Skoda GreenLine

As with other members of the VW Group, Skoda has its own dedicated eco brand – GreenLine – which makes use of the well established range of TDI diesel engines.

Longer gear ratios, low-rolling-resistance tyres and remapped powerplants are the headline features of cars wearing the badge. GreenLine variants are available on most of the models in the company’s range – although Skoda has yet to confirm if the quirky Roomster and crossover Yeti will benefit from the eco technology.

The cleanest and cheapest model is the £12,300 Fabia GreenLine. Powered by the familiar three-cylinder 80bhp 1.4-litre TDI, it emits 109g/km – a decent reduction over the 120g/km produced by standard 1.4-litre TDI models.

Our pick of the range, though, is the Octavia GreenLine. It features the latest common-rail 1.6-litre TDI diesel, and produces 105bhp, yet puts out only 114g/km – meaning your annual tax disc will cost a mere £35, just like the smaller Fabia. Allied with the Octavia’s traditionally superb blend of space, value and quality, it makes the eco variant a seriously tempting buy.

Unfortunately, the larger Superb GreenLine won’t get this engine until September next year – until then it has to make do with the older 1.9-litre Pumpe Düse TDI which, despite an identical 105bhp output, emits 136g/km. This makes it a dirtier and more expensive choice, although it’s still the cleanest Superb on offer.

Significantly, Skoda hasn’t yet adopted thestop-start technology which is now a feature of VW’s BlueMotion models. But given how successful it has proven on these cars, we’d be surprised if it isn’t introduced at some stage.

BEST ECO BUY: Octavia Greenline