Green Cars - Hatchbacks

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1. BMW 1 Series Diesel

THE STATS (118d)

Engine type:4 Cylinder 1995CC
0 - 60mph: 8.9 Seconds
Top speed:130 MPH
MPG: 60
Miles on a 'tank':
Buyacar price: From £17,757

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BMW's updated 1 Series has features which read like something ahead of it's time, and it possibly is. Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, all of this is part of BMW's aptly named Efficient Dynamics technology, designed to give higher levels of performance while emitting less emissions and better fuel economy.

In the 1 series range lies the 118d, already an award winner as the 2008 World Green Car of the Year. While it is not classed specifically as a hybrid, it is one of the few cars which have managed to mix current technology with new ideas. The result? A more planet friendly car which proves that you can be green without compromising quality.

THE BMW 118D:

2. Toyota Prius

THE STATS

Engine type: 1497cc Engine/Electric
0 - 60mph: 10.9
Top speed:106 MPH
MPG 48
Miles on a 'tank':
Buyacar price: From £16,249

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Ask a random person to name a hybrid and the first answer you usually get is Toyota's Prius. Clever publicity, marketing, and word of mouth means the Prius is one of the most well known hybrids in the world as well as one of the best.

Making use of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the Prius has a 1.5 litre petrol engine but switches to a electric motor when driving at low speeds. While it is possible to run it on electric alone unfortunately this can't be done for a long length of time. With 100% electric cars still not a realistic option for most people, nor readily available, Toyota have provided a car which bridges the gap between the present and the future.
Car of the Year for 2005, it hasn't lost any of its appeal over time and is a fantastic option for improving your green credentials in style.

THE TOYOTA PRIUS:

3.Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion Diesel

THE STATS

Engine type:1.4 litre Direct Injection
0 - 62mph: 12.8
Top speed:109 MPH
MPG 72
Miles on a tank:700 +
Buyacar price: From £11,311

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While the word green is the current choice for anything related to reducing it's carbon footprint, it is blue that is Volkswagen's choice, BlueMotion to be exact.

As an eco friendly version of one of their most popular cars, the Volkswagen BlueMotion Polo combines fuel efficiency with good performance results you don't normally see with standard petrol engine vehicles. These appear to be down to a number of small tweaks VW have introduced including reducing the weight of the car and achieving results such as 72 Miles per Gallon in the European Union combined economy test. It is statistics like this that have further cemented it's credibility as well as it's place in this list

THE VOLKSWAGEN POLO BLUEMOTION:

4. Vauxhall Corsa Range (Diesel)

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Buyacar price: From £8,995

In keeping with the 'normal' cars with great green stats, the Vauxhall Corsa range is definitely sending out the right message.

The Corsa has always been quite popular, but with such focus on the efficiency side in today's world, it could become even more in demand. Significantly low emissions on average across the range mean even someone who is on their first car or a limited budget is able to choose a car which will be better for the environment. As the saying goes, start as you mean to go on.

THE VAUXHALL CORSA:

5. Renault Clio III Range

THE STATS

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Buyacar price:From £ 8,601

The final car in the list happens to be the European Car of the Year 2006, the Renault Clio III. It won its award based on quality, safety and style.

However, it won a place in this list based on the fact that it is considerably efficient when it comes to fuel consumption. Its 1.5 diesel has a combined fuel consumption of 64.2 mpg, as well as the fact that due to it being in Vehicle Excise Duty band B it is exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Also with low entry prices, it's another realistic option to consider if you're looking to be that much greener.

THE RENAULT CLIO:

Published: 7th July 2008