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Recommend a car with low emissions and good performance for a long commute?

I currently drive a Subaru Impreza WRX S Prodrive, which has been great to own and to drive and has been ideal for my weekly commute from the wilds of the Welsh marshes to London, whatever the weather has thrown at me. Unfortunately my company has "gone green" so another Impreza is not an option. Can you suggest a suitable replacement that is relatively green in terms of emissions, has some improvement in the mpg but is still very sure-footed whatever the weather? I average about 20,000-25,000 miles per year.

Asked on 16 February 2013 by KC, Craven Arms

Answered by Honest John
A BMW 125d. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/bmw/bmw-1-series-f.../. Or, if you have to have 4WD, wait until March and get the new 120d 4WD. You're still looking at 140mph and 0-60 under eight seconds: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/bmw/bmw-1-series-f.../.

Neither is quite as vivid as your Impreza, but they aren't too much of a come down. There will soon also be a range of new model Audi A3s and Volkswagen Golf VIIs with four-wheel drive.
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