Best green car finalists

28 November 2008

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They're green, they're clean and they represent the best of what is available in eco-friendly motoring in Australia.

The carsguide best green car nominations have done nothing, if not underscore the growing acceptance of modern diesel engines as an eco-friendly alternativeto petrol.

Chosen by the eight carsguide car Of the year judges, the final five nominations are the result of ruthless trimming from a starting field of some 30 pretenders.

Unlike the carsguide car of the year, the best green car nominees need not be new to the marketplace in the past 12 months, but must be available for sale as a new car in that period.

The field of final nominations was dominated by small, efficient, turbo-charged diesel engines, but was diverse enough to encompass petrol-electric hybrids and small petrol models, right through to the HSV W427.

While it may seem a truly left-field nomination, the rationale behind the single W427 did make sense, In an odd way.

``It's there because it is a car that will be available to buy and the fact is that hardly any of them are going to be driven much,'' carsguide national motoring editor Paul Gover says.

``Just about all of them are going to be locked up in garages. That's pretty green.''

The top five green contenders are:

Audi A3 1.9 TDIe Sportback

More than just an efficient small diesel - which it is - the A3 Sportback is the vanguard of Audi's eco-philosophy. As well as the mechanics, the A3 earns its green tag because of the little things, such as better rolling-efficiency tyres, a more fuel-efficient gearing and improvements in aerodynamics.

Neil McDonald, of Melbourne's The Herald Sun, said of the A3: ``The German answer to the runaway marketing success of hybrids. The 1.9 delivers a hybrid-quenching 4.5-litres-for-100km. That's excellent, in anyone's language. And the Audi badge will impress the neighbours.''

Fiat 500 JTD

The Fiat ticks the boxes with its small engine - just 1.3 litres - and super-efficient JTD diesel technology. That it's as cute as, and uses less resources in manufacturing because of its size, don't hurt either.

Honda Civic Hybrid

For some time this has been the ``other'' hybrid available in Australia. While Toyota's Prius led the way, the Civic Hybrid has continued on quietly, with a slightly smaller engine and a noticeably smaller price tag.

Hyundai i30 CRDi

Back to defend its title, the little Korean hatch can still hold its head high. The small diesel has credits both in fuel efficiency and emissions.

Mercedes A180 CDi

New to the Mercedes A-Class range, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is strong on refinement and economy, with 80kW/250Nm. It also shares in Mercedes' ``whole of life'' eco-friendly approach to car manufacturing.

Hobart's The Mercury's Keith Didham summed up the A180 CDi as: ``For the thinking man who desires the Benz badge, but doesn't want to feel guilty driving it.'

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Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 13 comments

HSV W427? what tool came up with that? any excuse to slap a Commondoor in their.
Darryl Baker Posted on 26 November 2008 12:48pm
No Hybrid should win a green car award. The Hybrid car is from stupid tree huggers who have no idea about the real impact these cars have.

The whole Hybrid market is a con.
Ian of Brisbane Posted on 26 November 2008 11:47am
NOTHING i repeat NOTHING using cadmuim batteries should be classed as a “green” vehicle .... apart from the enviromental damage during the mining process how about the transport and refining process of this toxic probabable carcenogenic material. “google earth” Central Mills facility located in Copper Cliff, Ontario near Sudbury - Satellite View and look.
Mick of Adelaide of Adelaide Posted on 25 November 2008 9:55am
(re Best Green Car Finalists) Interesting that there’s no mention of Peugeot, when they’ve won the last 3 world records for fuel economy in their diesel cars…
Ryan of Brisbane Posted on 25 November 2008 9:05am
It’s ridiculous that there is such a category. The main Car of the Year category needs to be 21st century cars, not more of the same junk Only cars which have a sustainable future - clean & green, should be able to be nominated for car of the year.
By continuing to promote 20th century monsters CarsGuide accepts responsibility for a ongoing climate change problems as well as related health & economic issues.
Cars need to be low emissions and use local energy with low environmental impact in delivering that energy to the wheels.
Tim Lee of Heathfield Posted on 25 November 2008 8:09am
``Just about all of them are going to be locked up in garages. That’s pretty green.’‘
I think not. What an incredable wase of energy to produce the car if it’s going to be in a garage most of the time!
This is nothing more than thinly veiled advertising for CarsGuide. If you want some real car reviews look elsewhere!

However Diesel is infact a good alternative to hybrid cars, as it is achieving the same economy without the upfront cost of batteries. We need plug in hybrids to make them worthwhile.
Geoff of Perth Posted on 24 November 2008 11:47pm
An interesting line up of vehicles and not surprising to see so many diesel’s featuring as “Green”/

The technology of attaching a turbo to a diesel engine began long ago with Mercedes and Peugeot bringing this technology to the mass market in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s.

Interesting that the Prius is absent from this collection of cars. Hyundai should be applauded for the i30, they have really come of age in this market and to be in competition with Audi and Mercedes is testament to the strides they have made in quality and driveability.

I thnk the green car of the year belongs with Honda for bring the Hybrid on a more affordable level than previously available.
Andrew Dunger of Sydney Posted on 24 November 2008 9:00pm
Mike Brewer - you are correct - 1L of diesel will produce more CO2 than 1L of petrol, however diesel engines use less fuel which more than compensates for the fuel being dirtier.
the alex of brisbane Posted on 24 November 2008 6:28pm
I think the reason why diesel is more expensive is because everyone went out and bought one, so more diesel fuel is being used which pushes up the demand which pushes up the price. Simple really…
the alex of brisbane Posted on 24 November 2008 6:28pm
I thought diesels were dirtier in terms of the refining process AND in terms of emissions?
Mike Brewer Posted on 24 November 2008 5:13pm
If the federal government is serious about the adoption of green cars, it should spend a small portion of the $6bn it is about the pour down General Motors’ throat (for “green car technology”) on looking at getting diesel prices to a more realistic level.
Tom of Adelaide Posted on 24 November 2008 4:26pm
Lexus LS600hL for the win! Best hybrid available by far!
Mark of Adelaide Posted on 24 November 2008 11:12am
Having purchased a Hyundai i30 CRDI in the past two months. I have never driven a more stable, powerful and economical vehicle in twenty years of driving. I have knowledge in the field as have been involved in the motor industry for about 7 years. I have never been more impressed with a small car for it’s over all balance between power and economy. The fitment is second to none. It’s a world better. What disappoints me is the cost of diesel when the government should be encouraging more of these fuel efficient vehicles.
Dennis Wilkinson Posted on 24 November 2008 8:14am

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