6 Smart and Sexy Eco-friendly Cars

Looking for a new car but concerned (and rightfully so) about gas prices, the environment and, let’s be honest, not being too much of an embarrassment when you pull up to your kids’ school to pick them up in a ride that’s more practical then cool? No need to worry. Take these smart and sexy eco-conscious cars for a spin and show off your knack for practicality and personality.

A First-Class Experience
What could possibly elevate the Mercedes S Class to a more distinguished level? Combining a V-6 gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a hybrid machine powered by 295 horses. Spacious, yet sleek, the 2011 S400 hybrid sedan not only drives smart and clean, it functions brilliantly. The communication system offers full control of audio, navigation, and hands-free calling–even screening out ramblings of “ah” and “um.” Coupled with Zagat Survey, its navigation system provides directions as well as ratings for restaurants, hotels, and golf courses. Responsible luxury for $91,000.

A Family Ride
Toyota’s Prius V, a midsize hybrid electric car, represents versatility, comfort, and flexibility. Positioning itself as the perfect car for young families and upgrading from the third generation, the Prius v is not only one of the most celebrated green vehicles, it has added 50% more room for family and cargo, and has rear seats that both slide and recline. Prius v delivers 42 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, and also boasts 66% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. Available this summer. Starting at $23,050.

The Green Champion
Voted

Motor Trend magazine’s 2011 Car of the Year and the 2011 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal, the Chevrolet Volt is an electric car that easily transitions to gas when needed. Its 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery backed by a 100,000-mile/eight-year warranty can be fully charged in 10 hours using a 120-volt line, or in four hours using a line of 240 volts. The Volt reaches a maximum of 100 mph with little noise. Its technology drives not only fuel efficiency but also many of the Volt’s features, such as Automatic Crash Response, which is included in the five-year subscription to On-Star, which notifies authorities and provides critical crash details. The price after tax-savings of $7,500 is $32,780.

A Stylish Import
An Italian classic makes its way to the United States and rivals the Mini Cooper, a popular British import. Small and compact with fold-down rear seats, the Fiat 500

is sure to turn heads despite its basic amenities and standard safety features, because of its classic Italian styling. Starting at $15,500, this five-speed manual offers all-around savings for the environment and its owner.

Tech Splendor
The Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Clean Diesel Sport provides an intelligent mix of technology for high-level performance, entertainment, comfort, and energy conservation at $60,565. This all-wheel drive SUV offers the first ever supercharged hybrid power train–even at top speed the engine can switch off and coast without using fuel. Running on ultra low sulfur diesel, it can manage more than 700 miles on one full tank. Among its many outstanding features: memory seating, push-button start, full communications and navigational functions, and a safety system that responds to driving conditions as well as accidents.

More for You, Less for the Environment
Hyundai gives you a lot of car at a little price. Its 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is no exception. The Sonata Hybrid boasts that its next-generation lithium polymer battery technology is the most efficient in the market, offering 40 mpg on the highway and pushing 206 horses. Eight-way powered driver’s seat adjustments with special lumbar controls; steering-wheel mounted audio and stereo controls; a navigation system that provides weather, sports, and stock information as well as traffic; and a rearview camera are all part of a package that starts at $25,795.