For most Americans, a green car means a gasoline-hybrid vehicle. For the judges in the 2008 World Green Car competition, it's often a low-emissions diesel, in this case the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics, which beat out two other diesel-engine finalists. The award was announced at the New York International Auto Show Thursday. It won out over the SmartForTwo cdi and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI BlueMotion. It's a good thing this is a world car award, because none of them are available in the United States - yet. BMW's powerplant is a 143-hp, 2-liter turbodiesel engine with ultra-low emissions. BMW will bring a six-cylinder diesel to the U.S. in the fall, but only (for starters) in the X5 SUV and 3 Series sport sedan. While hybrids shine in city driving because they regenerate power under braking, diesels can be 20%-40% more efficient than gasoline cars on the highway.

Last year the green car winner was the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (which you can buy in the U.S.) and the Honda Civic Hybrid won in 2006, the first year for the award. Separately, the World Car of the Year award went to the Mazda2/Mazda Demio, which outscored the Ford Mondeo, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

While the three green car finalists aren't available here, the other seven in the top 10 are, and they represent something of a triumph for General Motors, with five finalists. Here's the list.

Winner
BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics
Top Three Finalist
SmartForTwo cdi
Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI BlueMotion
Top Ten Finalist
Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrids
Lexus LS 600h L
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Saturn Aura Green Line
Saturn Vue Green Line