Ten greenest small family cars

 1. Skoda Fabia Estate (08 on)

The Greenline models in the range are - as the name suggests - the greenest. But all Fabias impress when it comes to green credentials. Only the petrol 1.6 automatic returns under 40mpg and CO2 emissions are also good. Diesels all emit less than 130g/km CO2. Go for the 1.4 diesel as it has low emissions and road tax.

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 2. Honda Civic Hybrid Saloon (06 on)

Civic performs very well on the eco-front. The hybrid features a petrol engine linked to an electric motor, which captures energy to charge the battery for the electric motor.

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 3. Ford Focus Estate (05 on)

Stylish small estate: 1.6 TDCi Econetic (launched in early 2008) is the greenest engine, though the range averages 47 mpg.

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 4. Toyota Prius Saloon (00-03)

Prius is the second hybrid in the top ten, combining petrol with electric power. Prius is well built, comes with decent equipment levels and looks like a conventional saloon from the outside. Although it's getting old now, prices remain surprisingly high.

 5. Ford Focus Hatchback (05 on)

Focus is smart well equipped and is proving itself to be reliable. Econetic model (launched in early 2008) is the one to look for if you're looking to cut emissions and save on road tax.
      

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 6. Audi A2 (00-05)

A2 is the world's first high-volume production car with a bodyshell built entirely from weight-saving aluminium. This lighter design reduces fuel consumption and makes A2 cheaper to run. The 1.4 TDi is the greenest.

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 7. Honda Civic IMA Saloon (03-06)

The innovative Civic uses a petrol engine linked to an electric motor. The battery is charged when you're coasting or braking and fed back to the engine under acceleration; it's essentially free power.

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 8. Renault Megane Hatchback (06 on)

Megane performs very well on the eco-front. With an average of 157 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are relatively low. The line up has a high number of diesels, giving buyers better choice of low-emission models. 

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 9. Renault Megane Hatchback (02-06)

The Megane looked pretty radical when it was first launched in 2002 and split opinion as to whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. It's available in a number of different bodystyles, with a wide variety of engines and equipment levels.

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 10. Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (98-04)

This older Astra shows that it's not just newer - and more expensive - cars that can save CO2 and road tax costs. The 1.7-litre Eco4 diesel is the model to look for - but they're few and far between.

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