Green Car Journal has announced the winners of its 2016 Green Car Awards during the Washington Auto Show. Volvo’s new XC90 T8 was distinguished as 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year while Honda’s HR-V earns Green Car Journal’s 2016 Green SUV of the Year.
“These are stand-out vehicles in an increasingly sophisticated and appealing field of ‘green’ cars,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “To make the cut as a finalist is a real achievement in itself considering the considerable competition in the market today. Rising to the top as award winners means these three exceptional vehicles set a benchmark in the auto industry’s effort to create vehicles that are desirable and efficient, while also achieving environmental milestones so important for our driving future.”
Volvo’s all-new XC90 T8, the industry’s first 7 passenger plug-in hybrid SUV competes with a number of German and Japanese luxury models in this category. Finalists for the 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year also included the BMW X5 xDrive40e, Lexus RX 450h, Mercedes-Benz C350e, and Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
The Volvo XC90 T8 uses a 2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine with a rear axle electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. This enables 30km of electric driving with additional range on hybrid power.
Meanwhile, the stylish and efficient Honda HR-V compact crossover stole the judge’s heart with its overall fuel efficiency from its 141 horsepower, 1.8-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. Apart from that, Honda’s fold-flat, second row ‘Magic Seat’ provides versatility and interior volume that rivals that of some midsize SUVs. Along with the HR-V, 2016 Green SUV of the Year finalists included the BMW X1 xDrive 28i, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Chevrolet’s all-new Malibu Hybrid on the other hand, was the winner of the 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year award. It features an efficient hybrid powertrain derived from the latest generation Chevy Volt that delivers an estimated 6L/100km combined. It’s packed with technology like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning/lane keep assist, forward collision alert, and a safety-focused Teen Driver feature. Vying for 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year were finalists Audi A3 e-tron, BMW 330e, Toyota Prius, and Volvo XC90 T8.
Along with focusing on exceptional ‘green’ credentials, the 2016 Green Car Awards jury weighs traditional touchstones like safety, quality, functionality, performance, and value. Also considered are availability and, when appropriate, affordability to ensure that models are accessible to a wide range of buyers, thus allowing meaningful emissions reduction and decreased environmental impact. New models and those in the earlier stages of their model lifecycle are emphasized to encourage continuing environmental improvement.
