Hammers plate knocks Arsenal off the Top

Although unlikely on face value and current form,this was a headline story I couldn't resist following.

Apparently last Friday, West Ham shot to the top of the premier league of personalised registration numbers today when the licence plate WE57 HAM went for a record-breaking £57,000 at auction.

A fierce bidding war erupted at the DVLA Personalised Registrations sale in Bishop’s Stortford as dozens of die-hard fans of the club battled it out for the ultimate Hammers status symbol.

And that sent the price rocketing and forced the winning bidder, who bid anonymously over the internet, to smash the previous record for a football-related registration – the £36,000 paid for AR53 NAL in 2004.

Damian Lawson, Marketing Manager for DVLA Personalised Registrations, was delighted by the huge sum fetched by the star lot.

He said: ‘The atmosphere in the auction room was electric – it was like a cup final. The fans bidding showed the same passion they do on the terraces and we could only watch as the price kept on rising and rising. We knew there was going to be a lot of interest and we thought there was a good chance the plate could knock AR53 NAL off the top of the table but we couldn’t believe just how much it went for.’

Though not in the normal line of low emission car posts,I thought some of you out there might find this story sad,or amusing,or great,...or whatever.

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The Next Generation No or Low Carbon Hondas



Honda has confirmed plans to bring its most exciting ‘green’ cars into production. In addition to the production version of the FCX hydrogen fuel cell car to be unveiled next month at the LA Motor Show and scheduled to go on sale in the US and Japan in 2008,Honda will launch a compact lightweight sports coupe based on the CR-Z concept (above) and powered by a hybrid powertrain at adate date yet to be announced .

The recent announcement by Honda’s President and CEO, Takeo Fukui,marks the beginning of the next generation of environmentally-friendlier vehicles ,sporting designs likely to appeal to a wide audience.

“Hybrids have always been seen as niche products, and hybrid car design has mostly been based around practicality and versatility,” says John Kingston, Environment Manager at Honda (UK). “The CR-Z Concept looks stunning, and shows that green cars can be sexy and exciting – but also minimise environmental impact."

Honda will be looking to sell over 1/4 million hybrids a year by 2009

The CR-Z Concept follows in the tyre prints of the Honda Remix Concept (seen at the LA Show last year), and the Small Hybrid Sports Concept (first out at Geneva in March) all of which explore the potential of a compact sportscar that’s exciting to drive, but has minimal impact on the environment.

For more exciting pictures from the Honda display stand at the Tokyo Motor Show, featuring the CR-Z,FCX concept,and the PUYO concept, click here for Paul Harmer's website.

New Smart fortwo adds up, or does it?


Believe it or not, it is seven years ago that the first Smart cars hit our streets. This diminutive and energy miser has developed and new models are, or are about, to become available (although how many for UK supply is in question). Three models - Coupe (pictured),Cabrio and Brabus- are featured in an extensive road test report at the green car guide. A diesel version of one model ,with particulate filter ,has a consumption performance of 85.7 mph ,and 88g/km of CO2 emissions ,making it a clear no nonsense sub-100g/km club member.

Here's an opportunity to examine the latest Smart cars up close and personal.Click here.

Green for the Earth from Subaru


Here's a little beauty expected to be shown at the upcoming 40th Tokyo Motor Show later this month, the G4e concept.Although a compact in dimensions,this new environmentally-friendly electric car with a triangular body shape will be a true five-seater.Fitted with the next generation batteries,its light weight and all round high-performance are designed by Suburu, owned by Fuji Heavy Industries, to give it a range of 200 kilometres. Auto Express magazine this week reports that the new powerpacks for this car are not lithium-ion but vanadium batteries developed by Suburu.They are said to provide the longer range, and to be more stable and last longer than the current generation of batteries.

Be back soon with more exciting new concepts (Toyota are offering the 1/X,the RiN,the Hi-CT,and the i-REAL) for green motoring from the Tokyo expo.

Lower emissions with higher performance,today

At the high end,car manufacturers are also making great technological strides to combine luxury with high efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.One such leading brand is Lexus,currently running a high cost advertising campaign for the world's first all wheel drive luxury performance hybrid saloon.

The flagship model is the new hybrid powered LS 600h.This went on sale at the start of the month with demand extending order leadtimes into next spring.Packed full of preventative,active and passive features,and equipped with an advanced powertrain, it is probably the most sophisticated car in its class.This is real luxury motoring.

