Most popular transport reviews from the last 30 days
Smart Ed Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This is one small step for 'smart', but one hell of a giant leap for electric cars in the UK. What makes the 'ed' so special is that, unlike its rivals the G-Wiz and Mega City, there are no compromises on performance or quality. Its speed matches and beats many petrol cars this size, plus the interior and fittings are of the same great quality in the standard, non-electric smart fortwo. Sure, the boot's tiny, but the only real black cloud here is the parent company's track record on cutting CO2 emissions across its range.
Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Review
SmartPlanet judgement: The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is sporty yet sturdy and great value for money, though a lack of space means you'll probably have to leave the dog and kids at home. Everything else is great, though -- from VW's ethics as a company to the surprisingly affordable price.
Honda Civic Hybrid Review
SmartPlanet judgement: If only this one drove as smoothly as the Prius… Well actually we're willing to overlook that, because the Honda Civic Hybrid saves us precious fuel and money upfront, all the while releasing less nastiness into the atmosphere.
Toyota Prius T Spirit Hybrid 1.5 VVT-i 5 Door Review
SmartPlanet judgement: For all the buzz that the Prius has created over the past several years, we must say, it has earned its stripes. On top of the combination electric motor, battery and engine, which saves fuel and makes the drive more efficient, the Prius can hold five adults comfortably -- honest -- and a load in the boot. We do object to the bad rear-view vision, however.
Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter Review
SmartPlanet judgement: The Vectrix Maxi-Scooter is the first really viable electric scooter to hit the market. It's as practical as any two-wheeler out there, and you can't argue with the economics or the environmentally friendliness of it once you've bitten the bullet and coughed up the asking price. Around London, this is the perfect commuting machine and if you have a relatively short commute, you can save money and the planet.
NICE Mega City Review
SmartPlanet judgement: There are only two fully-electric cars that money can buy in the UK, and this is the one that's most similar to driving a normal petrol car. The interior's decent, the styling's conformist yet attractive, the boot space is massive and the driving experience is easy. But if you're after a nippier and far cheaper drive, we'd recommend you check out Goingreen's eccentric G-Wiz.
GoinGreen Reva G-Wiz AC drive Review
SmartPlanet judgement: We love the fact this pioneering green car is available to buy here and now, and isn't just another concept mock-up on yet another blog -- but it does have some serious shortcomings. Our main gripes are the cramped interior space, the limited range and the safety fears raised by both Top Gear and the Department for Transport. Still, if we had £7K spare, we'd definitely consider buying one for London living.
Lexus RX 400h Review
SmartPlanet judgement: The notion of a green SUV is, rightly, an oxymoron. But if you really must buy a full-size SUV, this is the best choice for fuel economy compared to its peers. You won't be scrimping on quality either, since the combined electric and petrol engines provide for exhilarating acceleration. The fittings and kit inside are surprisingly luxurious for the money too.
SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive Review
SmartPlanet judgement: The best part about this car is definitely the cost -- that is, how much it costs to buy it and how much it costs to drive it. The fuel economy is exemplary for a standard-engined car, which we like because that means fewer emissions and less pollution. If only that didn't mean the Ibiza had to sacrifice on some other elements, like soundproofing and good tyres.
