Green cars - city cars

1. Smart ForTwo

THE STATS

Engine type:0.6L , 0.7L, 0.8L Available
0 - 60mph: 16.8 Seconds
Top speed:85 MPH
MPG: 83 (999cc diesel)
Cost price: From £6,900

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There was no other option for No.1 than Smart's truly economical ForTwo car. Classed as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, it has genius ideas built in which put it ahead of the pack.

One of these ideas is it's electric pump which distributes fresh air into the exhaust port when the engine is cold, neutralizing the negative effects of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons through oxidization. Its miles per gallon isn't too shabby either, with the European Economic Community rating the 999cc diesel version at 83 mpg. With a hybrid version already on sale and an all electric vehicle in the works, it seems environmentally wise you couldn't make a Smarter decision than driving a ForTwo.

THE SMART FOR-TWO:

2. Toyota Aygo

THE STATS

Engine type:1.0L 3 Cylinder 998cc
0 - 60mph: 14.2 Seconds
Top speed:98 MPH
MPG: 61.4 (combined)
Buyacar price: From £6,649

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The fact that the Aygo is one of the few standard fuel cars exempt from the London Congestion charge should already tell you that Toyota's strive to be greener is showing across their entire range.

Low fuel consumption as well as a Vehicle Excise Rating of B has earned it a place in this list. We know to expect good standards of safety and reliability with a Toyota and the Aygo is no different, with the second highest NCAP Safety rating. A low entry price also ensures the Toyota Aygo as a viable option for a eco friendly city car.

THE TOYOTA AYGO:

3.Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion

THE STATS

Engine type:1.4 litre Direct Injection
0 - 62mph: 12.8 Seconds
Top speed:109 MPH
MPG: 72 (999cc diesel)
Buyacar price: From £111311

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Occupying the same place in this list as in our hatchback article, the BlueMotion has too many positives to be denied a mention.

In their own words, Volkswagen's goal with the BlueMotion was ''to protect the resources of the earth for future generation'' and while this vehicle won't achieve that at present, it's fuel economy and low emissions of only 102 grams of CO2 per km mean that it is most certainly a step in the right direction.

THE TOYOTA AYGO:

4. Citroen C1 1.0i

THE STATS

Engine type:0.6L , 0.7L, 0.8L Available
0 - 60mph: 13.7 Seconds
Top speed:98 MPH
MPG: 61.4 (combined)
Buyacar price: From £6,822

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Built in a joint venture with Toyota's Aygo, the C1 is the perfect option for those that want to be a part of the efficient movement but have already been caught by the Citroen bug.

Obviously, as with the Aygo, the C1 has great fuel economy and only emits 109 g of CO2 per km and so ticks all the boxes for a good, green city car.

THE TOYOTA AYGO:

5. Mercedes A Class

THE STATS

Engine type:2.0 litre 4 cylinder
0 - 60mph: N/A
Top speed: 106 MPH (A160)
MPG: 62.8 (combined)
Buyacar price: From £13,738

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The Mercedes A Class range is everything you expect from the reputable manufacturer, from quality workmanship to intricate details throughout. Safety is first class as well, with the highest rating of 5 stars from the NCAP.

However, the point of it's inclusion on this page are its green credentials, with a 62.8 combined mpg on the A160 version. Throw in a rating of B on the Vehicle Excise Duty system and you have a Mercedes worthy of it's inclusion on a more planet friendly list.

THE MERCEDES A-CLASS:

Published: 1st July 2008