Green cars have been gaining traction lately and it’s becoming more and more obvious that thy are the next big thing for the world’s biggest automakers. Today, unlike a couple of years ago, there are plenty of electric and hybrid models that consumers can choose from, but many people are still not that familiar with the way alternative fuel vehicles work and what they are capable of. If you are interested in buying a green car, but you are not sure which one to choose, you can use the list complied by Green Car Report for their Best Car To Buy award. Green Car Report’s shortlist includes 5 vehicles that will be available for purchase by April 2014.
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
The perception of diesel cars among Americans has started to change lately, and Chevrolet decided to try and take advantage of the increased popularity diesel engines enjoy in the U.S., with a diesel version of the Cruze. This compact car has excellent fuel economy, with 46 mpg on the highway, and it’s very eco-friendly, thanks to advanced technologies, such as exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalyst reduction. Its engine produces 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide emissions than the average diesel engine.
Mazda 3
This is another fuel-efficient compact car, with a 41 mpg/highway fuel economy, and it’s pretty powerful, too, delivering 155 horsepower. Although it’s powered by a gasoline engine, it’s emission levels are quite low, because of the SkyActiv engine technology. On top of the fuel efficiency, the new Mazda 3 has great interior features, with the Mazda Connect System, which can be controlled through voice commands, and allows you to access the car’s navigation and surround sound system without having to take your hands off the wheel.
BMW i3
German car maker BMW is trying to make an impact in the green vehicle market with the i3. It’s a luxury, all-electric vehicle, powered by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor, delivering 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It can travel a little bit over 90 miles per one charge, and it can reach a top speed of 93 mph. If you want to have this high-performing electric vehicle, you’ll have to pay $42,275.
Chevrolet Spark EV
The Spark EV is one of the most popular electric cars today, and for a reason. It has superior fuel economy compared to other electric vehicles, with a combined fuel efficiency of 119 mpg. Safety is another strong suit of the Spark EV, with 10 airbags, and helpful features such as Hill Start Assist, and Electronic Stability Control System, which helps drivers control the vehicle on slippery surfaces. In addition, it is very affordable, with a base price of $19,185.
Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid received Green Car Report’s Best Car To Buy for 2014 award, and it is well deserved. It offers 50 mpg in the city, and its 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, in combination with the lithium-ion battery deliver a total of 141 horsepower, and 122 lb-ft of torque. As all other Honda models, the Accord Hybrid is a very safe, reliable and comfortable vehicle. One of the most appealing features is the Eco Assist, which automatically configures the car’s engine to work more efficiently.