The future is green - today's carmakers are using lots of new methods to improve efficiency and save you money on your motoring.

We round up the top manufacturers and their green technologies...

Vauxhall

Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX range aims to cut emissions and increase fuel-efficiency across its range of cars.

There are 365 different model variants to choose from, including the 1.7-litre Vauxhall Astra CDTi which emits 119g/km of CO2 – placing it into tax band B at £35 per year. The revised front grille makes the car more streamlined, helping it to reach an average 62.8mpg.

The new Vauxhall Insignia is also set to receive the ecoFLEX treatment in time for summer, with emissions dropping from 160g/km to below 140g/km for the 2-litre turbodiesel model.

BMW

The German giant recently slashed its CO2 emissions across the range thanks to the introduction of its
Efficient Dynamics programme.

BMW has fitted its cars with stop-start technology – which cuts the engine when waiting at traffi c lights to stop unnecessary emissions – along with Brake Energy Regeneration, electric power steering and lightweight engines.

Ford

The Blue Oval is one of Britain’s most popular carmakers, and buyers can pick up the greenest models with the ECOnetic brand.

The Fiesta ECOnetic – unveiled at the 2008 British Motor Show – will be the most economical car on sale in
Britain when it goes on sale with CO2 emission of just 98g/km.

The ECOnetic range uses diesel filters, lightweight materials and longer gear ratios to help make fuel last longer – saving YOU money.

Honda

The Japanese company is one of the world’s most reliable car makers, and with the new Civic Hybrid, has
produced a petrol-powered car which returns an average of 61.4mpg and emits just 109g/km of CO2.

The Civic Hybrid achieves this by coupling an electric motor – with lots of pulling power – to an efficient petrol engine and an automatic gearbox which keeps the engine at the optimum ratios for frugal fuel consumption.

Volkswagen

VW has come a long way since the early days of the Beetle – the Volkswagen Group is now one of the biggest carmakers in the world.

And Vee-Dub has introduced the BlueMotion range of motors – cars which are fitted with ultra-efficient diesel engines, lightweight materials and longer gearing to make better use of fuel.

For example, the new Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion can achieve 745 miles from ONE tank of fuel thanks to fuel-saving measures.

Toyota

Brad Pitt’s got one, Cameron Diaz has one – even Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford owns one: the world’s most famous hybrid motor, the Toyota Prius, has sold more than 1,000,000 since its launch.

The Prius partners a 70bhp petrol engine, two electric motors which provide 70bhp and a rechargeable battery pack to provide an ultra efficient motor which emits 104g/km of CO2 and returns 65.7mpg on the combined cycle.

Peugeot

The French carmaker has launched its ‘Blue Lion’ range of efficient motors – all of which offer increased fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and low road tax.

The new Blue Pugs are fitted with an improved diesel particulate filter which massively reduces emissions, and the company’s HDi diesel units can run on a 30 per cent biofuel mix. They’re also 95 per cent recyclable – which means they save the planet, and your wallet.