The 2014 “Green Car of the Year” finalists have been announced ahead of the L.A. Auto Show and the BMW i3 is among the final candidates.
The other finalists are the Audi A3 TDI, Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel, Honda Fit hatchback and Volkswagen Golf.
Here is a closer look at the cars:
BMW i3
The i3′s electric drive-train generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and peak torque of 250 Newton meters, which is immediately available from a standing start. The BMW i3 sprints from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.7 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 150 km/h for efficiency reasons.
The US EPA says the i3 has a range of 81 miles with a combined MPGe of 124 (138 MPGe City, 111 MPGe Highway).
Audi A3 TDI
Audi’s all-new A3 TDI presents an exciting choice for those looking to go upscale and ‘green,’ appearing for the first time as a stylish four-door sedan featuring the automaker’s new fuel-efficient, 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel power plant with a 150-horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels.
Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel
The vehicle is available only with a 3.6L hardened engine with hardened valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with the CNG fuel system. The CNG tank mounted in the trunk has the equivalent capacity of 7.8 gallons of gasoline, which is expected to offer approximately 150 city miles of range on compressed natural gas based on GM testing.
Honda Fit
The fit features a 1.5-liter inline-four which includes direct-injection and increased compression ratio. It’s rated at 130 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. The EPA rating the Fit LX with CVT at 33/41 mpg city/highway.
Volkswagen Golf
Under the hood of the latest Golf, VW placed a 1.8 liter inline-four engine producing 170 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The Golf now achieves 26 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway.
