Friday 29 August 2008



Lower CO2 emissions from conventional internal consumption engines is  Vauxhall's commitment

The new Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX has not sacrificed driver involvement to go green. Vauxhall's engineers have achieved extra efficiency (and a top speed of 117 mph) with increased power from the Astra's drivetrain , by fitting a taller axle ratio, optimising the engine management system and reducing the engine's idle speed.In addition, kerbweight has been improved by lowering the suspension,modifying the front air intakes and fitting a drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. 15-inch fitted tyres combine to reduce rolling  resistance.

CO2 emissions of just 119g/km and fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg can be achieved on the combined cycle,Vauxhall claim. This means the lowest tax band for company car drivers. While private car owners can benefit from a VED (Band B) of just £35 per year.

The new Astra is part of Vauxhall's avowed strategy to continue to introduce cleverfuel efficient  technological onnovations at prices affordable to as many customers as possible. Amen to that.

With the new Astra, you can go for the Hatch,Sport Hatch, or the estate model. The 5-door Hatch  retails at around £16,340. At time of writing the prices for the Sport Hatch and estate versions are yet to announced.

In 2009,Vauxhall promise the ecoFLEX model Corsa 1.3 CDTi with a combined mpg of nearly 69 mpg... and another. So do  keep watching this space for more breaking news.


Wednesday 27 August 2008


















The low emission retrostyle Fiat 500 continues to impress

Continuing to impress, the Fiat 500 has scooped yet another top industry award: the Supermini and City car category in the evecars.com Car of the Year Awards 2008. This honour is added to the trophy cabinet already bulging under the weight of: Car of the Year 2008,CAR Magazine Car of the Year,Fifth Gear Small Car of the Year,and Auto Express Best City Car 2008.

So what's all the fuss about? Green Car Guide offers the following features and statistics:

The  500 is sold with a choice of three powerplants;the latest 75 bhp 1.3 litre 16 valve Multijet turbodiesel ,and two FIRE petrol engines- a 1.2 litre 8-valve 69 bhp unit,and a 100 bhp version of the 1.4 litre 16-valve powerplant.

Both the 1.2 and the 1.3 litre turbodiesel come with 5-speed manual gearboxes, the 1.4 litre has a 6-speed transmission.

The 1.3 16v Multijet Turbodiesel offers the best combined economy of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 111g/km.

In terms of Fiat's wider environmental impact,the company is already amongst the 'greenest' car manufacturers in the world,and its cars boast some of the lowest CO2 figures available. Fiat is also introducing Euro 5 engines for the majority of its range by the end of 2009.

The Fiat 500 clearly has proven 'green' credentials. It is also proving itself a winner all round.

For further details on this,and other cars in the supermini category, click here for the Green Car Guide.







Tuesday 19 August 2008



The improved Ka looking to be a greener car in its class

For 12 years a top selling model,the current version of the Ford Ka will soon give way to re-emerge as a new re-styled and, with"new driving dynamics", a more efficient car in its class. That the current Ka has been immensely popular is evident from the over 480,000 units that have been sold into the UK market. Ford expect the new package to be at least as popular,bringing a fresh styling both inside and out,with the Ka's fans and new prospective owners.

To be unveiled at the Paris Show in October (the promised 80 mpg plus ECOnetic models will be available next year),Ka's full details will be divulged nearer the date  about the  1.2 and 1.4 litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel engines that will be available, together with the models' performance  ratings. 

One sure thing is new Ka's star quality. It will make a key cameo appearance soon in the next Bond film , "Quantum of Solace",thus following the billing of its bigger sister, the Mondeo, in "Casino Royale". The Ford Ka will be in the showrooms from January next year. In the meantime ,the name's "Ka. Ford Ka".    Ah!   Ha!


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Thursday 14 August 2008




Peugeot want you to look-out for the little Blue Lion on its greenest cars

Following the current trend in car manufacturers' branding,Peugeot have distinctively labeled its greenest models with the BLue Lion.

So,well,what's in a name? Customers can readily pick-out the preferred greenest Peugeot model in the range. The benefits are:

  • enhanced combined fuel consumption of between 56 and 64 mpg
  • low CO2 emissions of between 109 g/km and 130g/km
  • a choice of car in a range of Blue Lion Cars
  • opportunity to save money, depending on choice, on vehicle excise duty -VED range £35 to £120- as well as fuel costs, and company car tax liability
You can pick the super-mini 107, or the hatchback 207 (even the spacious 207 SW). Perhaps you want to go for the 308,where there is the Coupe Cabriolet, and the 308 SW. The choice is yours. Click here for further details and car images at the Peugeot site





Saturday 9 August 2008



All-new Ford Fiesta with improved fuel consumption and lower emissions








The all-new Ford Fiesta is set to eclipse even its current, but outgoing, best selling equivalent model. Boasting the lowest CO2 emissions of any family car, the new Fiesta will be on sale from this October.

Headlining the range is the Fiesta ECOnetic. A 1.6 -litre Durotorq TDCi produces 10 per cent less CO2 than the already impressive mainstream TDCi is matched to a special aerodynamic profile resulting in just 98g/km CO2 (qualifying for exemption from road tax) and a combined performance of 76.3 mpg.

In a range offering an extensive choice of specification and trims, Ford are providing luxury in the Titanium, sportiness with the Zetec, and affordability of the Studio and Style models. The Zetec Ford reckon will be the most popular in the range and claim about 35 per cent of Fiesta sales. At from £10,995, the Zetec is also in the mid-price of the range.

The ECOnetic badged Fiesta will cost from £11,845.

For further details on many other green cars currently available in the UK yo can click here for the Green Car Guide.


Thursday 7 August 2008




Easy does it technology with ECO pedal saves car fuel by increasing driving efficiency


As you know, smarter greener driving saves money. But how about an ingenious piece of new technology from Nissan that could help you reduce CO2 emissions by becoming upto 10% (Nissan's claim) more efficient on the road? Welcome to the Nissan Eco pedal due to become commercialised by 2009.

Technology and improved driving behaviour combine to produce greater fuel-efficiency. The ECO pedal system helps counter excessive pressure on the accelerator by the application of a control mechanism which when activated informs the driver by way of an indicator on the dashboard that an easing of the foot would improve consumption.THe indicator will show a 'green' for driving within the optimal fuel consumption range. This changes to 'amber' when the driver's behaviour needs to change.

The ECO pedal system can be switched on or off. It is one of a number of products resulting from Nissan's Green Program 2010 to develop a range of eco-friendly technologies,products and services designed to make a real difference in the reduction of vehicle CO2 reductions.


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Monday 4 August 2008



Zero-emission car technology seeks Royal Approval

His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent took the new Tesla Roadster, the electric sports car, out for a spin at Kensington Palace. A long time keen follower of specialist motor car technology, he was particularly interested in the development of zero-emission cars. He had shown his personal interest on a visit last week to the British Motor Show, and had been given a 'tour' by representatives at the Greener Motoring Pavilion where the Tesla was being exhibited.

The Tesla is the first electric sports car to go on sale in Europe. There are some Limited Edition models for sale.Could set you back 99,000 euros (plus VAT) ,though. Customers able to reserve one can expect delivery early in 2009. Production has also commenced in Norfolk. Details available from www.teslamotors.com