So what performance can we expect for a little over £80k. The LS 600h 5.0 litre petrol engine with V8 powertrain and high-output motor gives a high performing 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds,higher than its diesel market segment competitors, but with similar combined cycle consumption at 30.4 mph and CO2 emissions of 219g/km.

There are two model variations.One with longer wheel base, the other with the extra length and what is called the Rear Seat Relaxation Package. For a few grand over the standard model price,these extras must be good.Other Lexus luxury hybrid models currently being sold are the RX400h SUV,and the GS 450h.For more information you should visit the Lexus website.

So though not low emission in absolute unit terms, this generation of luxury cars, to be owned by a relatively low number of people, is to significantly reduce the carbon footprint for its class. We are returning to more of the lower emission and more affordable cars available to the UK motorist here at low emission cars in the next few days

Is it a baby Octopus?Electric Nissan Pivo 2 Concept



Nissan is hoping it won't be a white elephant.The electric powered Pivo 2 concept will be shown by Nissan at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Green Car Guide writes:

'Powered by advanced compact Lithium-ion batteries and featuring a unique 360 degree rotating cabin – meaning no reverse gear is required – the first Pivo became a cult hit at shows from Beijing to Geneva.

Where the first Pivo, with its fully rotating cabin design, made reversing obsolete, the Pivo 2 takes that easy mobility concept to a new level. Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan’s advanced electric in-wheel 3D motor and can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.

In addition to features such as ‘by-wire’ technologies for braking and steering, the car even features a ‘Robotic Agent’. With conversations possible in Japanese and English, Nissan says that the Robotic Agent has been created to work with Pivo 2 “to make every journey less stressful”. It provides an interface for communication with Pivo 2 on everything from basic vehicle functions to the nearest available parking.

Pivo 2 will be on display at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, for an exclusive public sneak preview ahead of the Motor Show.

Let’s hope we see Nissan’s electric technology in cars we can buy soon.'

Chatsworth Rally Shows off low emission engines

As flagged in low emission cars (17th August 2007),Chatsworth played host to famous world rally stars including Russell Brookes and 1967 Monte Carlo Rally winner Rauno Aaltonen, who made demonstration drives in the new Oaktec Honda Civic Hybrid.

Also making an appearance at the extremely well attended show was the new Bowler ‘Nemesis’, a new specially designed off-road racer running on bioethanol disguised as a Range Rover Sport.

Green Car Guide reports :

‘The two day event included three competitive Special Stage rallies for both Historic and modern rally cars, a pageant of "Rallying History" - featuring many of the world's greatest rally cars, precision and stunt-driving displays - including TV star, Russ Swift, and "Stage Sessions" for owners of competition and modified road cars, giving them the opportunity of driving the special stages under non-competitive "track day” conditions.

Two World and 12 British Rally Champions were among the line-up of star names, including Gwyndaf Evans (1996 British Rally Champion), who set some of the fastest stage times, although he didn’t take the wheel of the Oaktec car.’

The Oaktec team are already looking to building the world’s first bio-fuel/hybrid Super Touring Car to race in the British Touring Car Championship.

More...

Mini Classic turns into a Champion of the Green

Now this is a really exciting opportunity! You could own a real Mini from the 60s, or later, converted to electric power by vehicle specialists, to your own specifications.

Minis are still all the fashion on our roads,although the first of these iconic cars was produced well over 40 years ago. The original body style designed by Sir Alec Assigonis was produced,with modifications from time to time,until 2000.It became the most popular British car. And now ,the Mini is a best seller again ,having been resurrected by BMW.The new BMW Mini is continuing to evolve into a very efficient ,stylish and low consumption car according to recent report here low emission cars (11th September 2007).

However,enough of the new cars,how about a retro original Mini powered by electric.Here we have the best of everything. A true star from the past combined with the essential drive to reduce CO2 emissions ,and contribute to maintaining a sustainable environment for our children and later generations by helping to slow the rate of global climate change. Yes,I am a fervent believer that we can help ourselves, and moving to low emission cars is a necessary action to take. It does not have to take the fun out of cars and driving. Owning a marvellous Mini from the past converted to be driven under electric battery power is testament to this, and you can go to the future vehicles website for details if you click here for future vehicles

Want an electric car with the looks and real feel of a classic conventional car,and the power to zoom up hills and travel over 50, with no worries? See the future vehicles website.

