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In my next article, I will discuss the autos that are by far and away the most polluting autos on the market today (as of 2008). However, on the other end of the spectrum are autos that are made to combat the pollution of our atmosphere. Many of the autos on the list boast some rather impressive fuel mileage numbers with the help of hybrid drive systems, which in turn helps to reduce emissions. With the popularity of hybrid autos rising, the autos listed below are just the start of what could turn out to be a whole new automotive industry. Let’s find out what these autos are.
The Green Score
Before we delve into the list of the least polluting autos on the road today, it is necessary to discuss how the autos were judged. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) Green Book, a consumer guide to environmentally friendly autos, is released on a yearly basis (the following autos are from the 2008 guide). In order to gauge an auto’s polluting numbers, the ACEEE Green Book uses data from the automakers in concern to fuel mileage and emissions that are reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Also used are estimates of pollution released into the environment from the manufacturing of the auto, estimates of pollution from the production and distribution of fuel and readings from the auto’s tailpipes.
The List
In order to be as dramatic as possible, I will start at the bottom of the list and move my way up to the least polluting auto.
10. Toyota Camry Hybrid (33 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, green score: 44)
9. Ford Focus (24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, green score: 44)
8. Mini Cooper/Clubman (28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, green score: 44)
7. Toyota Corolla (28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, green score: 45)
6. Nissan Altima Hybrid (35 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, green score: 46)
5. Toyota Yaris (29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, green score: 46)
4. Smart for Two Convertible/Coupe (33 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, green score: 49)
3. Honda Civic Hybrid (40 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, green score: 51)
2. Toyota Prius (48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, green score: 53)
1. Honda Civic GX (24 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, green score: 57)
Toyota Yaris
Needless to say, the autos mentioned above are far greener than the most polluting autos on the market. The one auto on the list that I wasn’t too familiar with was the Toyota Yaris. The Yaris is essentially a more advanced version of the Toyota Echo, if you remember it. The oddly proportioned Yaris is in its second generation throughout North America, as a first generation version of the auto was sold throughout Europe long before it made it over the Atlantic. The first generation model was Toyota’s most successful car in Europe, which hastened its move to the North American market.
North American Autos On The List
One of only two North American autos on the list is the Ford Focus, which has become one of Ford’s more popular autos since the rise of fuel prices in 2004. Many in Canada have probably heard of the U.S. government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program in which the government offers either $3500 or $4500 on a trade-in for an auto that has dismal fuel mileage. Since the start of the program the Ford Focus has been the nation’s top selling auto. The other North American auto on the list is the Smart for Two Convertible/Coupe. This auto boasts impressive fuel economy numbers due to it being quite small. If you have ever seen one you may have thought that you had just seen a golf cart buzzing down the road!
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper Clubman also boasts impressive fuel economy numbers due to its small stature, but it is not as small as the Smart for Two Convertible/Coupe. The motor powering the Clubman is a 1.4L inline four cylinder, which further cuts down on fuel consumption. It may not be the most practical auto in the world, but for those wanting to help out the environment; it may be right up your alley.
From The East
The other autos on the list originate from Southeast Asia. Toyota tops the list with four models, including the ever popular Camry and Corolla lines. Coming in at number two is the trendsetting hybrid Prius, whose stock is rising everyday throughout the world. Another popular auto for many and Nissan’s single entry on the list is the Nissan Altima Hybrid. Coming in at around $25,000 (USD), it isn’t the most affordable auto, but for many it is the ultimate solution for staying away from the gas pump.
Honda
Finally, Honda contributed two autos to the list, including the least polluting auto of 2008. At number three was the Honda Civic Hybrid, which is a straightforward auto that boasts impressive fuel numbers on and off the highway. Oddly enough, the least polluting auto of 2008 wasn’t a hybrid, but rather the natural gas powered Honda Civic GX. Yes, natural gas powered. The fuel mileage numbers listed above are equivalent to petroleum-based autos. It isn’t the most popular auto on the market due to the fact that there really aren’t that many compressed natural gas station around (yet), but it does make a statement with its innovative fuel source. Could natural gas be the next big thing in the auto industry?
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