skip to main content
  1. Five cars with Prius-like economy
  2. MINI Cooper D, A diesel adventure
  3. BMW 116d, Efficient and dynamic
  4. Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI, A very green blue oval
  5. Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi, Familial frugality
  6. Audi A2 1.4 TDI, Heavenly harbinger

BMW 116d, Efficient and dynamic

You've got to hand it to BMW: far from launching a couple of green models simply to justify the existence of a fast and dirty range, BMW is systematically cleaning up its entire line-up from top to bottom. The maker calls its green programme EfficientDynamics and its effects can be seen in everything from the 1 Series and the MINI, all the way up to the flagship 7 Series executive barge. The 116d is the cleanest, greenest car in the range - but it's by no means a dullard.

CO2 emissions of 118g/km, a fuel consumption figure as lofty as 64.2mpg and VED tax of just £35 are mighty impressive figures, but they only tell half the tale. For sure, its 0-62mph dash of 10.2 seconds is fairly languid for a Beemer, but with 192lb.ft of torque there's still enough in-gear flexibility for safe rural overtaking. And, of course, the rear-wheel drive layout remains, so while it's not the most spacious (or cheap) of hatchbacks, it's one of the very best in the handling department. As with the MINI, badge prestige ensures residuals are strong, which will cushion the blow of a high list price (it starts at £17,605), as will lowly running costs.

Mark Nichol