Green speed soon to spur A1GP World Cup of Motorsport?

As a concept, A1GP World Cup of Motorsport differentiates itself from other global motor racing organizations. The body responsible for running A1GP recently announced a further major initiative to move as quickly as possible to bio-ethanol engined-cars using 30% ethanol fuel. This is designed to drive ,with other measures, a reduction in carbon emissions, and use carbon-offsetting for unavoidable emissions.

With a global audience now covering 150 countries, A1GP is fully aware of its responsibility as a sport with a significant carbon footprint, and is intent on reducing its environmental impact.
Sourced from sugar beet in Europe and specifically produced for the A1GP series, the E30 bio-fuel produces less harmful particulate matter than conventional fuels and will reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. By implementing E30, A1GP are expecting to reduce CO2 emissions per car by 21% in a racing season based on a well to wheel basis calculation. There are however some technical issues yet to be resolved . Although extensive tests under road conditions have been successfully conducted ,there are present concerns about whether the required performance can yet be sustained over very long periods.

A1GP’s chief executive officer, Pete da Silva said: ‘It is highly regrettable that we have not been able to start A1GP’s third season [from 30th September 2007] running on our planned bio-fuel mix. We have undertaken 4,600 kilometres of testing which has already successfully demonstrated that an international race series can remain exciting and competitive while also taking account of its environmental impact. However, we must ensure that the long term impact of our fuel change does not impact on our on-track action.

‘The launch of our THINK Greener Racing policy at Silverstone last month was warmly accepted by the industry and key environmental leaders and remains at the centre of our business strategy moving forward.’

I wish them all success, and will bring any further news about this very important environmental initiative.

Launched in 2004, A1GP World Cup of Motorsport is an entirely new concept where driver is pitted against driver ,and country is against country ,for the first time in history. In addition to the traditional motorsport fan base, A1GP attracts a new audience passionate about their country and heritage. A1GP brings together 22 nations in 11 races in 10 countries to compete as equals without financial or technological advantage. A1GP is keen to allow fans to interact with teams and drivers as part of its inclusive approach. Because A1GP is a single make series it is possible to implement change and technological advances more quickly and holistically.

Here's a sporty Citroën with membership of the sub-120 emissions club

Citroën’s 110hp C2 1.6HDi VTS is a diesel supermini,the first sports model to feature the VTS insignia. Available now at an introductory discounted price, on a cash back basis from certain dealers ,at just under £11,000.If you are quick you may also swing a year's free insurance to boot ,if aged 25 and over.

So what can you expect?

How about:

• 64 mpg
• 5 speed manual gear box
• 62 mph in 9.4 seconds
• air conditioning
• four airbags
• an alarm and ABS with EBD as standard
• 16" alloy wheels
• Band B for Vehicle Excise Duty
• 80% more torque than the petrol version of the model

Sounds like a good deal to me.

For more details on this car, and other cars in the sub-120 g/km CO2 club, click here
for the Green Car Guide

You can join the low emission future today in style

Recently, I have been covering a lot of what maybe available to the UK car buyer within the next two or three years.So its great now to be looking at a low emission car which you can actually buy NOW! A star of the recent Frankfurt Show, and referred to briefly earlier this month on lec (you know, low emission cars),the Elettrica is launched on the London streets.The Green Car Guide describes this ultra compact electric car as:

"a combination of Italian styling and design, Japanese engineering and British electronics, and is the first production electric car in the UK with the option of a lithium power supply, which is claimed to provide almost twice the range of other small electric cars.

The lithium battery version is said to offer a 70 mile range and a top speed of 45 miles per hour. There is also a lead battery version offering a 40 mile range and a top speed of 40mph.

The batteries can be charged for a few minutes or a few hours with no risk of damage. The lithium battery version can be fully charged in 5-6 hours, the lead battery version in 8 hours, and electricity should cost no more than 50p to drive 70 miles.

Drivers will be exempt from the congestion charge, will enjoy free parking in Westminster, the City and many other parts of London, and the Elettrica is also exempt from road tax.

