Finalists for the annual Green Car of the Year award have been announced. The Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI all made the cut.
The Volkswagen Jetta TDi won last year, so we can't help but think the Audi and Golf have a slim chance of taking home the prize this year. And given that the Ford Fusion didn't win last year, it seems unlikely that the Mercury Milan stands much of a chance either.
So that pretty leaves the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. Got any guesses which one will win?
Comparison Test: 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius
arolland says:
10:41 AM, 10/ 7/09
"Comparison Test" link is dead. :(
tra2883 says:
02:07 PM, 10/ 7/09
The Prius probably has more advanced green technology than the Insight, though there's something to be said for the Insight's lower price, making it more obtainable for more customers... I'm not sure if the $2-3K price savings is enough to make up for that. I'd bet the award goes to the Prius.
efinils2 says:
05:49 PM, 10/ 7/09
I hope they see how the diesels are much easier to manufacture, and how close the average MPG are when compared to the hybrids to give them a shot, especially the Golf.
moparbad says:
08:17 PM, 10/ 7/09
It's a good group. Prius has the best mpg and lowest emissions. VW and Audi have the best handling and nicest interiors.
I'd guess the Prius will win.
zoomzoomn says:
04:54 AM, 10/ 8/09
Just imagine if someone would build a clean diesel hybrid! Anyway, I don't know about anyone else, but the Insight was a bit of a let down for me. It's not much more than the current Civic hybrid's drivetrain in a swoopy, Prius-esque body. A smaller one at that. Add to that an interior that looks like it was designed by a fifth grader! I expect more from Honda.
eldaino2 says:
10:34 AM, 10/31/09
the only thing that 'let me down' about the insight is the fact that the numbers dont support its 'more fun to drive' feeling it imparts. i would rather honda stop underdamping their cars and putting such skinny tires on em. i understand that a slightly bigger tire impedes gas mileage...but maybe a slightly bigger engine wouldn't feel as stressed as the 1.3 unit and would hence do better in that regard.
regardless though, the insights price point is very attractive, and emparts what i techincally belive to be a 'greener' overall persona, than a 25-29k prius does, regardless of being a car that offers more in way of anemities.