Fiat’s model range has the lowest average emissions of any marque in Europe

Andy Goodwin takes a look at the low-emission, money-saving cars allowed inside the Eden Project bubble.

Ford ECOnetic

The Ford Focus ECOnetic and Ford Mondeo ECOnetic aren’t the most revolutionary cars at the Sexy Green Car Show, but they are arguably the most important.

View more pictures of the cars at the Sexy Green Car Show

Ford sells more cars in Britain than any other manufacturer, so its potential role in the push to lower emissions is huge.

By launching its ECOnetic range, Ford is making environmentally-friendly cars available to a bigger audience than ever before and showing its commitment to take on green issues.

The ECOnetic Focus and Mondeo are fitted with ultra-efficient diesel engines with soot-reducing particulate filters, improved aerodynamics and low-rolling resistance tyres. This technology enables the Focus ECOnetic to achieve 65.6mpg while emitting just 114g/km.

Fiat 500

Funky Fiat 500s are selling like hot cakes thanks to their great value and brilliant styling. The 1.3-litre diesel is undoubtedly one of the coolest ways to go green and save money.

Fiat’s model range has the lowest average emissions of any marque in Europe, and the Fiat 500 1.3-litre diesel compliments this perfectly. It’s in tax band B, with an annual charge of just £35.

Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

This Lotus Exige is the car which proves supercar performance doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with astronomical levels of pollution. The British built Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel sports car is the fastest (and greenest) Lotus Exige in history – and it’s powered by sustainable fuel.

The lightweight Exige can accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds, but it doesn’t have a big engine. Its 270bhp, 1.8-litre turbocharged engine can run on any mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol and gives the green Lotus a top speed of 153mph.

Saab 9-X Bio Hybrid Concept

While the Ford ECOnetic models are helping cut emissions now, the Saab 9-X Bio Hybrid Concept is a glimpse into the future.

Its 1.4-litre engine is capable of an amazing 197bhp while its emissions are just 105g/km. The concept uses a hybrid system which charges lithuium-ion batteries using energy from braking forces and a solar panel on its roof.

Morgan LIFE Car

The small British sports car maker Morgan has teamed up with technology companies and universities to produce the remarkable LIFE car concept.

Fuel cells convert its hydrogen fuel into electricity which powers a motor in each of its four wheels. Its economy is estimated to the equivalent to 150mpg with a range of around 250 miles and a top speed of 85mph.

Citroen

Citroen is showing three cars at the Sexy Green Car Show, the Grand Picasso, C2 1.6HDi VTS and C1 which emits just 109g/km of carbon dioxide.

The Grand Picasso 1.6HDi on display at the show emits just 150g/km of carbon dioxide can carry seven people, while the C2 VTS emits only 119g/km and is aimed at young drivers who want punchy performance and low cost motoring.

Peugeot

Peugeot has offered economical diesels for many years, and the Peugeot 107, 207 and 308 which all appear at the show, are cleaner than ever. Each model has a car in its range capable of more than 60mpg.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid has a small 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to lend a hand and boost acceleration. Its batteries are charged by kinetic forces provided by the car decelerating. A 720 mile range is possible from one tank of fuel.

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion

The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is on sale now and uses a small diesel engine and attractive aerodynamic body styling to help it eek out more than 60mpg.

Choose the basic model without air conditioning and the Polo BlueMotion emits just 99g/km of carbon dioxide, placing it in tax band A which is free of charge.
 
The Sexy Green Car Show is hosted by Cornwall’s Eden Project from 23-31 May.