NEW SUB-99g CORSA MODEL IS A WORTHY LOW EMISSION CAR

The most economical Vauxhall model ever will be available to order from January 2010 when the new Corsa ecoFLEX hits the UK market, boasting CO₂ emissions of just 98g/km and a miserly combined fuel consumption of 76.3mpg.

• The New 3-door Corsa ecoFLEX will be available with 98g/km

Power increased by 20PS over existing 105g/km Corsa ecoFLEX

Even 5-door version achieves sub-100g/km emissions

Even in five-door trim, the Corsa ecoFLEX achieves 99g/km and, like the three-door, is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard, which dramatically reduces the most harmful emissions. As a result, Corsa ecoFLEX drivers will benefit from not only the lowest 13 per cent BIK diesel band, but full exemption from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty).

Vauxhall say that to achieve this rare combination of performance and frugality, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s 1.3 CDTi now employs a variable geometry turbocharger which significantly improves both performance and efficiency. To support the higher turbo pressure, the compression ratio has also been reduced from 18.0 to 16.8:1, while the injection system’s calibration has been revised to boost low-end torque and peak power.

Yet incredibly, this parsimony has not dented this Corsa’s driveability. Despite the improvement in fuel consumption and emissions, the ecoFLEX packs 21 per cent more power from its 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel engine, its output rising from 75 to 95PS. Torque is also up by 20Nm to 190Nm available at just 1750rpm, allowing drivers the kind of flexibility normally vacant in eco-class cars.

As a result, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s performance is enhanced further, despite using taller gearing. It will now accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 110mph.

Using the chassis and aerodynamic modifications from the current Corsa 105g/km model, the new ecoFLEX also benefits from a 20mm lower ride height than standard and in Life trim gets 175/70 low-rolling resistance tyres on 14-inch steel rims (Club models get 15-inch steel rims with alloys as an option) and aero-optimised wheel trims.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is available in Life and Club trim only. Full pricing will be announced soon.

What's New and Green at the Tokyo Car Show

For the answer to the question: What are the top ten green cars showing at the Tokyo Motor Show currently in session, you should look no further than the Green-Car-Guide. com, now in its fourth year of reporting on what is green and upcoming in the low emission cars scene. The Tokyo Motor Show is proving a wow, as you would expect, and it is showcasing much of what we will be seeing over the next three years or so in efficient, well designed, and functional ( and affordable) production cars, for you and for me. So to avoid disappointment, I suggest that you go to the Green-Car-Guide, look for yourself at what is going on. More from me soon. Green Car Guide

Although, the Tokyo has a Japanese influence- surprise, but they are worthy- you can still download for FREE.E the Green Car Guide for all current low emission, and therefore environmentally-friendly, cars available in the UK. This is a limited offer. Do take-it up.

www.green-car-guide.com

low emission cars star at the Frankfurt Motor Show

At the recent motor show held in Frankfurt,while there were the high price motors as usual to drool over, the eco cars were given high billing by many car manufacturers including VW,Peugeot,Audi,Volvo and Citroen. There is an ever growing number of stunning electric cars and electric hybrids being proposed or built. Remember the old joke about the electric car being no better than a milk float. You don't hear that one too much lately. Renault for one,is pinning its future on the change to electric cars,reckoning that within 10 years 10 per cent of its sales will electric vehicles. At Frankfurt, it showed not one but four battery-powered cars for the near future: the Fluence Z.E, the Clio-sized Zoe Z.E for 2012, the Kangoo Z.E van for 2011, and the scooter-priced Twizy Z.E for 2011. Pictured above, these are not some designers' pipe dreams but the future for cars in which Renault is making a huge investment. The plan is for these cars to cost no more to run than their soon to be challenged petrol models in the family.

The much vaunted Vauxhall Ampera hybrid electric car was endorsed by the Labour at its recent Labour Party conference. This model is tipped to maintain many UK jobs in the North West. Even Mercedes showed it did not want to be left out in the race to production of a truly low emission car. Its B-Zero concept is planned for sale in 2011.

Well, that was a little of Frankfurt. Expect some more car revelations when the Tokyo Motor Show opens later this month. To keep in touch with the future in cars do come back here soon. Meanwhile, for green cars available in the UK now ,you can snatch a free copy of the Green Car Guide for a limited period here