With economical vehicles becoming more and more popular every day, we’ve devised our top 10 green cars of 2010.

Low CO2 emissions and no car tax bills make green cars a popular option but what are the top models?

There’s no doubt about it; green vehicles are becoming more and more popular every day and it’s easy to see why. Major incentives such as a reduced carbon footprint, low CO2 emissions, no car tax bills and exemption from the London congestion charge are just a few of the incentives thought to have been behind the mass demand for green vehicles in 2010.

While 5 years ago you’d have struggled to find a selection of models which could have been classed as “economical”, the market today is very different. New hybrids, green vehicles and electric vehicles seem to be popping up at every corner and the eco-concious driver has never had so much choice.

In fact, there are so many economical models on the current market that it’s easy for drivers to get confused about what exactly it is they’re getting for their money. To help out, we’ve devised our top 10 green cars of 2010. To make it easier, we’ve listed them in order of their emissions, starting with the most economical vehicle at number 1.

1. Smart Fortwo cdi: This smart two-seater flies into the top 10 with an emission count of just 86g/km. The cute model features a tiny 800cc cdi engine and boasts the best emission count of any car on the current market. Styled for city driver, this economical Smart Fortwo cdi is sure to suit even the most eco-concious driver.

2. Toyota Prius T3: The Toyota Prius might have been on the market for a decade already but it’s still a high flyer in the green car stakes. Boasting low emissions of just 89g/km, the Toyota Prius T3 features a 1.8 litre petrol engine and an electric motor. Capable of driving for up to 2 miles at 31 mph on zero emissions electric power, the Toyota Prius is a definite must-have for any green driver.

3. Toyota Auris Hybrid: The second offering from Japanese car manufacturer to feature in our top 10 is the Toyota Auris Hybrid. Manufactured in the UK, the Toyota Auris Hybrid emits a mere 89g/km. The Auris Hybrid shares the same Hybrid Synergy Drive System as the Prius and is capable of 74.3mpg. Popular with families of all sizes, the Toyota Auris Hybrid proves family hatchbacks don’t have to be dull.

4.Skoda Fabia Greenline II: The second generation Skoda Fabia Greenline II is another vehicle which boasts just 89g/km. Featuring a 1.2 TDI common-rail injection engine, the Skoda Fabia Greenline II incorporates a revolutionary stop-start system which cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary to save fuel. The model also features a clever energy recuperation system and low rolling resistance tyres which reduce the amount of work needed from the engine to make the car move.

5. VW Polo Bluemotion: The VW Polo Bluemotion is highly popular with green drivers everywhere thanks to its carbon emission credentials of just 91g/km. Featuring aerodynamic bodywork, lighter wheels and a 1.2 litre 3 cylinder diesel engine, the VW Polo Bluemotion is capable of soaring from 0-60mph in 14.6 seconds. Perfect for the chop and change that comes with city driving, the VW Polo Bluemotion is  a popular lease vehicle for both families and businesses alike.

6. Seat Ibiza Ecomotive: Coming in just below the VW Polo Bluemotion, the Seat Ibiza Ecomotive emits just 92g/km and boasts amazing fuel economy of 80.7mpg. Both of these impressive figures are achieved by the Ecomotive’s 1.2 litre 3 cylinder which produces 74bhp. Like the Skoda Fabia Greenline II, the Ecomotive features stop-start technology for maximum fuel efficiency and also features an aerodynamic bodykit.

7. Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95: Vauxhall‘s latest Corsa offering boasts an impressive 98g/km of CO2 and 94bhp 1.3 diesel engine. The ever popular supermini has won new fans with its relaunch earlier this year thanks to impressive green credentials like an average economy of 76.3mpg. Stylish and functional, the Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95 is almost certain to rank in next year’s top 10.

8. Ford Fiesta Econetic: One of the most popular cars of 2010, the Ford Fiesta Econetic races it at number 8 with an emission count of just 98g/km. A powerful 1.6 litre TDCi engine means the Ford Fiesta Econetic average out at around 76.3mpg and produces 94bhp. High scoring in many of the green credential stakes, the Ford Fiesta Econetic is one of the most popular green cars on the market.

9. Renault Clio: You might be surprised to see the Renault Clio in the top 10 but the figures speak for themselves. Just like the Corsa and the Fiesta, the Clio emits just 98g/km but is part of the conventional Clio range so boasts an extremely reasonable price tag. The economical Clio features a 1.5 litre dCi engine and and impressive green figure of 85.6mpg. A firm favourite with families of all ages, the Renault Clio is one of the most understated competitors on the green car market.

10. Lexus RX 450h: The only car to feature on our top 10 list which emits more than 100g/km is the Lexus RX 450h. The Lexus RX 450h emits 148g/km which isn’t bad for a new hybrid crossover with a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine and 2 electric motors. Stylish leather seats and all the finishing touches you’d expect from Lexus make the RX 450h a great choice for anyone looking for a greener alternative to a traditional 4×4.

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