OPINIONS still vary widely about what are the best long-term options for greener and cheaper motoring but one thing is for sure - the debate is becoming increasingly important as unrest in the Middle East sends fuel costs soaring to record levels.

For the time being, the all-electric route is continually hampered by range limitations and the practical options seem to fall into two broad schools - the petrol/electric hybrid or stop/start technology with various other tweaks thrown-in.

Generally, it would seem, the Japanese are leaning towards the former, with Toyota and Honda turning out more and more hybrid options, while the Europeans, lead by the German giants, are largely going down the stop/start route.

Mitsubishi, however, has bucked the Oriental trend somewhat and jumped on to the green bandwagon with ClearTec engines.

These power packs employ an intelligent stop/start system to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions, backed up with a raft of secondary measures such as low rolling resistance tyres, some improved gear ratios and a more efficient alternator, which only charges the battery when it needs to.

The first model to benefit from this kit is the Colt ClearTec which is powered by a 1.3-litre version - although Mitsubishi says its entire range, apart from the L200 pick-up and 4x4 Shogun powerhouse, will eventually be going ClearTec.

And in the Colt supermini there is no doubting that owners reap the benefits of these leaner, greener engines - both in their pockets and via the feelgood factor that comes from being kind to the planet.

With the ClearTec engine the five-door Colt's fuel efficiency is boosted considerably, with average economy being improved from 47.1 to 56.5 miles per gallon over the equivalent non-ClearTec model, while CO2 emissions are reduced from 143g/km to 119.

That means you'll be saving on petrol and will only be paying £30 per year in road tax at current rates.

Add low insurance premiums and surprisingly strong residual values into the mix for an investment of £11,499 and the Colt ClearTec seems to make good economic sense.

But while the numbers may add up, will the Colt satisfy your other requirements of a small family runaround?

While it may not have the flair and finesse of some of the segment's big hitters Mitsubishi's styling is distinctive.

The latest Colt has spurned the compact MPV stylings of it's predecessor in favour of a purer hatchback look and a significantly re-worked front end now includes what Mitsubishi likes to call the ‘jet fighter' grille featured on it's other models.

While such a moniker may be a little ambitious the latest Colt certainly looks a lot more sporty than the previous one.

In fact, it's new look is the work of the same design team that created the new Lancer Evolution - which is where the inspiration for the all-new front bumpers and headlamps came from.

Not only do they look good but they also improve pedestrian safety in the event of an accident courtesy of energy absorbing materials and clever design for better crumple zones under the bonnet, etc.

Despite the sporty new look, though, a relatively high roofline means that there's still ample head and legroom for four.

And while that extra height means a little lean in bends the ride is surprisingly comfortable as the Colt proves sprightly and manoeuvrable around town.

The 94bhp 1.3-litre engine responds enthusiastically when called upon and you won't be found wanting for power on open roads or the motorway. A 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds and top speed of 112mph mean that the ClearTec is untroubled in most traffic conditions.