Lithium batteries have a much longer life than lead batteries, are lighter, and do not represent an environmental hazard on disposal. The car has no tailpipe emissions, and should be charged with renewable energy to be truly green.

The car has an aluminium safety cage, disc brakes, front and rear impact bars, and has undergone front and side crash-testing - well beyond the EU requirements for this type of vehicle.

The Elettrica costs £9,950 inc VAT for the lead-battery powered version and £12,750 inc VAT for the lithium powered version. Prices also include registration and delivery to any London address.

The car is available from Future Vehicles, the exclusive distributor for customers based in London and within the M25."

You can go to the Future Vehicles website if you click here

This 'tiny'could be the city car of the future

The other ultra-compact car I promised you from the frankfurt show is another concept(no prizes for guessing the colour of this green car!): the Volkswagen up! Measuring just 3.45m it is only a staggering 47cm longer than the other contender for car of the show, the Toyota iQ, covered in yesterday's post. This two- or three-cylinder rear engined highly efficient car should yield 70 mpg and will help to meet the growing European demand (up 20% on last year according to Toyota) for small cars.VW are hopeful that, when the up! goes into production in 2009, it will claim in due course the same iconic status as the Beetle or the Golf.

With cabin space seating four adults, the up! concept has a touch sensitive screen which will enable the driver to access through hand movements certain information on the weather,in-car entertainment and vehicle controls.A second head-up screen will provide critical information on the cars's systems together with instant read-outs of CO2 levels being emiited. VW are looking for this car to be around for a long time.

So with Fiat also unveiling a radical two-cylinder 900cc engine which will only emit an amazing 69g of CO2 emissions, the leading carmakers are taking very seriously the
challenge to meet regulations and a market which consider level of CO2 emissions to be as important as fuel consumption.So the big sellers of the future will be small.

We will continue to watch these imminent products or similar.Over the next week or so, it will be back to production cars and some news on motorsport.

Think white and small for this green concept

At the eco-obsessed Frankfurt show,white was the colour for most of the exciting concept cars exhibited.Arguably one of the cars of the show was the Toyota iQ concept.
Yes,this ultra-compact was white! Designed by Toyota's European design studio as an efficient urban driving machine with style, and space for three adults and a child, the iQ at a mere 2.98m in length will thrive on the challenge of tight road spaces.This car will offer a lifestyle statement for the eco-conscious ,with both functionality and low CO2 emissions.This is certainly one to watch for the future.

Tomorrow,I'll show you the other concept contender for car of the show...and yes the colour is white!

Going electric rather than gas at the Frankfurt car show

So another show ends.Was there anything new? Well,of course there was,but most of it had been previewed.The main story could be said to be electric,or more precisely,the development of electric battery technology.This will govern the future for low emission electric cars.

The Frankfurt Motor Show played host to many manufacturers who were trialling or promoting electric cars demonstrating ,in this era of ever rising oil prices and the need to combat the rate of global climate change, their commitment to invest in environmentally-friendly vehicles.Of course the stick is the possibility of the European Commission regulating an even lower CO2 emissions target than 120g/km.

The steepling price of oil at $80+ a barrel makes the electric car ,with its currently expensive battery, a more commercial proposition for the carmaker.

Taking a current production car upgrade,the Toyota Prius uses new nickel-metal hydride batteries.Such is progress,incoming are the much vaunted lithium-ion batteries producing almost twice the power.But they are still mainly at concept because of cost (and some teething problems - batteries have overheated causing fires).There is the Elettrica which is making its first appearance in the UK. More costly than the G-Wiz,this Italian built car will deliver 70 miles of motoring on a charge at a top speed of 45 mph.

Also on show were the Chevrolet Volt and Volvo Recharge reported previously in these pages, and the Nissan Mixim,another concept, but described by the Sunday Times as "powered by compact lithium-ion batteries ,and is all-wheel drive as it has one electric motor per axle.It may only have been driven to the stand at low speed ..., but Nissan predicts it could have a top speed of 112mph, a range of 90-125 miles between recharges, and a charging time as short as 20-40 minutes." Nissan expect to have electric cars using technology like that on the Mixim by 2010.

