Toyota Prius
From $37,400 |
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Ford Falcon XT (LPG)
From $35,990 (+$1400 conversion) |
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Peugeot 307 XSE HDi
Touring (diesel) From $34,920 |
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THIS is THE benchmark in environmentally friendly vehicles and guilt free motoring at its best.
Mini facts: 1.5L petrol + electric motor, 57kW @ 5000rpm, 5-door hatch, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), RRP from $37,400, Prius i-Tech (as tested) $46,900.
Pros: Beautifully presented hi-tech vehicle. Greenest of all cars. Unbelievable fuel economy with minimal compromise in performance. Pay per mile fuel usage thanks to battery + engine power plant, plus much more. Sub 5L/100km fuel economy. Dramatically reduced delivery time in recent months.
Cons: High entry cost in comparison to petrol cousins. Subjective styling. Differing speculation on its long-term serviceability on the batteries. Limited boot space. |
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IF YOU need a big solution with no excuses, buy your town taxi. One of the most under-rated options. Why isn’t Ford promoting the heck out of this alternative?
Mini facts: 4.0L E-Gas (dedicated LPG), 156kW@5000rpm, 4-door sedan, 4-speed sequential automatic, RRP ($35,990 + $1,400 conversion).
Pros: Full-size sedan. LPG is still less than half the cost of ULP. Quality and warranty support of factory conversion. $1000 Federal government rebate on new LPG vehicles for private use (ie. final conversion cost = $400).
Cons: Gas tank the spare take up almost half the boot space. Slight reduction in power – may be noticeable while towing etc. |
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EVER popular in Europe, Aussies are starting to embrace fuel efficient and zippy modern diesels. Get use to seeing many more HDi badges.
Mini facts: 2.0L Diesel, 6-speed manual, 5-door hatch, 100kW@4000rpm, RRP $34,290.
Pros: Snappy torque, outstanding fuel efficiency. At 6L/100km, it makes a tough argument – even against the hybrids. Surprisingly ‘good value for money’ European package. Luxuriously appointed interior. Wagon convenience.
Cons: Remember when diesel was the cheaper fuel? Much more metal and space offered by other similar priced vehicles.
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