Green grin

Technology will also dictate the cost(s) of owning a green car.

Most green cars weigh heavier than its counterpart. In the case of hybrids, the car will be carrying batteries as well, resulting in heavier vehicle weight. Case in point -

1,227kg
1,400kg

1,325kg
1,020kg

1,620kg
2,020kg

The market's interest for heavier, more powerful hybrids is slowly eroding the fuel consumption advantage of green technology though.

But still, some green cars are obviously built in the most eco-conscious sense (example: Toyota Prius boosting the best fuel economy in the industry). On the flipside, cars such as the 268bhp Lexus RX 400h are considered "performance hybrids" - getting figures of 8.1 litres/100km as compared to 5 litre/100km from a 275bhp RX 350. Breaking the figures down, the hybrid is still a substantial 38% more efficient - a significant figure in terms of fuel savings in the long run.

Each driver has his unique pattern of driving, coupled with the intensity of usage. If you feel that the premium incurred can be compensated through the cost savings in the long run, then maybe it's time for a switch.

But like many others, we are probably still waiting for the justification of paying more - in the form of better performance specification and also the fun factor in driving something that truly stands out from the crowd...and of course, much cleaner for the environment.

Credits: Story by Peng Ming, pictures from Oneshift.com archive