All fuel-powered cars produce emissions directly from their exhausts.
Reducing those emissions can help improve air quality and lessen your impact on the climate. Here are our 10 favourite low-emission cars – all available to buy as nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Every car on this list can be driven in any UK city that has a clean-air zone (CAZ) for free. Plus, they can all enter London's ULEZ area without payment. We've chosen petrol and self-charging hybrids, so these cars hit these numbers without the assistance of a plug-in-hybrid setup.
Audi A1 – 107g/km CO2
Low emissions doesn't have to mean low rent. You can minimise the impact you have on the environment while still enjoying the premium brand appeal of an Audi badge. The A1 shares its platform with the Volkswagen Polo, but it misses out on that car's entry-level engines and options. Instead, you get a zippy turbocharged engine under the A1's bonnet but, thanks to the car's low weight, CO2 emissions are still comfortably under 110g/km. Like most Audis, the A1 has a massive screen in its dash and the simple software makes it easy to use.
Check out used Audi A1 cars or read our Audi A1 review
Mazda 3 – 126g/km CO2
Usually, when looking for the lowest-emitting model in a car's lineup, you'll find the smallest, least powerful engines are the cleanest. That's not the case for the Mazda 3, however, because its upgraded 186hp Skyactiv-X engine uses clever ignition technology to produce even less carbon emissions than the slower 140hp engine. Unlike so many rivals, the Mazda makes its power without the aid of turbochargers. That means you have to work the car a little harder than its boosted rivals to access the performance, but it's more satisfying when you do.
See used Mazda 3 cars or read our Mazda 3 review
Lexus LBX – 102g/km CO2
The LBX's recipe is similar to other Lexus models – start with a proven, efficient hybrid platform from Toyota, then drape it in luxurious bodywork and a sumptuous cabin. In this case, the LBX's running gear is borrowed from the Toyota Yaris Cross, but the plush upholstery, soft suspension and hushed refinement all help elevate the experience. It's just as easy as the Yaris Cross to drive thanks to the responsive self-charging hybrid engine, but you get a small boost to 130hp helping motorway slip roads feel less demanding.
Take a look at used Lexus LBX cars or read our Lexus LBX review
Renault Captur – 103g/km CO2
Even entry-level versions of the Renault Captur are impressively efficient, so you don't need to step up to one of the electrified versions to clean up your act. Nevertheless, you should still consider Renault's E-Tech Hybrid 145 engine thanks to its excellent efficiency, zippy off-the-line performance and tiny carbon footprint. This second-generation Captur is substantially improved compared to the car it replaces, too. There's good passenger space, aided by sliding rear seats, and a neat dashboard all focused around a slick, easy-to-use touchscreen.
View used Renault Captur cars or read our full Renault Captur review
BMW 1 Series – 121g/km CO2
The BMW 1 Series is the smallest car the brand makes. Thanks to sharing hardware with Mini models, it has all the handling and performance you'd expect from a car with a BMW badge. The most recent version might've ditched the low-CO2 diesel engines if its predecessor, but its punchy petrol engine only emits 121g/km. Not only is the 120 model fairly quick, completing the 0-62mph sprint in less than eight seconds, but it's refined too, so you'll barely hear a peep if you're just cruising around.
Browse used BMW 1 Series cars or read our full BMW 1 Series review
MG3 – 100g/km CO2
Older MG3s were a bit forgettable, but the latest version is dramatically improved. It's available with a 1.5-litre self-charging 'Hybrid+' engine that generates a respectable 194hp – noticeably more than the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris it competes with. Despite the zippy acceleration, it still only emits 100g/km of CO2, which is a lot less than the entry-level petrol MG3. On-board tech and build quality are both massively ahead of previous MG3s too, and practicality is respectable among rival small hatchbacks.
Browse used MG3 cars or read our MG3 review
Skoda Fabia – 104g/km CO2
Like the A1 above, the Skoda Fabia starts with the VW Polo's chassis but ramps up the 'Skoda-ness'. In this case, the Czech company has somehow made the car even more practical, with a bigger boot and more rear-seat space than the Polo, while keeping the over dimensions roughly the same. To keep your carbon emissions under control, you'll be looking at the Fabia's non-turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine. This 80hp unit isn't exactly powerful but it'll still carry the Fabia to motorway speeds without too many complaints.
Shop used Skoda Fabia cars or read our Skoda Fabia review
Suzuki Swift – 99g/km CO2
The Suzuki Swift is a likeable little car because it gets so many basics right. It's sensibly priced, well equipped, easy to use and durable – a fact backed up by Suzuki's 10-year service-activated warranty. All models get climate control, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera, plus smartphone integration for the infotainment system. There's just one engine – a 1.0-litre petrol with a small mild-hybrid boost. It's a bit sluggish, making the car's name seem somewhat ironic, but its 99g/km CO2 output makes it one of the cleanest models on the road.
See a choice of used Suzuki Swift cars or read our Suzuki Swift review
Toyota Yaris – 92g/km CO2
With such an illustrious history building hybrid cars, many Toyota models could've taken this spot. We've chosen the Toyota Yaris, however, because it squeezes all the company's clever electrified technology into a tiny city-friendly hatchback. Equipped with the 1.5-litre hybrid engine, the Yaris is smooth and easy to drive thanks to the responsive electric motor and fuss-free standard automatic gearbox. The most recent model injects a dose of style into the mix too, with a neat, well-made cabin inside and curvy, eye-catching styling on the outside.
Browse used Toyota Yaris cars for sale or see our Toyota Yaris review
Volkswagen T-Roc – 111g/km CO2
Family buyers would've flocked to the Golf in the past, they're now more likely to look at the Volkswagen T-Roc compact SUV. They'll have little to complain about too, because the T-Roc has all the reassuring build quality and on-board technology you'd expect from a VW in a desirable small SUV package. Most of the T-Roc's smaller engines have low exhaust emissions but the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine would be our pick. This unit has enough grunt for motorway driving but a tiny appetite for fuel so you can go many miles between refills.
Check out used Volkswagen T-Roc cars or read our Volkswagen T-Roc review
Cut your carbon footprint with a nearly new car
If it's time to get rid if your old smoker, take a look at Motorpoint's great selection of nearly new and used cars. All with the latest engine technology to keep your emissions under control. Or, to really clean up your act, check out our wide range of nearly new electric cars.
