Fun cars

You dont have to lose an interest in driving when you buy a green car.

Winner
Mini 1.6D Cooper

Being green doesn't mean you have to wave goodbye to any driving enjoyment and heres the proof.

The Cooper D has none of the frustratingly long gearing and feeble engines of many 70mpg+ rivals. It will have you smiling before you even press the start button. Its funky retro design still looks fresh today, which is pretty remarkable when you consider its hardly changed since 2001. Its a similar story inside, with retro dials and switches.

The Cooper D doesnt disappoint when you hit the road, either. Its 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine isnt as powerful as some modern hot hatches, but its nippy enough (0-62mph takes 9.7 seconds and top speed is 122mph) and you dont have to venture close to the redline to access that performance.

What ground the Mini loses in a straight line itll more than make up when the road gets twisty. Superb grip is backed up by sensational steering and excellent body control, which gives you the confidence to really push the Cooper D to its limits.

This might be the greenest Mini, but its as darty and agile as far more powerful versions.

It isnt all about how well the Mini drives, of course. CO2 emissions of 99g/km mean its exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge, while 74.3mpg will ensure fuel station stops are few and far between.

Being a Mini, there are certain compromises. There isnt much room in the back, and the boot is tiny, but the Cooper D is without question the most fun way of going green.

Volkswagen Scirocco
2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech
Price 22,435
Target Price 20,884
CO2 118g/km NOx 0.134g/km
Particulate emissions 0.42mg/km
Average economy 62.8mpgAudi TT
2.0 TDI quattro Sport
Price 30,295
Target Price 28,122
CO2 144g/km NOx 0.144g/km
Particulate emissions 0.20mg/km
Average economy 51.4mpg