Our favourite eco-friendly cars

Written by Kristen Hyde: 03-July-2012

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With the introduction of carbon tax and the controversy surrounding climate change, it seems the debate over Mother Nature is making everyone a bit environ-mental.

However, being eco-friendly doesn’t mean you need to swap your SABA for a hessian sack and exchange your full-fat latte for a soy-decaf-fair-trade-only-cup-of-bland. When it comes to driving green and keeping Mother Nature clean, your car can be just as stylish as it is earth-saving.

Here are our favourite eco-friendly and hybrid cars for saving the planet it (and kissing petrol goodbye).

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion
Starting at $28,990, the 5-seater BlueMotion looks just like a regular Golf and drives pretty much like one too. Volkswagen has refined six key existing technologies to achieve the BlueMotion's fuel economy of 3.8L/100 km. The BlueMotion proves not only that a good-looking car can be just as fuel efficient as a hybrid, but that you don't need a bunch of fancy batteries to achieve a fuel economy that rivals the Prius. Read more about the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Though the “white-goods-on-wheels” Camry doesn’t quite corner like it’s on rails, it does put on a pretty impressive show for a family sedan. It is roomy, comfortable, easy to park, attractive on the inside, and incredibly fuel efficient. It’s also a stealth machine. Both the Camry H ($34,990) and the HL ($41,490) come equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which is connected to an electric traction motor. The combined power of the engine and the electric motor pack a surprisingly powerful punch for a Hybrid car. Read more about the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2012 Toyota Prius c
The Prius c proves that it’s ‘c’ stands for more than just ‘city’. It’s compact, clever, colourful, clean and cheap. Starting at $23,990 for the Prius c and $26,990 for the Prius c i-Tech, you too can begin saving the planet with the push of a start button. And let’s just say most hair straighteners make more noise heating up than this Hybrid. This is one incredibly quiet and stealth car which features excellent handling and extras which would make even Mother Nature a little excited. Read more about the 2012 Toyota Prius c

Lexus CT 200h F Sport
As a premium compact hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h F Sport adds some class to clean motoring. Not only does the CT 200h F Sport exude Lexus’s typical characteristics – after-sale pampering, sleek exterior and luxurious interior – but her starting price is $40,000. For a luxury vehicle, this immediately gives her more bang out of the starting gate. Read more about the Lexus CT 200h F Sport here.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
The Civic has always been a pretty strong performer but now in its eight-generation, Honda have stepped it up once again. What the new Honda Civic Hybrid ($35,990) really has going for it is strength – it features a more powerful electric motor and a new battery pack which is even more efficient. This means improved fuel consumption is a measly 4.4L/100km and the car can run in eco-mode for longer. Watch this space for our review of the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid