Talking About Green

Honda Civic Beats 2012 Green Car Competitors

Each year the race is on to create automobiles that are more fuel-efficient and cost-effective than their predecessors, especially with the marketplace for green cars growing as consumers look for ways to save money while reducing their carbon footprint.  And the Green Car Journal has chronicled the advancement of this eco-friendly undertaking since 2005 by bestowing the title of Green Car of the Year on the vehicle that best embodies what it means to be an environmentally responsible driver in an era of global warming.  The competition was stiff, but the Honda Civic Natural Gas won the award, beating out a heavyweight lineup that included the Ford Focus Electric, the Mitsubishi i-Miev, the Toyota Prius v, and the Volkswagen Passat TDI (diesel).  Thanks to a prestigious panel of judges (including Carroll Shelby, Carl Pope, Frances Bienecke, and even Jay Leno) the Honda took home the prize.  And here are some of the features that helped this green car to win.

1. Alternative fuel.  The Honda Civic hybrid has been in production for nearly a decade now, but the inclusion of a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine seems to have made all the difference.  This source of fuel is notably greener than regular gasoline in that it reduces carbon emissions by up to 20%.  That may not sound significant, but when paired with a partially electric engine it just increases a driver’s ability to do his/her part for cleaner air, lower emissions, and a planet that is habitable for future generations.
2. Cost.  Honda has long been associated with cars that are just as friendly for the wallet as they are for the environment, and this little number is no exception.  With a price point that starts around $26,000, it is fairly affordable (especially when stacked up against green competitors).  But drivers of this eco-friendly vehicle will also pay less at the pump, thanks to fuel prices that generally run about a third less than the standard fare.
3. Domestic support.  Most Americans have a tough time buying American products for two reasons.  First, they tend to be more expensive than imports (strange, but true).  And second, it can be difficult to find made-in-America options.  Not so with the Honda Civic.  Not only is it a car that is manufactured in the United States, but the natural gas fuel that it runs on is found in abundance in America, making it a home-grown product that continues to support local businesses.
4. Range.  While fully electric vehicles may beat the Civic in terms of environmental friendliness, the practicality of a vehicle cannot be overlooked, and many electric cars simply can’t compete with hybrids.  The Civic, for its part, offers an estimated range of 240 miles on a full tank, which means it can go about 2 ½ times the distance of even the best of its electric brethren.
5. Industry-leading advances.  The Green Car Journal has made it their mission to “showcase environmental progress in the auto industry”.  To that end they are seeking eco-friendly automobiles that are both progressive and practical.  While they didn’t exactly perform an auto insurance comparison, check registration fees, or look into maintenance costs, they did choose a vehicle that is functional and affordable for most drivers while offering eco-friendly incentives that go above and beyond industry standards.  That’s why it was chosen over the competition as the Green Car of the Year for 2012.