The 2010 WhatCar? Green Car Awards have announced their winners for a total of 10 categories.
The awards took into account CO2 emissions, but also on factors such as space, practicality and running costs. With so many cars out there claiming to be ‘green’, here are the pick of the bunch…
Overall Winner: Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion 5dr
While huge leaps have been made by hybrid and electric vehicles, the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion was praised for making the best of existing technology. Its strengths include stop-start technology, along with lowered suspension and aerodynamic bodykit. There’s also a particulate filter to help minimise other emissions.
Superminis: Fiat 500 1.2 Pop
The stop-start system on the Fiat 500 Pop means that it is capable of 60mpg and has CO2 emissions of just 113g/km.
Small Family Cars: Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion 5dr
A winner for the second time in another category, this green version of the Volkswagen Golf boasts an economical 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, and brakes that recycle energy that would normally be lost as heat.
Family Cars: Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion
The Passat Bluemotion is one of only two family cars to get into tax band C, with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km. It benefits from longer gearing, low-rolling resistance tyres and engine stop-start.
Executive Cars: BMW 320d ED
An upgraded diesel engine in the BMW 3 Series has cut carbon dioxide emissions to 109g/km and increased the average economy to an incredible 68.9mpg, which theoretically means it can be driven for 923 miles without refueling.
MPVs: Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 110 Active
For a car of this size, the Peugeot 5008 boasts an average fuel economy of 53.2mpg and 140g/km of CO2 is very impressive.
4x4s/Crossovers: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Visia Pure Drive 2WD
The Nissan Qashqai received a green facelift this year, with a Pure Drive edition that has improved aerodynamics and cut CO 2 emissions to 129g/km.
Sports Cars: Honda CR-Z 1.5 i-VTEC Sport
The Honda CR-Z is an appealing little coupe that’s both green and fun. Well equipped and reasonably priced, too.
Luxury Cars: Jaguar XJ 3.0D V6 Luxury
As well as impressive CO2 and NOx figures, the XJ's structure is made up from 50% recycled material, which Jaguar claims is enough for a saving of three tones compared to a model made from new aluminium.
Used Cars: Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 90 Style 5dr ’08/08
The reliable Ford Focus is proof that eco-friendly cars don’t have to break the bank.
Editor’s Award: The Renault-Nissan Alliance
The Renault-Nissan Alliance scooped the Editor’s Award for bringing practical electric cars into the market.
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Katie Dickinson
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