Britain's cleanest cars - Small family cars

What Car? Greenest Small Family Car: Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda's Civic Hybrid combines a frugal 1.3-litre petrol engine with back-up battery power to drop CO2 emissions to an ultra-low 109g/km.

There's no need to recharge its batteries – they top themselves up by harnessing energy otherwise lost when you brake or coast.

The hybrid uses some parts from the new Civic hatchback but, like the IMA it replaces, it's a four-door saloon.

At £16,300, it's pricier than the hatch but equipment levels are high and the costs will eventually be recouped if you consistently hit the officially recorded 61mpg figure.

Run it as a company car and you'll save 3% off your tax rating for choosing a hybrid, while those travelling in London sidestep the Congestion Charge.
Price: From £16,300
MPG: 61.4
CO2 emissions: 109g/km
Exempt from London Congestion Charge

BMW 120d
Who said green can't be fun? Pay the extra £415 for the particulate trap, and this model cuts harmful diesel particulate emissions to virtually nil, and still returns 50mpg. All that, plus 163bhp and 0-60mph in 7.9sec.
Price: From £19,410
MPG: 49.6
CO2 emissions: 152g/km

Hyundai Accent 1.3
Proof you don't need the latest technology or a designer price tag to go green.

The Accent's CO2 figure is so low that it's one of only two petrol cars of this size to duck into the lowest emissions-rated company car tax bracket.

Private drivers will enjoy the frugal 47mpg on the combined cycle – excellent for a petrol car with this much space.
Price: From £8995
MPG: 47.1
CO2 emissions: 144g/km