Hybrid? Electric car? Who needs it when you can drive a great-looking petrol-powered auto and be in one of the greenest cars on the planet.

That’s a reality for Kiwis in a few months with the all-new Hyundai Elantra compact car just named a ‘2011 Greenest Vehicle’ by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

It’s one of just 12 vehicles on the list, joining hybrids and electric cars like Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.

“This is a very important, real-world recognition of the 2011-year Elantra, which we will be launching here in the second quarter of this year,” said the Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai New Zealand, Tom Ruddenklau.

“This American organisation is notoriously tough in its stance: green up, or you’re toast.

“It’s a ringing endorsement of Hyundai’s ongoing dedication to finding the most appealing solutions for today’s drivers, reinforcing our commitment to a cleaner environment as well as sustainable driving.

“The new Elantra shows you don’t have to drive an unattractive hybrid to lead the way on environmental awareness,” Mr Ruddenklau added.

“In this car you can go green with style and performance.”

Only one, eco car from each manufacturer is eligible for the list. Two other Hyundai models were also in the running. Both the i45 midsize sedan and ix35 small SUV are named on the “Greener Choices 2011” list. They are known in USA as Sonata and Tucson, respectively.

The “Greener Choices” list is restricted to widely available powered-powered cars, SUVs and Utes with automatic transmissions, highlighting the widespread availability of environmentally-friendly vehicle choices in many segments of the market.

ACEEE is a Washington-based independent, non-profit research group dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of protecting the environment and strengthening the economy.

Founded in 1980 by leading researchers in the energy field, it works with the US government, the private sector, research institutions, and other nonprofit organisations.

It has named Hyundai among its leaders in fuel efficiency for the past six years in a row.

This is the council's 14^th annual rating of the most eco-friendly cars on the market.