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Vauxhall UK production more assured
(Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:40:00 GMT)
Future production of Vauxhalls in the UK is more certain now that the Government has agreed to a £270 million loan guarantee.
GM Europe, owners of Vauxhall, should find it easier to secure a loan of this size now that the Government will cover repayments if the company gets into difficulty.
Business secretary Lord Mandelson said: 'I always said the Government would stand foursquare behind Vauxhall, and with this announcement we have kept our word.'
Mandelson described Vauxhall's UK factories in Luton and Ellesmere Port – where the new Astra will be built – as 'excellent plants employing a first-rate workforce'.
Final details and conditions of the guarantee remain to be finalised.
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Good week, bad week: March 12
(Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:22:00 GMT)
It's been a good week for driving with the top down, but a difficult seven days if your name is Andrew Humberstone.
Audi R8 Spyder
We've reviewed Audi's sensational new R8 Spyder and reckon it's as close to perfect as you're likely to get – with its roof up or down.
If you've got £111,995 to spare it's an excellent way to invest your cash. If not, well, there's always the lottery.
Petrol or diesel?
If your budget falls short of a new Audi R8 Spyder, we've introduced a new tool on whatcar.com to help you decide whether a petrol- or a diesel-powered car will be cheaper for you.
Good times for the planet
It's also a good week for average new car CO2 emissions, which have plummeted as motorists tighten their belts and choose more economical cars.
The findings come in a new report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which reveals the scrappage scheme has also helped to slash emissions at their fastest-ever rate since records began.
A sorry week for Surrey
Things don't look so healthy in Surrey, which has the most potholes of any county, according to a survey by Kia.
Surrey County Council rubbished the report, but not because it thinks it doesn't have a lot of holes – instead, the council claims it has far more than Kia reckons. At least it's fixed 15,000 since the end of the cold snap.
Alfa Romeo fails their customers
Humble pie has been on the menu for Andrew Humberstone this week. He's the boss of Alfa Romeo in the UK and admitted that Alfa has failed to deliver the right products as well as decent levels of quality and service. Humberstone says the brand is 'at a crossroads', so let's hope it takes the right turning.
Get interactive with whatcar.com...
    
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Alfa Romeo Mito Multiair: driven
(Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:58:00 GMT)
Fiat doesn't waste time on false modesty when talking about its new Multiair engines. 'This will become the standard for petrol engines,' it says.
We're going to be seeing a lot of them, too. They're already in the Fiat Punto Evo, and now they're making their way into Alfa Romeo's supermini, the Mito.
What is Multiair?
Multiair is an electro-hydraulic form of variable valve operation that delivers exactly the right amount of air (and fuel) the engine needs at any given time. Think of your lungs – you breathe more deeply when running or climbing stairs than when strolling into the kitchen.
In the Mito
There are two versions of the engine in the Mito – both 1.4-litre turbocharged units. One develops 135bhp and is in Lusso and Veloce models, which have either a five-speed manual or six-speed twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox. The other, with 170bhp, is reserved exclusively for the Cloverleaf, which is available only with a six-speed manual.
The Cloverleaf also gets variable damping control, operated through the DNA switch that allows you to change throttle and steering response in every Mito. Alfa says it has also worked on the suspension, manual gearshift quality and interior trim of the range.
More photos of the Alfa Mito Multiair
Shame about the chassis
If only the chassis was as good. The Lusso and Veloce neither ride nor steer with the authority expected of a semi-sporty 'mini. At times it's downright crashy, and the gearshift is still not good enough. So, you fear the worst from the Cloverleaf, which has even larger wheels. Actually, though, it's much better – more precise and better damped, although there's still room for improvement.
What Car? says
Great engines, but there's still work to be done on the chassis
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Join our exclusive car previews
(Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:32:00 GMT)
What Car? has three exciting and exclusive previews of new cars coming up – and you could be on the guest list.
Preview the Nissan Juke
From 4-6pm on Wednesday, March 17, we're inviting readers to get up close and personal with Nissan's new Juke – a supermini-sized crossover that offers something different to the norm.
Preview the Vauxhall Meriva
The second preview is from 4-6pm on Monday, March 22, and is your chance to try out the clever doors and seating flexibility in the next-generation Vauxhall Meriva.
