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Five eco-friendly cars to choose from

Whether you go electric, hybrid or just look for better fuel economy, choosing a green car will not just help the environment, it could help your save a few dirhams as well.

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Nissan Leaf (Photo: Nissan Leaf Facebook)

There is a wide range of eco-friendly cars on the market, but here is a list of Khaleej Times’ favourites.

• The fully electric Nissan Leaf is safely one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market. It produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. Its electric range is between 100 to 222 kilometres after a full charge. Critics of the car have said its range is severely diminished if the heater is used in cold weather. But experts are expecting continued improvement with the Nissan Leaf’s range.

• The Chevy Volt is the Nissan Leaf’s main competition in the eco-friendly car market. The two brands were neck and neck in November 2013 sales. The Chevy Volt is a gas-electric hybrid. It can be powered by electricity for the first 56 kilometres and then uses gasoline and a power generator to extend its range.

• While you might not look as fashionable drag racing, the Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid models offer around 5.11-6 litres per 100 km after electricity is depleted. The brand’s first hybrid model was launched in 1997 and Toyota says it was the hybrid that started the trend. Experts have praised the car for its practicality.

• If money is not an issue and you have a taste for luxury, the Lexus CT 200h might lure you to the green side. According to Forbes, the car is the lowest price in the Lexus Hybrid range and is number one for fuel economy savings in the hybrid market.

• As for sport utility vehicles many reviewers have pointed to the Ford Escape Hybrid as being among the best options. It offers around 6.5 litres per 100 km, which gives a family a great saving at the petrol station.

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