BMW weighed in with the Concept X6, with ActiveHybrid,which has been driven on electric power alone,or with combustion engine, or a combination of both.Another exciting prospect for the future was the appearance (see picture above)of the C-Cactus by Citroen.So named because it does not drink much,this car can produce a 97 mpg performance.Using half the number of parts of a conventional car,the C-Cactus also uses a significant number of recycled or recyclable materials.Michelin tyres on 21" wheels contribute to reduced road friction to boost fuel efficiency.

A great show. Much promise for more and stylish green production cars in the near future.

So just how many people can you get into a Mini at a stretch?


Old joke it maybe. The answer is a few more than you could in 1967.

BMW have worked on the Mini,a successful retro revival,and with the market call for a low emission car with room have come-up with a stretched version with inspiration from the 1960s Morris Mini Traveller,Austin Mini Countryman and Mini Clubman Estate. There are three engine variants for this latest Mini Clubman. Of these ,the Cooper D emits just 109 g/km of CO2 ,and delivers a combined fuel consumtion of 68.9 mph.There are many recent improvements which combine to produce this more acceptable sub 120g/km car, including Brake Energy Regeneration,Auto Start-Stop and Gear Shift Point indicator.

This car is based on a concept brought to the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, and as a car in commercial production available to buy in the UK from 10th November 2007,it will be a star at this year's show. The Cooper D will retail at around £15K. The arrival of the Mini Clubman will help further sales growth which for the Mini range is up nearly 14% year on year for 2007 according to Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager.

New plug-in hybrid concept to be unveiled by Volvo at Frankfurt

A specially designed Volvo C30, The Recharge Concept, is expected to wow visitors to the Frankfurt Motor Show.

On August 5th I covered the the emergence of a number of flexifuels from Volvo including the C30. The recharge C30 is claimed to be 66 percent lower in CO2 emissions than the best hybrids available today ,and will be good for the equivalent of 124 mpg for a full charge over a 93 mile drive.

Essentially, the C30 has an electric motor at each wheel ,a lithium-polymer battery in the boot and a 1.6-litre flexifuel engine providing power to a generator which takes over if the battery is exhausted. Magnus Jonsson, Volvo's Vice President of Research & Development comments that with the Volvo Recharge Concept " a person driving less than 60 miles per day will rarely need to visit a filling station."

So is this a stodgy performing car compromised by its green features? Not a bit of it!
The concept retains the sporty look and drive of the C30 ,with acceleration of 0-62 mph in 9 seconds and a top speed speed of 100 mph. Just plug-in for three hours and go (a one hour charge will take you 30 miles).Lower running costs and lower emissions combine in this groundbreaking car.

The principal feature is the combustion engine as backup which only kicks-in to power the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) of the battery becomes unable to provide the energy for normal driving performance.Apparently the APU is so powerful it can supply a whole house with an electricity supply.It could act as an emergency standby generator.

As with many groundbreaking low emission cars tyres are an important component.And for the C30 Recharge Concept Michelin's specially designed high energy efficient tyres have been employed.

Energy generated in braking is given to the battery, in this truly all-wheel drive car - each wheel is controlled individually.

Flexifuels are designed to operate on E85 ethanol a renewable fuel emitting up to 80% less ~CO2 emissions than petrol - if ethanol is not available then petrol can be used in the same tank.

More exciting news to follow from the Frankfurt Motor Show being held this week.

Conventional combustion engined cars are under some pressure, now!

Peugeot 308 Hybrid The Next Generation

Today's post continues my earlier report (August 30th-Peugeot Putting On the Environmental Style).With the unveiling at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show of the
new 308 hybrid HDi, Peugeot signals its strategy and ambition for 2010-2015.The carmaker is determined to consolidate its leadership in the manufacture of environmentally fiendly cars by 2010.By 2015,it plans to be the most competitive carmaker in Europe.

In this way,Peugeot,like Toyota see the green route is the way to the top.Peugeot is determined to reverse its unsatisfactory profit margins and to improve quality and service.

Back to the 308,the demonstrator model to be unleashed at the Frankfurt Motor Show has impressive green credentials.A diesel,rather than a petrol engine,hybrid power train is used to squeeze out a combined cycle consumption of 83 mpg with emissions of only 90g/km of CO2.

The new 308 to be launched in 2010,has a 110 bhp 1.6 HDi DPFS diesel engine coupled with a 22 bhp electric motor . Its performance is 38% better than an equivalent 308 diesel HDi model. Now that is an improvement!

