of fuel per 100km) and then there are clever additions, such as an ‘economy’ button on the dash, making sure you get good value for every drop of petrol you burn (less petrol of course = less green house emissions).
The Fiat Punto releases 134g of carbon dioxide per 100km and has an 8/10 greenhouse and air pollution rating. Plus with clever steering, easy to manoeuvre moves and suave good looks, the Fiat is as cool as it is green…
3. Citroen C3 – 5 stars
And now for lovers of all things French comes the Citroen C3. Again, this petite French car can thank its light, refined and compact figure for its solid 5-star, eco-happy status, plus decadent features such as high ceilings and a ritzy interior make it all the more appealing.
It releases 148g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, has a fuel economy of 6.2 litres per 100km, a 7.5 greenhouse rating and 8.5 air pollution score.
The Citroen also has all the goodies that you expect from most new cars and more – think front air bags, anti-lock brakes, ABS brakes, rain-sensing wipers and fog lights. All up, the cute Citroen C3 is a gorgeous green option for the eco connoisseur.
4. Honda Civic Hybrid – 4.5 eco stars
Buying a Honda has always meant exceptional quality and value for money and the Honda Civic Hybrid is no exception. This little cutie has earned a 4.5-star eco rating from www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au and releases just 109g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, goes about 100km on 4.6 litres of fuel, has a 8.5 greenhouse rating and an 6.5 air pollution score.
Starting at around $32,990, the Honda Civic Hybrid gives you a sporty, fun drive along with good looks, but not at the expense of the environment. And it’s safe. Think 6 airbags, ABS and stability control and front seatbelt pre-tensioners. A great option for eco-warriors who still appreciate a hot hatch with good get up and go…
5. smart fortwo – 4.5 eco stars
It looks like a toy but the smart fortwo is incredibly powerful! It reaches 100km/h in 13.3 seconds, feels bigger than it is (it’s actually 20cm taller than other small cars), and is of course fantastic for parking and zipping in and out of traffic. And fashionistas will be pleased to hear that smart cars come in funky, duo-tones that you can makeover and replace if you tire of the colours.
The smart car gets you about 100km with just 4.7 litres of fuel, releases about 112g of carbon dioxide per kilometer, has an 8.5 greenhouse rating and a 6.5 air pollution score.
Despite its size, it has lots of safety goodies such as ESC (electronic stability control) with hill assist, ABS brakes (anti-lock brakes) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), hydraulic brake assist, pretensioning and force-limiting seatbelts and full airbags (driver and front passenger, and head/thorax and side airbags) are all standard and its crash test rating is a 4, so you can feel safe and sound – even if all your luggage doesn't exactly fit in the boot! You can pick one up from $19,990.
