What Car Q&A - Which green car should I buy?

Q: I currently own a Rover 75, but it's not particularly green. I would like to buy a hybrid car as I hear they're better for the environment.

I live in the countryside and do around 30,000 miles a year, so I need a comfortable car. However, I'm not sure if I'm making the right choice with the hybrid. I have up to £25,000 to spend. Any advice?
Jane Hildred

A: The Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid both fall within your budget. They are officially the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide of all new mainstream cars, so in this sense they can't be beaten.

We would suggest you still consider an economical diesel, however. The BMW 318d, for example, is a better car to drive and would also be worth more when you decide to sell.

Alternatively, consider the Jaguar X-type 2.0d - it emits 1g/km less carbon dioxide than the 318d at 149g/km, but we think for the sake of 1g/km you would prefer the BMW.

Other cars you could look at with low emissions and high fuel economy include the Audi A4 1.9 TDi and Saab 9-3 1.9 TiD. If you want to save some money and step down to family cars from compact executives, consider the Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D, Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi, or Volvo S40 1.6D.

Officially, a Civic Hybrid or Prius is slightly more fuel-efficient, but in the real world, and with the high percentage of out-of-town driving you'll be doing, it is quite possible that the BMW will be better than the hybrids for miles per gallon.