The rising cost of motoring is driving more of us to consider the greener path. Finding a car which meets all the green credentials without the need for sacrificing style and comfort can prove to be a difficult task, not to worry: here are 6 cars, from a Micro runaround to super electric sports car, one of which is sure to suit you.

Micro Car: G-Wiz

Fuel economy combined: Claimed 600mpg equivalent
Car tax: £0
CO2 emissions: n/a
Cost: £7599
Fuel Type: Electric
Model/Engine size: AC Electric Fuel

Summary: Until recently, the G-Wiz was the only electric car available in the UK. The G-Wiz is exempt from the Congestion Charge, so its no surprise virtually all G-Wiz’s live in London.  As well as the free parking in central London the G-Wiz beats road tax. Park it anyways, even sideways!

Fuel economy combined: 61.4mpg
Car tax: £35 for 12 months
CO2 emissions: 109 g/km
Cost: £7,110
Fuel Type: Petrol
Model/Engine size: 1.0 VVT-i + (5 door)
Fuel Cost (12000 miles): £942  

Summary: If you didn’t all ready know, the Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo are all based on the same car. The diesel returns 53.3mpg whereas the petrol engine falls behind 2mpg returning 51.4mpg, so why are we recommending the petrol engine? Well, add the extra cost of diesel, and the extra 2mpg gained, is lost. Both the diesel and petrol CO2 emissions being 109g/km, there’s no difference in road tax.

Summary: With celebrities ranging from Leonardo di Caprio to Cameron Diaz been passionate advocates, the Toyota Prius is now regarded as one the most environmentally-friendly production cars. Recently the world’s best-selling hybrid has undergone some minor surgery to its styling and chassis.

Fuel economy combined: 35.8mpg
Car tax: £150 for 12 months
CO2 emissions: 104 g/km
Cost: £39,770
Fuel Type: Petrol Electric Hybrid
Model/Engine size: 3.5 litre V6 with electric motor
Fuel Cost (12000 miles): £1,615 

Summary: Toyota realised if they were to be successful, they needed a new brand, resulting in the birth of Lexus.  The GS450h winds-up to achieve 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155mph (electronically limited). For there remarkable engineering achievements, Lexus are now well reckoned within executive car market.

4×4: Lexus RX400h

Fuel economy combined: 34.9mpg
Car tax: £195 for 12 months
CO2 emissions: 192 g/km
Cost: £39,400
Fuel Type: Petrol Electric Hybrid
Model/Engine size: 3.3 litre V6 with electric motor
Fuel Cost (12000 miles): £1,657

Summary: Lexus have created the first 4×4 with a hybrid system, leaving any competition behind. To get the most mpg out of the hybrid system, you are required to adapt to a certain driving style. However, this isn’t say the 269bhp V6 wont deliver when required, with 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds and top speed standing at 124mph, your sure not to get left behind.

Sports Coupe

Fuel economy combined: 135mpg
Car tax: £0
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Cost: £51,000
Fuel Type: Petrol Electric Hybrid
Model/Engine size: 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor
Fuel Type: Electric

Summary: This super electric sports car sits on the chassis of a Lotus Elise, with 240bhp, this thing sure goes, 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds. No CO2 emissions or car tax will help towards the next holiday. However, Tesla has already sold out the limited first production run of around 400 Roadsters.

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Best Green Cars for Your Budget is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars