10 low emission cars to consider in 2020

10 low emission cars to consider in 2020

2020 is a year for change for many of us. Perhaps you're looking to lower your fuel costs, or really want to make a conscious effort to drive something a bit more environmentally friendly.

Alongside the obvious electric contenders, we’ve put together a list of some of the best options of cars to lease with lower emissions. As of writing (Jan 2020) all of these cars produced 100 g/km of CO2 or less, but more than that, they are also great cars to drive full stop. There are increasing financial incentives to driving low emission cars, not least in the most recent changes to company car tax.

Here’s our 10 low emissions car to consider in 2020:

Toyota Prius

Let’s start things off with the OG. The Prius has been around since 1997 (the same amount of time as our Pricing Analyst, Sam) and continues to be a favourite for many. Toyota has a pretty stellar lineup across the whole fleet when it comes to providing low emission cars, and with maximum emissions of 84 g/km, any Prius you go for would be a great way to reduce emissions. If you’re a company car driver it’ll also be a great way to lower the BIK you’re paying.

Our Pick: 1.8 VVT-h 122 Business Edition Plus 5Dr CVT
C02 Emissions: 75 g/km

See our latest Toyota Prius lease deals here.

Peugeot 208

The all-new Peugeot e-208 really hits the nail on the head when it comes to boasting a lineup of lower emission vehicles. Even the highest powered of the lot only just escapes our list with a minimal 103 g/km. All of the other models range between 85-99 g/km or, go full hog for zero and go for a fully electric option.

Our Pick: 1.2L PureTech 100 S&S 6-speed manual Allure
CO2 Emissions: 97 g/km

See our latest Peugeot lease deals here.

Nissan Leaf

The leaf is one of the most popular models we lease, and for good reason. Depending on which model you go for, you can travel up to 239 miles on a charge. It’s also a great size and has some great technology inside.

Our Pick: N-CONNECTA
C02 Emissions: 0 g/km

See our latest Nissan Leaf deals here.

Kia Ceed Hatch

The Ceed can sometimes be overlooked next to front runners like the VW Golf or Ford Focus (both also great options), but it needn’t be. The Ceed is a lower cost alternative that still has plenty of kit, and the model line-up is as easy to get your head around as 1,2,3 - and it's the car of choice for our Leasing Expert, Josh! It tops out our list with 100 g/km if you go for its entry-level diesel.

Our Pick: 1.6 CRDi 114 2 5Dr Manual
CO2 Emissions: 100g/km

See our latest Kia Ceed lease deals here.

Renault Clio

This new Clio is one of the most stylish hatchbacks on the market in 2020, and Renault is finally catching up with competitors in terms of technological developments inside. Whilst not quite as rapid as options available with the Ford EcoBoost, it’s certainly a car that looks great, and feels great to drive. There’s a 100bhp petrol engine that produce 99 g/km or if diesel is your preference, you can go for the dCi 85.

Our Pick: TCe 100 
CO2 Emissions: 99 g/km

See our latest Renault Clio lease deals here.

Tesla Model 3

The model 3 is the most ‘affordable’ of the Tesla lineup, but that doesn’t mean it has compromised on performance or quality. The Model 3 is minimalist to the extreme, and everything is controlled by a massively impressive (and just plain massive) 15-inch touchscreen. We recently took out the performance model, and my god, was it fun to drive. This is the electric car to go for if you want to make a statement, eliminate your emissions AND put a smile on your face.

Our Pick: Standard Range Plus 4Dr Auto
CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km

See our latest Tesla Model 3 lease deals here.

Toyota C-HR

Due to the ever growing popularity in SUVs we couldn’t do a list without including the C-HR. This 5-Door Coupe is a petrol hybrid with striking looks and emissions that never go higher than 92 g/km. You could go for the faster 184bhp 2.0 VVT-I version, but we think you’ll be just as happy in the 122bhp version… and it produces only 86 g/km!

Our Pick: 1.8 VVT-h 122 Dynamic 5Dr
CO2 Emissions: 86 g/km

See our latest C-HR lease deals here.

Audi A4 Saloon

The A4 is one of the most popular cars for company car drivers due to its lower emissions. We’re cheating slightly, as certainly not ALL of the A4 models come close to our sub-100 mark, but there’s one model that fits the bill, and well… it’s an Audi. If you want a premium German Saloon car that’s kinder for the planet, then this is the car for you.

Our Pick: Technik 35 TDI S tronic
CO2 Emissions: 98 g/km

See our latest lease deals on the Audi A4 Saloon.

Ford Focus

The EcoBoost engines really have been a triumph for Ford, and their technology enables the cars to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. To put it into context; a 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine can deliver the same sort of performance as an older 1.6 petrol engine. Not all of the Focus’s have such great numbers, and the Autos are slightly less economical, but there are some really great diesel and petrol options. It’s also great in the smaller cars, and our own Content Specialist Alice drives (and loves) the 1.0 litre EcoBoost Fiesta.

Our Pick: 1.0L Ford EcoBoost 125PS 6-Speed Manual. 
CO2 Emissions: 97 g/km

See our latest lease deals on the Ford Focus.

Mazda 3 Saloon

This petrol hybrid features Mazda’s newest Skyactiv-X technology, and means lower running costs and improved power with fewer emissions. We test drove the slightly thirstier GT Sport Tech Hatchback a few months ago and loved it. And as a bonus the Mazda’s get a tonne of kit as standard. Heads up display on every model? Yes please.

Our Pick: Mazda3 Saloon 180ps SE-L Lux
CO2 Emissions: 96 g/km

See our latest deals on the Mazda3 Saloon.

If CO2 emissions will be a crucial factor when considering your next lease car, use the advanced search setting when using our search tool to filter by fuel type.