2013 Green Car of the Year Finalists Announced

Since 2005, the Green Car Journal uses the Los Angeles Auto Show as the venue to award the title of Green Car of the Year ® for the most environmentally friendly car.

Since then, the number of cars evaluated has grown steadily, likely a direct consequence of manufacturers trying to develop more and more vehicles powered by engines that consume less. Among them are more efficient gasoline engines, cleaner, more efficient diesels, hybrids , plug-in hybrids and electric cars.

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The finalists are obviously chosen for their environmental contribution and large-scale commercialization of these vehicles has had a significant impact. Cars must be on sale as of January 1st, the year of the award.

Among the board members of Green Car of the Year ®, we find Jay Leno, the host of the Tonight Show, Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society and representatives of the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club and Global Green USA . The editors of Green Car Journal complete this jury.

For 2014, the finalists are: Audi A6 TDI, BMW 328d, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3.

Audi A6 TDI
Its engine is a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel developing 240 horsepower and 428 lb –ft of torque. It’s mated to a new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. According to the EPA, fuel consumption is 38 MPG (7.4 L/100 km).

BMW 328d
It is powered by a clean diesel  four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo that generates 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates consumption to be 45 MPG (6.3 L/100 km).

Honda Accord
Whichever engine the buyer chooses will be more economical than the average for its class. Among the options include hybrid and rechargeable hybrid engines, with respective consumption of 47 (6.0) and 46 MPG (6.2 L/100 km) on the road.

Mazda3
Available in sedan and five-door hatchback, the third generation Mazda3 is powered by two four-cylinder Skyactiv engines of 2.0 and 2.5-litre displacements and delivers 155 horsepower and 184 lb-ft or torque. Their respective consumption numbers are 41 (6.9) and 38 MPG (7.4 L/100 km).

Toyota Corolla
Its four-cylinder 1.8-liter VVT-i engine technology motor produces 140 horsepower. In the ECO version the sedan has a consumption 42 MPG (6.8 L/100 km).