Family Cars

The Green Car Guide to the most economical and lowest emission family cars on sale in the UK today. We list and compare eco-friendly family cars in diesel, petrol, hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle categories, with full spec reviews and fuel efficiency data.

The list is updated on a monthly basis as new models are released and following our regular road tests where we give the vehicles a full work-out under realistic driving conditions.

Diesel Family Cars

First place

Citroen DS5 HYbrid4 200 Airdream EGS6 DSign 80.7 mpg

The DS5 is the first Citroen to use the Hybrid4 system. It is deceptively simple, combining a highly efficient 2-litre diesel engine driving the front wheels with a compact electric motor which drives the rear.

Second place

Peugeot 508 HYbrid4 78.5 mpg

The Peugeot 508 HYbrid4 achieves an incredible 78.5 mpg. It has a 2-litre diesel engine mated to a battery and electric motor which results in low emissions and high fuel economy in the official European test cycle.

Third place

Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI CR 74.3 mpg

Skoda has managed to push the Octavia under 100 g/km thanks to a suite of measures common to GreenLine II models. In addition to the inherently efficient engine, the Octavia benefits from lowered suspension which improves aerodynamics.

Fourth place

BMW 320d ED 68.9 mpg

The 3 Series blends fun with environmental responsibility better than any rival. When combined with one of the most communicative and adjustable chassis in any saloon car and excellent fuel economy it is going to take a lot to topple the 3 Series from the top of the tree.

Petrol Family Cars

First place

Toyota Prius 1.8 litre VVT-i 72.4 mpg

The 3rd generation Prius delivers more performance and outstanding CO2 emissions. It is a very persuasive package. The engine size increases to 1.8 litres to deliver better high speed fuel consumption and better performance. The electric motor is 20% more powerful too.

Second place

SEAT Toledo 1.2 TSI 105 ps S 56.5 mpg

56.5mpg is impressive from a petrol engine, even if the SEAT Toledo is a somewhat predictable Volkswagen Group derivative.

Third place

Skoda Rapid 1.2 TSI 86 ps S 55.4 mpg

Yes the Skoda Rapid has remarkable similarities with the SEAT Toledo, because there is much development- and parts-sharing going on, but 55.4mpg is not to be sniffed at.

Eco-friendly Family Cars

Extended-range Electric Vehicles

Vauxhall Ampera 235.4 mpg

The Ampera - or Chevrolet Volt - is a landmark car. Vauxhall doesn't like it to be called a hybrid because it is an extended-range electric vehicle. Practically this means that there is no mechanical connection between the petrol engine and the wheels, instead it is always powered by an electric motor.

Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota Prius Plug-in 134.5 mpg

With the Prius Plug-in thanks to the Prius mechanicals, fuel economy is also excellent when you run out of electric range.