What Car? Q&A - Are there green 4x4s?

Q: Is there such a thing as an environmentally friendly 4x4? I'd like to buy one, but I'm not keen on a gas guzzler that will emit a lot of carbon dioxide.
Jenny Davids

A: Any petrol or diesel car will emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), and 4x4s generally pump out more because they're usually heavier than cars driven by two wheels.

That doesn't mean all 4x4s are so-called ‘gas guzzlers', though. The Subaru Legacy Outback 2.0TD, for instance, has four-wheel drive and emits 153g/km of CO2. That's about the same as a 1.3-litre Ford Ka.

If you want something that looks a bit more like a traditional off-roader than an estate, take a look at the new Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi. It puffs out 169g/km of CO2, which is less than a 1.8-litre Vauxhall Vectra.

For more ideas and to find out the lowest CO2 emitters by type of car, visit Our green car guide .