Next Green Car today announces the winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2013, the most scientifically-based Green Car Awards in the UK.
Next Green Car has made awards across eight vehicle categories including the ‘Next Generation’ Award, which includes new technology models close to market launch.
The eight winners are selected from shortlists of 26 of the UK’s greenest new cars of 2013, all selected for their environmental Green Car Rating (GCR), level of innovation, value, drive experience and design.
As noted by Dr. Ben Lane, Managing Editor of Next Green Car “The 2013 winners reflect two key elements underlying current green car development: drive-train electrification and continuing improvements in fuel efficiency.
“While all the winners are highly distinctive in the innovations they employ, they all excel at using new technologies to enhance the driver experience.”
The winners of the Next Car Awards 2013 are as follows:
Supermini Award 2013
WINNER: BMW i3 electric – CO2: 0 g/km – GCR: 23 (11)*
NGC verdict: “The BMW i3 is set to change what we expect and demand of an electric urban vehicle; one that maximises electrification, connectivity, quality and driving performance.”
Commended: Renault Clio 1.5 dCi Start-Stop – CO2: 83g/km – GCR: 25
Small Family Award 2013
WINNER: Nissan LEAF electric [2013] – CO2: 0 g/km – GCR: 26 (13)*
NGC verdict: “A high quality family electric vehicle, the new LEAF offers best-in-class range and versatility. With multiple buying options, it’s never been so easy to own an electric car.”
Commended: Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion – CO2: 85 g/km – GCR: 27
Large Family Award 2013
WINNER: Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – CO2: 49 g/km – GCR: 43 (TBC)*
NGC verdict: “Ticks all the boxes for a high quality, well-built, efficient family car for the here and now; but more importantly also looks to the future with its innovation and vision.”
Commended: Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI – CO2: 99g/km – GCR: 29
Family Estate Award 2013
WINNER: Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.6 TDI BlueMotion – CO2: 87 g/km – GCR: TBC
NGC Verdict: “The first full BlueMotion VW Golf Estate with all the technological innovation that the brand embodies delivers fantastic fuel economy and a superior drive experience.”
Commended: Toyota Auris Touring Sports Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i – CO2: 85 g/km – GCR: 29
MPV Award 2013
WINNER: Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 e-HDi – CO2: 98 g/km – GCR: 32
NGC verdict: “The new Citroen C4 Picasso not only offers families an attractive, responsive, economical compact MPV but also should be congratulated for being the first conventionally-powered MPV to break through the 100 gCO2/km barrier with the resultant efficiencies.”
Commended: Nissan Note 1.2 DiG-S – CO2: 99 g/km – GCR: 29
Crossover Award 2013
WINNER: Captur 1.5 dCi Start-Stop – CO2: 95 g/km – GCR: 28
NGC verdict: “Style-conscious, economical to run and affordable with excellent green credentials, the Captur is set to be the next big thing in the world of urban crossovers.”
Commended: Peugeot 2008 1.6 e-HDi Start-Stop – CO2: 98 g/km – GCR: 30
Executive Award 2013
WINNER: Tesla Model S electric – CO2: 0 g/km – GCR: 31 (16)*
NGC verdict: “The pin-up of the electric vehicle world, the Tesla Model S combines a ladle-full of executive gadgeted luxury with a futuristic electric driving experience.”
Commended: Lexus IS 300h Hybrid – CO2: 99 g/km – NGC Rating: 33
Next Generation Award 2013
WINNER:Volkswagen e-Up! Electric – CO2: 0 g/km – GCR: 20 (10)*
NGC verdict: “A high quality but affordable electric city car, the all new e-Up! offers compact comfort with zero emissions. With VW’s brand and backing, the e-Up! could be the catalyst for a step-change in urban electric car adoption.”
Commended: Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid – CO2: 35 g/km – GCR
Several manufacturers have already responded to receiving their 2013 Awards:
City-car Winner: BMW i3
“We believe the BMW i3 is a real game changing vehicle because it has been born electric. Being designed from the ground up to be an electric vehicle has resulted in a number of benefits in terms of weight, packaging, range, emissions and driving dynamics. We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious honour as it is the first UK award that recognises the significance of the BMW i3 and its 360 degree electric ownership package for a holistic mobility solution.” Suzanne Gray, General Manager BMW i
Small Family Winner: Nissan LEAF (2013)
“Nissan continues to be the driving force in the electric vehicle market, and we are delighted that the Nissan LEAF has been recognised as a viable and cost-effective option for the motorist by the Next Green Car Awards.
“This year we launched the next-generation LEAF which is built right here in the UK and is jam-packed with more than 100 improvements on the previous model including increased range and quicker charging times. We are enormously proud that the LEAF reigns as the best-selling EV of all time and even prouder of the role it is playing in establishing all-electric driving in the mass market.” Jim Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB.
Large Family Winner: Volvo V60 Plug-in hybrid
“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this Next Green Car Award on behalf of the V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid. It is further recognition of how Volvo is combining technology, design and engineering across all of its cars to drive down emissions without sacrificing luxury, comfort or equipment.” Nick Connor, Managing Director, Volvo Car UK
MPV Winner: Citroen C4 Picasso
“We are very pleased to receive this award for the New C4 Picasso so soon after its UK Launch. It highlights brilliantly the green credentials this car brings to our customers. The Next Green Car Awards not only acknowledge the ultra-low 98g/km of CO2 and outstanding fuel economy, but also how this is a stylish and spacious family vehicle packed with all of the brands latest creative technology.” Marc Raven Citroën Communications Director.
Crossover Winner: Renault Captur
“Captur is not just great to look at, well equipped and attractively priced versus the competition; this award also proves it has the best eco-credentials in terms of low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Customers want economical and efficient cars now more than ever, and the Captur delivers on every front. The trophy is a great way to celebrate its arrival to the UK and underlines Renault’s commitment to producing a class-leading range of ‘green’ vehicles by making it three wins in as many years at the Next Green Car Awards.” Phil York, Renault UK Marketing Director
Family Estate and Next Gen Winner: VW Golf Estate TDI BlueMotion and e-Up!
‘We’re delighted to receive these awards, which recognise the breadth of Volkswagen’s product range. Whether customers want a zero-emissions electric vehicle or a capacious yet frugal family estate, our vehicles show that going green doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, safety or practicality.’ Simon Lynch, Volkswagen Product Marketing Manager
