2016 Green Car Of The Year Award Finalists Revealed

The 5 finalists for the 2016 Green Car of the Year award were recently announced by the Green Car Journal, bringing the unveiling of the prestigious award one step closer.

This year’s finalists are: the Audi A3 e-tron, the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Sonata, and the Toyota Prius.

It’s worth noting here that the number of vehicles up for consideration for the award has been increasing quite rapidly over the last few years, as the number of “green” cars has surged.

“This is the strongest field of finalists we’ve seen in our annual Green Car of the Year program,” stated Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “Each of the 5 nominees makes a strong environmental statement in distinctly different ways, with a common strategy of recognizing what’s most important to today’s drivers. Their use of wide-ranging power train technologies underscores that all approaches are essential to achieving important environmental goals.”

Here’s some more information on the finalists:

• AUDI A3 E-TRON — The A3 Sportback e-tron is Audi’s entry in the hot plug-in hybrid vehicle market. This five-door hatchback uses lithium-ion batteries and a 102 hp electric motor to deliver up to 19 miles of all-electric driving, after which its 150 hp, 1.4-liter gasoline TFSI engine provides power for extended driving in efficient hybrid mode.
• CHEVROLET VOLT — Chevrolet’s second generation Volt features sportier styling, better performance, and a lighter and more powerful two-motor drive system. The five-passenger, extended range electric now drives up to 53 miles on batteries alone, with its 1.5-liter gasoline powered generator creating on-board electricity to deliver an overall 420 mile range.
• HONDA CIVIC — Now in its tenth generation, the all-new Honda Civic delivers exemplary fuel efficiency in an affordable, conventionally-powered model. The Civic thoughtfully blends hybrid-like fuel economy and appealing style, with an array of desired amenities and advanced electronics that meets the needs of a great many drivers.
• HYUNDAI SONATA — Hyundai’s stylish 2016 Sonata offers it all with efficient gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices within the Sonata lineup. New this year, the hybrid delivers up to 43 highway mpg and features distinctive styling cues. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid drives up to 24 miles on batteries with additional range on conventional hybrid power.
• TOYOTA PRIUS — The venerable Toyota Prius emerges in 2016 a completely redesigned model, faithfully delivering the attributes expected of an industry-leading hybrid with important design, technology, and efficiency updates. It features a familiar yet bolder exterior and incorporates suspension and other improvements to deliver improved driving dynamics.

The jury that’ll make a final decision on a winner amongst these finalists includes: Jay Leno; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, board member of Global Green USA; Dr Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.