In line with global trends for more environment-friendly vehicles, the Australian Automobile Association Wednesday named the Ford Falcon EcoLPi one of the best cars in the country.

The model is the first liquefied petroleum gas-powered vehicle to win the award in the Best Large Car under $60,000 category.

Mark Borlace, the chief judge for the competition, said the Ford Falcon EcoLPi won because it uses LPG, which is much cheaper than regular petrol.

"On top of that, LPG burns a lot cleaner than petrol or diesel, which means that the Falcon EcoLPi emits just 203 grams of CO2 per kilometer, compared with 236 in the regular petrol-fuelled Falcon," Borlace said.

"Significantly, it feels exactly like a normal Falcon - if anything it feels slightly better in that it produces more power and more torque earlier in the rev range," he added.

Other winners picked by AAA are the Volkswagen Polo 66YDI Comfortline in the Best Light Car Over $20,000, the Golf 90TSI Trendline in the Best Small Car Under $35,000, the Jetta 118TSI in the Best Medium Car Under $50,000, the Tiguan 103TDI Best SUV Under $40,000 and the Touareg V6 TDI in the Best Luxury SUV Over $60,000 categories.

Borlace said he was very impressed with Volkswagen's minimal fuel consumption and emission output, while it maintained impressive levels of power and torque for both petrol and diesel models.

New cars were also recognised. The Kia Rio Si was named Best Light Car Under $20,000. The Lexus CT 200h Prestige the Best Small War Over $35,000 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe was the Best Sports Car Over $80,000. Mercedes also won in the Best Medium Car Over $50,000 category.

"There is no compromise with these vehicles - driving enjoyment does not come at the expense of huge running costs and emissions outputs, and vice versa," Borlace said.

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