Green Car Journal has named its five finalists for the 2014 “Green Car of the Year” award in advance of the LA Auto Show, where it will name the winner in late November.
Nominees for the 2014 car-of-the-year award are the Audi A6 TDI, BMW 328d, Honda Accord, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla. These five finalists are also honored as the Journal’s “Top 5 Green Cars for 2014″ and earn the magazine’s “Green Car Product of Excellence” honors.
The magazine will announce the top award winner during the auto show’s press days, Nov. 20-21.
“An increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year program each year,” said the magazine in naming the nominees. “[It is] a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact.”
“Whereas previously the field has been dominated by hybrids and electric cars, the selections this year reflect the auto industry’s focus on improving the performance of internal combustion engines,” wrote Jerry Hirsch, who covers the automotive industry for the Los Angeles Times.
Following are abbreviated Green Car Journal descriptions of the finalists for this year’s award:
Audi A6 TDI – The car blends excellent “green” credentials with unexpected levels of performance in a high-efficiency vehicle.
BMW 328d – With the first BMW diesel engine in the United States, the new 328d combines exceptionally high fuel efficiency with the performance expected of BMW models.
Honda Accord – The car offers an array of efficient power plant choices including four-cylinder (36 mpg), V-6 (34 mpg), hybrid (47 mpg), and plug-in hybrid versions (46 mpg).
Mazda3 – The automaker’s best-selling model worldwide is lighter, more efficient and packed with advanced electronics. It also features an appealing new design.
Toyota Corolla – The Corolla has been a best-seller due to its blend of efficiency and affordability. The all-new model adds visual excitement, improved driving dynamics and even greater efficiency.
Fuel economy for the finalists ranges from 34 mpg to 50 mpg highway, the magazine reported.
“The diversity of this field of finalists illustrates not only that ‘green’ has gone mainstream, but also that there is no single approach to achieving ever higher levels of fuel efficiency and environmental performance,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com.
“There’s something for everyone in this year’s field of finalists, including clean diesel, high efficiency gasoline, and hybrid/plug-in hybrid power featured in mainstream, sporty, and executive models.”
The Mazda3 and Corolla both appeared recently on our blog about “bargain” 2014 models.
Besides Green Car Journal editors, car-of-the-year jurors include auto enthusiast and Tonight Show host Jay Leno, plus leaders of the nation’s major environmental organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau of the Ocean Futures Society; Natural Resources Defense Council; Sierra Club, and Global Green USA.
Green Car Journal has been announcing the Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show since 2005.
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