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Green cars of 2008

The green car market is rapidly expanding and there are a host of new environmentally friendly vehicles already on the market. However, what can we expect during the remainder of the year? This article examines the green cars of 2008.

Audi A3 Cabriolet

The latest Audi convertible certainly has a hard act to follow lined up alongside the established A4 and TT ranges. This addition is available with a semi or fully automatic hood specification. However, it is most notable for its range of four engines including the 2.0Tdi with emissions that undercut the Euro 5 standard and yet it remains powerful and efficient.

Audi TT diesel

Audi TT drivers may traditionally think of their image before the environment – but now they can have the best of both worlds. The new 2.0 TDI engine has a CO2 emission level at just 140g/km some 20 per cent less than the petrol model. There is also a significant reduction in untreated emissions of oxides of nitrogen.

BMW 1 Series Convertible

Launched in Spring 2008, the BMW 1 Series Convertible uses efficient dynamics technology to achieve excellent performance. Despite the fact that it can race from 0-62mph in 8.4secs, it returns an economical 42.8mpg with CO2 emissions at 158g/km.

Citroen C5

Citroen has made huge progress as a manufacturer of green cars and the latest Citroen C5 is no exception. Whether for business or family use, the Citroen C5 keeps it green with four HDI diesel engines to choose from each with a diesel particulate filter system that virtually eliminates particulate emissions.

Connaught Type D

An innovative British car with high performance and superb fuel economy, the Connaught Type D revives the legendary 1950s marquee with fuel consumption at a mere 42mpg. This stunning car, capable of speeds up to 140mph has been proclaimed as the world’s first high performance hybrid coupe.

Ford Fiesta (Verve concept)

From November 2008, the ever-popular Ford Fiesta will adopt a new look thanks to the Verve concept. This pioneering new design makes use of Ford ECOnetic technology with aerodynamic features specifically designed to reduce emissions. It is expected to produce CO2 at less than 99g/km.

Ford Focus ECOnetic

Knocking around 12g/km off the CO2 emissions of the traditional Ford Focus, the ECOnetic uses improved aerodynamics, low-resistance tyres and low-friction oil to produce a far more economical and environmentally friendly vehicle.

Ford Kuga

As a crossover vehicle, the Ford Kuga certainly won’t be the first choice for green car devotees. However, for those who want that off-road ability it’s an attractive proposition with CO2 emissions at a low 169g/km.

Ford Mondeo ECOnetic

Targeted to produce emissions below 140g/km, the Ford Mondeo ECOnetic is an alternative version of the popular model aimed at those with an environmental conscious that is boosted through enhanced aerodynamics, a lowered suspension and a diesel particulate filter.

Hyundai I10

After the Hyundai I30 hatchback earned critical acclaim, the Hyundai I10 aims to be practical and affordable with more room than its predecessor and yet it has fuel consumption of just 60mpg while producing a mere 119g/km of CO2.

Lightning GT

A classic British sports car that is emission free – that’s the concept behind the Lightning GT which has exhilarating performance and yet virtually no environmental impact. With state of the art NanoSafe battery packs you can simply charge the vehicle in approximately 10 minutes from a domestic power supply costing approximately 2.2p per mile.

Lotus Obvio

Brazilian group Obvio Automotoveiculos has joined forces with British engineering giants Lotus to develop two ‘trybrid’ high-performance micro sports cars. They will be known as the 828 and the 012 with target weights of just 600kg and 750kg respectively. The ‘trybrid’ capabilities will allow the vehicles to run on bio-ethanol, natural gas or gasoline.

Mazda 2 diesel

Remarkable fuel economy combine with reduced emissions on the lightweight Mazda 2, which boasts sophisticated aerodynamics and lively performance. The fuel economy is a whopping 65.7mpg – meaning a realistic range in the region of 600 miles on a single 42.8l tank. The car also fits into tax band B.

Mercedes CLC

A stand-alone model series, the Mercedes CLC has improved fuel consumption on its four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines. The CDI models are capable of 600 miles on a 62l tank of fuel.

Mercedes SLK

The Mercedes SLK roadster is a dynamic model that has long held the affections of motoring enthusiasts. The new range of SLK roadsters, available from April 2008, are much more economical and environmentally friendly with fuel consumption on the four-cylinder model reduced to 36.7mpg and CO2 emissions cut by 27g/km to 182g/km.

Microcar ZENN

As a 100% electrically powered vehicle, the Microcar ZENN is obviously environmentally friendly – it produces no exhaust emissions whatsoever. It’s ideal for urban driving as it is exempt from the London Congestion charge and has a range of approximately 35 miles.

Peugeot 308 SW

The Peugeot 308 SW range, launched in June 2008, offers its customers style and flexibility and is sure to be a major hit as the successor for the 307. The 1.6litre diesel engine is the most efficient with CO2 emissions at 125g/km.

Suzuki A-Star

The focus is on environmental compatibility and comfort with the Suzuki A-Star, which was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. It has a Euro 5-compliant 1.0litre aluminium petrol engine with CO2 emissions targeted to be lower than 109g/km.

Suzuki Splash

The Suzuki Splash will also be known as the Vauxhall Agila, with both cars sharing the same engines – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 65hp and a
1.2-litre four-cylinder with 86hp. These engines along with low friction and flat torque promote good economy and low emissions.

Think City

Norwegian manufacturer Think is as experienced as they come in the electric vehicle sector. At the Geneva Motor Show this year it unveiled its latest offering – the Think City a fully environmental, emissions free vehicle that is 95 per cent recyclable. It quickly disposes of the image of electrics as slow and clunky cars too with a top speed of 65mph and the ability to travel from 0-30 in 6.5seconds.

Vauxhall Agila

Also marketed as the Suzuki Splash, the Vauxhall Agila is one of the most affordable green cars to enter the market in 2008. Its CO2 figures are below 120g/km and the vehicle is available with the award-winning 1.3CDTi diesel engine.

Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion

Following on from the success of the Polo Bluemotion, this VW Golf version has remarkable fuel consumption levels at 62.8mpg making it possible to achieve 745miles on just one tank (55 litres). Compared to the original model its CO2 emission levels have also been reduced dramatically from 135g/km to 119g/km.

Author: Lee Sibbald, April 2, 2008

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