With fuel prices on the increase and owners of high-polluting vehicles paying through the nose tax, buying a smaller, greener car could save you plenty of cash.
You might think that in order to keep your running costs down you'll need to steer clear of 4x4s but that may not necessarily be the case.
Here's a selection of cheap-to-run 4x4s that you might even call 'green':
The Kuga blends on-road agility with off-road, chunky looks. As well as the good looks and decent road manners, it emits just 159g/km of CO2 and falls into tax band G as a result. It's available in two-wheel drive, but the four-wheel-drive version will achieve a respectable 47mpg.
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The X3 is an excellent all-round small off-roader. It's good to drive, and while there's only one diesel engine on offer it's a very good one and can even handle a drive in the mud when needed. Plus it's practical, stylish, comfortable and well built.
It's not the cleanest option with a CO2 output of 173g/km, but with average fuel economy at 47mpg and the tried-and-tested Toyota reliability it's still a major contender in this group.
47.1
The CR-V is one of the UK's favourite 4x4s. Far from being a polluting, inefficient monster truck, the CR-V takes up no more road space than a family saloon and returns up to 43.5mpg in everyday driving.
Ok, so the stick-on plastic sides make it look even uglier than the regular model, but the Panda 4x4 is still one of the best small 4x4s around. It's capable off-road plus emissions are incredibly low and fuel economy is superb.
54.3
The ix35 is a big step forward for Hyundai. Not only is it much better than the car it replaces - the Tucson - but, overall, in terms of design and refinement it's a premium product. Opt for the 2.0-litre CRDi four-wheel drive - it has low CO2 emissions and it's got decent fuel consumption.
Nissan's Qashqai was the car that started the crossover trend and now it seems everyone is at it. To save cash you're better off going for the two-wheel-drive versions, but the four-wheel drive model is still pretty frugal too.
Neatly styled, well equipped and powered by impressive engines, the Tiguan is typical Volkswagen. A cleaner BlueMotion version is available but only comes with two-wheel drive. If you opt for the four-wheel drive diesel choice running costs are still reasonable.
Not a fully fledged 4x4 more a crossover with off-road aspirations. It's a great all-rounder that does everything very well.
The Sportage is roomy, comfortable, robust and offers permanent four-wheel drive. It's not quite as assured as more expensive soft-roaders such as the Tiguan and the BMW X3 but is offered at a low price and with efficient engines.
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