Green Scene
CanadianDriver's Green Scene is your source for everything green in today's automotive scene: hybrids, alternative fuels, car reviews, technology, features and more. Scroll down to see our most recent articles, or select a subject from the menu below.
While the new Lexus HS250h entry-level luxury sedan is technologically-advanced and “ticks off all the ecologically-friendly check-marks”, Editor-in-chief Greg Wilson wonders if it offers enough “style and refinement” to lure buyers away from non-hybrid luxury cars.
The redesigned 2010 Lexus RX 450h is more powerful than its predecessor, but returns better fuel mileage, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who finds it comfortable and elegant. It “nails the definition of a luxury hybrid SUV,” she says.
The Brabus package adds an extra hit of style, greatly improved handling and $3,650 to the bottom line of the Smart Fortwo, reports contributor Peter Bleakney. “The Brabus Fortwo is actually fun to toss into the corners,” he says.
Other than some trunk space, you don’t have to give up much to get the superior fuel consumption of the Camry Hybrid, says Senior Editor, Paul Williams. It’s spacious, comfortable and well priced starting at just over $30,000, well equipped.
The Touareg TDI’s torquey diesel engine provides outstanding pulling power, thrifty fuel consumption and a long driving range, reports contributor, Bob McHugh. You will be impressed with the new TDI’s overall performance and quietness, says McHugh.
Bob McHugh drives a prototype of what may be the first fully electric, mass-produced electric car sold in Canada. Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV performs well in city traffic, but its 120-km range “is akin to a quarter-tank of gas,” he says.
The all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid combines the roominess and comfort of a mid-size sedan with fuel economy of a subcompact car, but like other hybrids on the market, there’s a price premium to be paid, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.
If you love torque, you’ll love the BMW 335d, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who’s impressed with 425 lb-ft from the 3.0-litre diesel engine. It’s also quiet, gets good mileage, and is wrapped in a car that’s designed for drivers.
The new BMW X5 diesel beats the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 Bluetec and Audi’s Q7 TDI in power and fuel consumption ratings, but its suspension “is definitely on the firm side of comfortable,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
Though its cabin design resembles that of other Hondas, the Insight’s instrument panel includes unique fuel economy feedback and reward displays to encourage economical driving, reports reviewer Michael Clark. And its hatchback bodystyle provides plenty of cargo space, he says.
The all-new 2009 diesel Volkswagen Touareg boasts a “truly fine engine,” reports Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, with good performance and 1,200-plus km to a tank. It’s a new Clean Diesel, part of VW’s blanket BlueMotion Technologies that’s debuting in Canada.
Starting at under $25,000, the all-new Honda Insight hybrid is a relatively affordable and practical compact hatchback with better driving dynamics than most hybrids, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. Real-world fuel economy doesn’t match manufacturer’s figures, but is still thrifty, he says.
2010 Toyota Prius The poster car for all hybrids, the Toyota Prius has been given a complete makeover and will arrive here mid-year, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. “Toyota is certainly trying hard to keep the Prius ahead of the pack,” he says.
First-Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrids A full-size pickup truck rated at better mileage than some four-cylinder compacts? The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is, says Managing Editor Grant Yoxon, and it’ll tow and haul like a regular model, although its higher price may deter many buyers.
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD More power and improved driveability are the major changes to the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. Fuel economy is “excellent for a compact SUV”.. “but there is a quite a price premium to be paid for the Hybrid.”
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
With its sophisticated two-mode hybrid system, the Escalade Hybrid gets better fuel economy than a regular Escalade - but with a base price of over $94,000, that’s probably not the main reason customers will buy it.
The poster car for all hybrids, the Toyota Prius has been given a complete makeover and will arrive here mid-year, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. “Toyota is certainly trying hard to keep the Prius ahead of the pack,” he says. 
A full-size pickup truck rated at better mileage than some four-cylinder compacts? The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is, says Managing Editor Grant Yoxon, and it’ll tow and haul like a regular model, although its higher price may deter many buyers. 
More power and improved driveability are the major changes to the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. Fuel economy is “excellent for a compact SUV”.. “but there is a quite a price premium to be paid for the Hybrid.” 
With its sophisticated two-mode hybrid system, the Escalade Hybrid gets better fuel economy than a regular Escalade - but with a base price of over $94,000, that’s probably not the main reason customers will buy it. 