And Then There Were Five - 2015 GCJ Green Car of the Year Finalists

Audi A3 TDI, BMW i3, Honda Fit, and VW Golf are all excellent finalists.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Oct. 21, 2014



2015 VW e-Golf - $36,265 to start incl D&H while offering an EPA rated 83-miles AER.



Green Car Journal (GJC) announced its five finalists for the magazine’s high-profile 2015 Green Car of the Year program. The 2015 models include the Audi A3 TDI, BMW i3, Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (not a contender), Honda Fit, and VW Golf. The Green Car of the Year award issued on the final day of LA Auto Show Press Days is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.



According to the editors, an increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year program each year, a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental credentials.



The Finalists



2015 Audi A3 TDI - Beginning to appear at Audi dealership showrooms nationwide last month, Audi’s all-new A3 TDI with the brand new 2.0L EA288 TDI not only offers an EPA 31/43 mpgUS city/highway rating, the premium compact sedan offers the latest technology without compromise with a starting price of $32,600.



The A3 TDI Sedan features standard leather seats, large Audi signature Singleframe grille, a panorama glass sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, and an ultra-thin retractable MMI display. It is also available with Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity via AT&T, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

2015 Audi A3 TDI

Our drive of one of these no compromise compact luxury machines can be found in the Audi’s 2015 A3 #TDIChallenge story.



BMW i3 – Available at BMW i certified dealerships since May, the all-new, carbon fiber and aluminum all-electric wears the BMW roundel for good reason. Besides its innovative design, construction and space age materials, it provides owners with a first class luxurious interior and more performance than most all-electrics in the segment. The i3 has a base MSRP of $41,350 and the range-extender model begins at $45,200.



The BMW i3 incorporates a 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor with power storage provided by a 22-kWh Li-ion battery, good for 81 miles of all-electric range per the EPA.

2015 BMW i3

For more on the i3 and the history of the BMW i program, consider The i3 and the i DC Fast Charger write-up.



Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel sedan breaks new ground by offering the comfort and functionality of a popular mid-size four-door sedan with the ability to drive on affordable clean natural gas or conventional gasoline.



If this vehicle is awarded the GCJ GCOTY, it will be as much of a waste as the Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid back in 08 IIRC.



2015 Honda Fit was totally redesigned for the 2915 MY and has a good chance to earn the coveted Green Car of the Year title.



Available since April, it is smaller on the outside yet much larger inside than its predecessor. The Fit is one of those special cars with a value story few in any segment can match.



With best-in-class passenger and cargo volume of 95.7 cu. ft. and 16.6/52.7 cu. ft. (rear seats up/seats down), it is marketed as a B-segment subcompact yet is large than many of its competitors C-segment (size above) compacts. With its center-mounted fuel tank and ingenious Magic Seats, the Fit epitomizes smart functionality with spacious and comfortable seating for five and the ability to carry voluminous cargo, including long and tall items.



Its 1.5L engine develops 130 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque while offering owners a 33/41/36 (city/highway/combined) rating with the (LX trim) CVT.



High end interior standard appointments include a rear roofline spoiler, LED taillights, Bluetooth connectivity and a segment-exclusive rearview camera for a starting price of $15,525 - LX trim with 6-speed MT.

2015 Honda Fit

For more on the 2015 Honda Fit, consider any of the following:

• 2015 Honda Fit Revealed At 2014 Detroit Auto Show


• 2015 Honda Fit Awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick, Retrofits Older 15 Fits


• 2015 Honda Fit Pricing, Options and Specifications


• Honda July 2014 Sales Down 3.9% with 135,908 Vehicles Sold + 15 Fit First Drive


• 2015 Honda Fit First Drive - Cargo Volume Detail


• 2015 Honda Fit Second Drive

2015 Volkswagen Golf has been available as an all-new seventh-generation model since August. Of all the Green Car of the Year candidates, it offers the broadest range of models.



Available in either a base trimmed two door or or four doors, it can also be equipped with three powertrains.



The base 170 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque direct injected and turbocharged 1.8L EA888 I4 is mated to either a five-speed MT or a six-speed automatic.



The all-new 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque 2.0L EA288 TDI turbo diesel is the same as that offered in the Audi A3 TDI detailed above with the exception of being offered mated to either a six-speed MT (30/45 mpgUS city/highway rating) or a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch AT (31/43 mpgUS city/highway rating).

2015 VW Golf TDI

• $22,815 for a New VW TDI? The 2015 Golf TDI Arrives In August


• 2015 VW Golf Production Begins In Mexico

The third drivetrain arrives in the form of an 83-mile all-electric called the e-Golf, the most efficient car in its segment.



The e-Golf includes a standard 7.2 kW onboard charger for both Level1 and 2 charging. It is also equipped with the company’s Level3 DC Combined Charging System (CCS) allowing the car to reach 80 percent SoC from flat in just 30-minutes as standard equipment.



The e-Golf goes on sale at participating dealerships this month with a starting price of $35,445 (plus $820 destination and handling). The SEL Premium model features touchscreen navigation, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and LED headlights, all standard.

• The 2015 VW eGolf - $36,225 to Start


• 2015 VW e-Golf Preview

2015 VW Golf TDI

There is a GTI variant but it is in no way green by any means.



This new-generation Golf has grown in size yet dropped in weight and is the first VW available with VWs MQB (modular transverse matrix) vehicle platform.



Of all the Green Car of the Year inductees, my personal belief is that it will come down to either the Audi A3 TDI or the Golf. The Audi because it offers a luxury buyer a no compromise basic luxury machine with outstanding green credentials. The Golf because it is not only inexpensive in TDI format – just $21,995 with a six-speed manual in S trim, but is also available in the BEV trim.



According to GCJ, the Green COTY is selected by judges including Jay Leno (Tonight Show fame), Jean-Michel Cousteau (president of Ocean Futures Society), Matt Petersen, (Global Green USA), Dr. Alan Lloyd, (International Council on Clean Transportation), Mindy Lubber (CERES), and Kateri Callahan, (Alliance to Save Energy).



Not really auto writers or enthusiasts in the group other than Jay.



According to GCJ, the five Finalists were selected for their achievements in raising environmental performance among their peers. Finalists must be available for sale by January 1st of the award year.

And Then There Were Five - 2015 GCJ Green Car of the Year Finalists