Eco Cars - The Way Forward?

Everybody is going ‘eco-mad’ these days, but who can blame them? There are ever-growing environmental problems, and it helps to put minds at ease if you do ‘your bit’ for the environment. Rolling your eyes? Well, before you do – read on.There are all types of eco-friendly products out there from showerheads to cars, so is eco-friendly the way forward in cars?

Eco-friendly cars seem to be getting more popular; one in particular is the Toyota Prius which is the world’s top selling hybrid.  I cannot be mean about going green to be honest, as they are pretty nifty bits of metal which produce less harmful impacts to the environment in comparison to usual cars.

Obviously though, there is a slight catch to everything. Initially, eco-cars are more expensive than your typical everyday car. So, you may be doing your bit for the environment, but not necessarily your pocket. However, don’t be put off, as in the long-term owning an eco-car can offer some significant savings. Ah, now your ears have pricked up haven’t they? In the long run, fuel costs could be far less for owners of eco-cars. So, you will be doing wonders for both your pocket and your carbon footprint.

Do Eco Cars Save Money?

Lower emittors

Most cars on the road will fall into this category. They utilise technological advances that have produced relatively clean combustion engines, and are available with petrol and diesel, or both.

Petrol hybrids

Hybrids use a fuel-efficient petrol engine as the primary source of drive. The big difference is that the main power is also supplemented by an electric engine. 

Typically the electric engine will be active up to speeds of 35mph, at which stage the engine will take over while re-charging the batteries.

Hybrids offer a driving experience similar to traditional cars, and filling one up is no more inconvenient than a normal car -justt less frequently. 

The Toyota Prius is the most well-known hybrid, but other models include the Honda Insight and Lexus CT.

Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles have been around for several years, and are growing in popularity due to cost and performanc. Cars classed as 'pure electrics' have battery-powered electric motors, and are charged using a mains power supply, either overnight, or in an hour on a fast charge mode.

Plug-in hybrids

These are still driven by electric motors, but also have a range-extending option of an efficient petrol or diesel engine. These can be used to go further and recharge the batteries while on the move. The cost of all electric vehicles is now offset by a £5,000 grant offered by the government..

Alternative fuel

Liquefied petroleum gas is a natural fuel and, while it produces CO2, cars running on it emit a lot less than those with conventional engines. There are around 1,400 garages selling LPG in the UK.  LPG conversions typically cost around £1,200-£1,500.

Oil companies have increased the amount of biofuel (cleaner crop-based oil) at the pumps. Hydrogen cell vehicles are still being developed - it is not expected that these will be a viable alternative over the next 10 to 20 years.  

The latest government family spending statistics show that 15% of average household expenditure goes on vehicle fuel. Little wonder most people would welcome savings

Volkswagon Golf TDi Bluemotion

The Golf is one of the favourite medium-sized cars. There’s a large range of potential engine, gearbox and body style combinations, but here we're concentrating on the 1.6 diesel Bluemotion version in five-door hatchback form. After discount from an online car broker, this costs around £16,830 (it doesn't qualify for the government grant).

The view

Easily the best car around, the eco-tuned Golf offers a huge 832-mile range on a tankful of diesel. CO2 emissions aren’t much higher than the Nissan Leaf ( quiet, safe and exempt from VED (vehicle excise duty, or car tax).

What’s it like to drive?

The Golf will please the new eco driver and expert drivers alike. It’s a comfortable drive over long distances and a start-stop system cuts the engine (and therefore saves fuel) in traffic. It’s no slowcoach either – the hi-tech turbo diesel 1.6-litre engine feels flexible and willing. The practical cabin should suit families – and the 350-litre boot is sufficient for most trips

Suzuki Splash DDiS

Suzuki's city car, the Splash, is virtually identical to the Vauxhall Agila.  Two petrol engines are available in addition to the diesel enginee. It costs £10,410 after a typical dealer discount is applied.

The view

The Splash can travel almost 550 miles between fill ups, which makes it a  more practical option than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Fuelling costs are vastly different, though: a 50-mile journey in the Splash costs £5.44, while it costs just £1.21 in the i-MiEV. This is the only car on test subject to vehicle excise duty (VED) at £30.

What’s it like to drive?

The diesel engine isn’t as perky (or quiet) as that in petrol Splashes, but it’s comfy on the motorway. There’s a decent amount of space inside and the tall roof makes getting in and out easy. It has space for five adults (just). The boot holds 145-litres – enough for a weekly shop, but not much more.

Eco Cars Really Do Rock

Nissan’s hi-tech electric car, the Leaf, was designed from scratch to be an electric car, which bring sgreat interior space and practicality. It costs £23,990 after the government's £5,000 low-carbon car grant is applied.

The view

The Leaf feels futuristic inside and out, and is certainly the most realistic electric alternative to a regular hatchback – albeit about 40% more expensive to buy than the Volkswagons Golf BlueMotion.

What’s it like to drive?

The Leaf’s silence is amazing; electric motors don’t idle, so a ‘computer log on’ chime is all you’ll hear when starting up the engine. The muted swhoosh of the electric motor is audible only when you accellerate

It picks up speed much like a regular 1.6-litre petrol hatchback and can cope with short motorway runs. The sat nav can help you to locate recharging points (there are some fast-charge facilities at selected Nissan dealerships). The Leaf seats five and its boot is only a bit smaller than the Golf’s.