So you’re not ready to buy an electric car (EV),  with range anxiety, cost and shortage of charging points away from home the big concerns for many.  But which showroom should you be visiting if you want the most  environmentally-friendly of the conventional vehicles, if you discount the hybrids?

A report this week suggested that  Volvo is one of the best bets,  topping the “most improved” table in JATO’s review of CO₂ emissions. (JATO  calls itself the  world’s “leading provider of automotive business intelligence”.)

It noted the Volvo C30, S40 and V50, with “DRIVe”  technology, produced only 99g/km of CO₂.

In simple terms 100g/km  is the cut-off point, below which  cars  can enter London’s Congestion Charge Zone for nothing, and pay no vehicle excise duty.

The mileage is impressive  too. The S40 diesel, for example, has a combined mpg of 74.3.

The DRIVe  technology, which contributes to low fuel consumption, is now available in nine models, with seven models falling below 120g/km.

The Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80 with DRIVe produce under 120g/km, meaning they are all free from the 1st year road tax and  are only liable  for £30 a year thereafter.

Overall the Volvo range  recorded  a 13.8% reduction of CO₂ emissions in a year,  with average emissions of 157.5g/km.