SUVs

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SUVs

Whod believe that this class once contained some of the worst polluters?

Winner
Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi Hybrid4

Hybrid cars such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius use an electric motor alongside their conventional petrol engine. While theyre efficient, theyd be greener still if they had a diesel engine.

Step forward Peugeot, which makes the new 3008 Hybrid4, the worlds first production diesel hybrid. A 163bhp 2.0 HDi engine drives the front wheels, while a 37bhp electric motor sends power to the rears, and this helps keep CO2 emissions down to 99g/km.

Yes, a Prius pumps out even less CO2, but here were talking about an SUV with four-wheel drive.

The hybrid 3008 is also by far the nippiest sub-100g/km car on sale, with a 0-62mph time of 8.5sec.

Its much more than an impressive set of figures, though. In fact, the 3008 is the best hybrid weve ever driven. At low speeds it can amble around on electric power alone, while at higher speeds, or when a burst of acceleration is needed, the diesel engine cuts in. Both power sources work together seamlessly.

Diesel engines sometimes suffer from high NOx and particulate emissions, but the 3008 doesnt trip up here, either. Average fuel economy of 74.0mpg better than a Toyota Prius is also extraordinary for an SUV.

The 104g/km 3008 Hybrid4 Limited Edition, with more equipment, is already on sale, but wed advise waiting until February for the model featured here. Not only is it cheaper to buy, its also exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge. Better still, it comes with goodies such as climate and cruise controls.

Skoda Yeti
1.6 TDI CR 105 S Greenline II
Price 17,045
Target Price 15,875
CO2 119g/km NOx 0.108g/km
Particulate emissions 0.43mg/km
Average economy 61.4mpgBMW X3
xDrive20d SE
Price 31,140
Target Price 30,918
CO2 149g/km NOx 0.132g/km
Particulate emissions 0.20mg/km
Average economy 50.4mpg