Preview the Renault Wind
Then on Friday, March 26 we are revealing Renault’s new baby roadster, the Wind – the company's rival to the Mini Convertible and Peugeot 207 CC. This event will take place from 2.30-4.30pm.
Free M&S vouchers and MP3 transmitter
All the previews will take place at What Car?’s HQ in Teddington, Middlesex, and every participant will take home £20 of M&S vouchers and a free Belkin MP3 FM Transmitter. There are six places available on each preview.
Sign up now
If you would like take part in any of these events, email us here readertestteam@haymarket.com by midnight this Sunday, March 14.
Make sure you include the following information:
• What car you currently drive;
• Where you'll be travelling from on the day;
• Your mobile number;
• Which preview you want to attend, and why you want to see the car.
We'll contact the successful entrants this Monday, March 15.
Your comments and photographs will appear in future issues of What Car? magazine's Reader Test Team feature. You'll also be asked to speak on camera for footage to be broadcast on whatcar.com.
Please note that you will not be able to drive the car – this is a chance to give your views on its design, ergonomics and specification.
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Car buyers - we need you!
(Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:30:00 GMT)
Have you or a friend bought a car recently? If so, we are looking for volunteers to come and speak to us about it.
To take part in our focus group, you need to have bought a car in the past six months, have had a full choice of brands (and not been restricted to a car make because of a company car scheme) and not bought a car through the scrappage scheme.
The focus group will take place at What Car?'s offices in Teddington, Middlesex from 7pm to 9pm on March 22.
It is an informal event and tea, coffee and snacks will be served.
To sign up, contact Julia Dear on 020 8267 5739 or e-mail her on Julia.Dear@haymarket.com
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Petrol versus diesel – which is cheaper?
(Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:55:00 GMT)
Working out whether a diesel- or a petrol-powered car will be cheaper to run over three years is a complicated business.
To ensure you're making the most cost-effective decision you have to consider the higher purchase cost as well as resale values, fuel bills, servicing and insurance bills.
Let the facts do the talking
To help make the job a little easier, we've developed a tool to do the sums for you.
Fill in the boxes and the calculator will tell you the most cost-effective option based on your individual circumstances.
Get interactive with whatcar.com...
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Audi R8 Spyder: belt up and mike up
(Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:09:00 GMT)
Audi's R8 Spyder will come with a world first for mobile phone users – Bluetooth microphones incorporated into the car's seatbelts.
The driver's and passenger's belt have three microphones, each smaller and flatter than shirt buttons, so that they don't interfere with the seatbelt mechanism.
Quality signal whatever the user's height
Audi says that when the seatbelt is worn one microphone is always located in the vicinity of the person's mouth, regardless of their height, so it gives the best possible speech reproduction even with the roof down.
Software analyses the quality of the signals from the mikes and forwards the best signal to the hands-free unit.
A fourth microphone, mounted on the windscreen frame, is used to make calls when the car is parked and the seatbelt is not on.
We've driven the R8 Spyder and our first impressions of the technology are good. What Car? road test editor Peter Tullin said: 'It's a very neat trick and it seems to work very well.'
Audi says there are no plans as yet for the technology to filter down into Audi's other drop tops, the Audi A5 Cabriolet, the Audi A3 Cabriolet and the Audi TT Roadster.
Get interactive with whatcar.com...
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Have you been stung by 'showroom' tax?
(Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:55:00 GMT)
Have you bought a higher-emitting 10-plate car and escaped the showroom tax that's coming in on April 1?
Or are you in the process of buying a big car and expect to pay this one-off hike in VED?
The Sunday Times would like to speak to you for a case study.
Contact Alexandra Goss, Sunday Times Money section, 020 7782 5636/ alexandra.goss@sunday-times.co.uk to find out more.
What is the showroom tax?
Cars bought on or after April 1 will have to pay a one-off so-called 'showroom tax'.
This VED (road tax) rate applies only to the first year of ownership. In the second year VED road tax rates will revert to the regular rate for that vehicle.
