What Car? Q&A - Green special - Are 4x4s really bad for the environment?

Q: I like the idea of buying a 4x4. Are they really that bad for the environment?
Olivia Richardson

A: It's true that off-roaders do consume more fuel than conventional cars, partly because their bluff shape and increased size creates more drag.

These cars also have more, and heavier, parts than family cars, too - items such as propshafts, driving rear axles and differentials all add weight, which consequently reduces efficiency and increases carbon dioxide emissions.

So if you don't really need a 4x4, it's probably a good idea - not least for your purse's sake - to leave them alone.

However, it's also probably not entirely fair that 4x4s are singled out for such criticism. A Mercedes E-Class E220 CDi estate emits 188g/km - not very far behind a Land Rover Freelander 2.2TD4 at 198g/km - and the petrol models are even worse.

There are plenty of other cars which are just as bad, and sometimes worse, than 4x4s for emissions.

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