For the past half a decade, the Toyota Prius has been the poster child for the world-elite, being both green and cool. A hybrid-electric vehicle, developed and manufactured by Toyota, has won car of the year in several countries over its short lifetime, and appeared in more movies than Jack Bauer’s 4×4.

But according to a study recently released and conducted between Cardiff University and Clifford Thames an automotive consultancy, the Prius has been relegated to 12th spot in terms of “greenest car”.

It comes as a blow to the Prius, despite continuing sales with a recent increase of 76% in the past year, and making up more than 50% of the total hybrid cars sold in the US.

The study looked not just at emissions, for which the Prius is obviously low on, but on its environmental footprint. This included raw materials used in the construction of the car, and what impact its disposal will make.

In addition, while the Prius is the cleanest car for its size, weight is a factor as well. The Prius is heavier than its petrol reliant cousins, and natrually its footprint is heavier.

The researchers involved in the study believe that the steps being taken to create “ultra-low emissions” cars are going to soon create cars that overtake the Prius in terms of total emissions.

David Riemenschneider, Clifford Thames’ chief executive said that “Conventional technology will overtake the Prius over the next 12 to 18 months, and consumers won’t have to pay a premium for it.”

In my opinion, the Prius was not only an act of green awareness, but a status symbol for being able to afford such a car. They haven’t been cheap!

Recent changes to regulations across the planet, most notably in America, have forced car manufacturers to clamp down on the emissions allowed from one of their cars, and this has – as with many great steps forward in history – forced them to change.

Needless to say, the Prius will still wear the “Green Halo” for years to come.

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