The engine is also designed to operate in Zero Emission Mode (ZEV) on urban roads.
This will meet a future Euro V directive.On open roads and motorways, diesel will power the car;at low speeds and when starting ,the electric motor alone will operate.

Another aspect I like with the new 308 is the use of Michelin's Energy Saver tyres to reduce rolling resistance.The promoting and continuing development of performance enhancing tyre technology is one of the crucial elements in the satisfactory achievement of low consumption driving.

Roll on the Frankfurt Motor Show!This runs from the 13th -23rd of this month.
I hope to bring you some news and pictures from this showcase event for new concepts and production cars.

Global carmakers serve-up a mixed bag of greens

Today ,the Financial Times reports that last year European carmakers stalled in their bid to cut CO2 emissions.A Brussels based environmental campaign group claims that new vehicle emissions in the European fleets fell by only 0.2.per cent.This is the lowest recorded annual rate of reduction.Emissions fell to 160 g/km, a country mile from a target of 140 g/km set for the end of next year. The European Commission has announced that it will legislate for emissions not to exceed 120g/km by 2012. A worrying trend is that in Spain and Austria carbon dioxide emissions increased last year.

Now,if financial success is the driver for pursuing the green route ,Toyota have made a very strong case. In the years since 2000, its hybrid sales in Europe have topped an accumulative 100,000 units.Toyota and Lexus currently have four different hybrid vehicles(with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive and the Lexus Hybrid Drive) in their offerings for the European market. The mass-produced Toyota Prius, for example, is the best selling sub-120 g/km car.So what about profitability ,with all this massive commitment to low emission cars? It is reported at the end of the its last financial year, Toyota made record profits of $14billion.In the same period ,General Motors and Chrysler in total made losses of about the same amount.

This is truly a mixed bag of greens.But I would back Toyota's charge up the green route to become sustainable number one in carmaking. Already dominating the green car market Toyota (the Sunday Times reports) will be showing its latest petrol-electric car, the Hybrid X, at the Bangkok Motor Show this month.More on this exciting development soon.


Copyright (c) 2007 CFM (Services) Limited.All rights reserved

If this Green Project breaks down you can always Eat the Car!

First-up this month is a 'veggie' development with a difference.Not for the Eco 1, the glitzy and big spending showground that is the Frankfurt Motor Show to be held next week. But this cereal story will probably run and run.The Eco 1 car is truly environmentally friendly, in the low emission class.

It can be said to be truly home-grown.Apart from the chassis, which has to have the strength of steel ( a recyclable material) most other parts of this 150 mph racing car are sourced from nature's crops:fuel from wheat and barley,tyres from potatoes,plastic body parts from plants,brakepads from crushed cashew nutshells.So we have a car made virtually of edible or recyclable material and using energy from biofuels.

This car pictured above is 95 percent biogradable, and the pioneering work to produce it could provide many of the solutions in the future development of both greener racing and mass production motor cars.

If you want to see more details of the Eco1 ,built at the Warwick Manufacturing Group, a department of Warwick University ,you can go to the WMG site. Already WMG,a centre of engineering excellence, is seriously talking to people who may be interested in helping develop the exciting technology for these low-emission cars.

Given WMG's progress to date with this cutting edge project,I feel I can now probably safely say that I will not have to eat my car!

Peugeot Putting on the Environmental Style

Not long ago green motoring was understood to mean driving in cars without style.At Peugeot they believe this is no longer the case and point to their latest model of the 207 as the case in point.A stylish family five-door car,the Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi 90S is not compromised by its environmental credentials. Fuel consumption at a combined 62 mpg,5 star Euro NCAP safety rating, and CO2 emissions of 120 g/km work to place the 207 competitively in band B of the government's VED bracket (£35 per year).

So we have a car of decent family size,stylish exterior and interior,with air conditioning, delivering economic running costs,road tax,income tax (for certain company car drivers) and congestion charge savings.

What is more this car is available now at just a little over £12,000.

The 207 makes it 16 models, producing sub-120 g/km CO2 emissions that Peugeot currently has on offer in the 107,206 and 207 ranges; and another range ,the 308, will follow next month.

Green without compromise on style and performance seems clearly to be the message from Peugeot.

You will find further details on these and other new green cars out at the Green-Car-Guide