Munich  - Cars are getting cleaner with most manufacturers implementing measures to reduce exhaust gas emissions, a five-year test by Germany's automobile association ADAC has found.

Some 700 cars were tested over the five-year period with a quarter of the cars given a rating of four out of five stars.

"The really dirty cars with a rating of one or two stars are disappearing," the ADAC said in the EcoTest report.

Topping the last of the most eco-friendly car on the market in the latest test was again the Toyota Prius Hybrid which was given a total of four starts with 89 points. The Volvo V70 CNG with natural gas drive on 87 points came second.

Other cars showing a positive trend compared to predecessor models were the Opel Zafira diesel, the Peugeot 307 HDi, Honda FR-V CTD and Skoda Superb TDI.

Last on the list with only 19 points and a one star rating were the Mitsubishi Pajero Classic 2.5 TD and the Opel Vivaro Life 2.5 CDTI.

The ADAC criticised car makers for listing unrealistic emission figures and limiting environmentally friendly cars to "special eco models" while the volume cars still emitted too many pollutants. (dpa)