Alfa Romeo

Racing used to be the priority for Alfa – and its green innovations are more about cutting emissions without sacrificing performance than slashing them wholesale. The company doesn’t have a dedicated green label, although that doesn’t mean eco-savvy buyers should necessarily shop elsewhere.

As the brand behind the development of efficient Twin Spark petrol and common-rail diesel technology, Alfa knows all about the importance of efficiency.

For example, the new 2.0-litre JTDm diesel powerplant available in the 159 compact executive car delivers 170bhp. Yet it produces CO2 emissions of 142g/km and promises combined economy of 52.3mpg. That’s not quite as good as the BMW 320d, which sets the benchmark in this sector, but is very impressive all the same.

Further down the range, the MiTo is the greenest choice. It is available with the firm’s economical 1.3-litre JTDm diesel unit, which provides ultra-low emissions of 119g/km and up to 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. Its arch-rival – the MINI Cooper D – features stop-start technology to hit 72.4mpg and emissions as low as 104g/km.

Yet the Alfa is still a lively performer, and is priced from only £12,745.

Waiting in the wings is the Italian manufacturer’s family of new normally aspirated and turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir engines. The efficiency-boosting technology – which ditches the camshaft and valves in favour of four pairs of electronically controlled hydraulic actuators – will appear in the MiTo next year.

It raises power output by up to 10 per cent, yet at the same time claims to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by the same amount.

Whatever model you choose, Alfa’s diesel engines come fitted with ‘for life’ particulate filters.

As these don’t require additive top-ups, they are maintenance free – so like all the company’s moves to clean up, this doesn’t demand any compromises.

BEST ECO BUY: MiTo JTDm