First-year VED rates in 2010-11
Band A (up to 100g/km CO2) no fee
Band B (101-110g/km CO2) no fee
Band C (111-120g/km CO2) no fee
Band D (121-130g/km CO2) no fee
Band E (131-140g/km CO2) £110
Band F (141- 150g/km CO2) £125
Band G (151 to 165g/km CO2) £155
Band H (166 to 175g/km CO2) £250
Band I (176 to 185g/km CO2) £300
Band J (186 to 200g/km CO2) £425
Band K (201 to 225g/km CO2) £550
Band L (226 to 255g/km CO2) £750
Band M (Over 255g/km CO2) £950
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Who has the biggest saving?
(Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:27:00 GMT)
We have hundreds of tempting deals online at whatcar.com every day of the week, but which do you think is the biggest of them all right now?
There's one car that's being offered with a huge five-figure discount off its list price, but can you guess what vehicle it is?
What's the biggest discount of them all?
Try and work out the car with the biggest saving by looking through the clues below - and you can even learn how to drive down all of your motoring costs along the way.
Just read the clues and check out our 'Remember' sections to let whatcar.com help you save cash when buying a new car.
• Discounts naturally tend to get bigger as the list price grows, so our headline car (a 4x4) isn't cheap, even after a whopping saving of £12,228 off its RRP of just over £64,000.
• Our mystery car is also about to be replaced by an all-new model – with better performance and improved economy – so its already weak resale values are likely to take a further hit. Expect it to lose at least £43,250 over three years.
Remember…Depreciation is the single biggest cost of car ownership. Check out how well the cars you're considering will retain their value with our free tables here. Audi's TT currently retains the most of its original value after three years, holding on to as much as 71% of the list price, while the Citroen Xsara Picasso is at the other end of the spectrum. It holds on to just 20% of its original price.
• Then there are the other running costs. Servicing will set you back at least £1620 over three years, while insurance will be around £3534. Even though it's a diesel-powered car you can expect to fork out a minimum of £7685 in fuel over 36,000 miles, because its official fuel consumption figure is just 23.7mpg.
Remember…You can find all of these other running costs in the car reviews section of whatcar.com here. You can also line up your shortlisted cars with our comparison tool to see how they do against each other like this.
What's the answer?
Still interested in the deal? Scroll down to find out the full details below…
It's the Volkswagen Touareg
Coast2coastcars.co.uk is offering the Volkswagen Touareg 5.0 TDi R50 for £52,457, more than £12,000 less than its list price.
The new Touareg range goes on sale in June and will include a petrol-electric hybrid version that's cheaper, much more economical and slightly faster than the R50.
The 3.3-litre V6 hybrid is likely to cost £57,000 and is 10.7mpg more efficient on the official combined cycle at 34.4mpg. It can manage 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 149mph – 0.2 seconds and 3mph faster than the V10 diesel.
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Who has the biggest saving of them all?
(Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:27:00 GMT)
We have hundreds of tempting deals online at whatcar.com every day of the week, but which do you think is the biggest of them all right now?
There's one car that's being offered with a huge five-figure discount off its list price, but can you guess what vehicle it is?
What's the biggest discount of them all?
Try and work out the car with the biggest saving by looking through the clues below - and you can even learn how to drive down all of your motoring costs along the way.
Just read the clues and check out our 'Remember' sections to let whatcar.com help you save cash when buying a new car.
• Discounts naturally tend to get bigger as the list price grows, so our headline car (a 4x4) isn't cheap, even after a whopping saving of £12,228 off its RRP of just over £64,000.
• Our mystery car is also about to be replaced by an all-new model – with better performance and improved economy – so its already weak resale values are likely to take a further hit. Expect it to lose at least £43,250 over three years.
Remember…Depreciation is the single biggest cost of car ownership. Check out how well the cars you're considering will retain their value with our free tables here. Audi's TT currently retains the most of its original value after three years, holding on to as much as 71% of the list price, while the Citroen Xsara Picasso is at the other end of the spectrum. It holds on to just 20% of its original price.
• Then there are the other running costs. Servicing will set you back at least £1620 over three years, while insurance will be around £3534. Even though it's a diesel-powered car you can expect to fork out a minimum of £7685 in fuel over 36,000 miles, because its official fuel consumption figure is just 23.7mpg.
Remember…You can find all of these other running costs in the car reviews section of whatcar.com here. You can also line up your shortlisted cars with our comparison tool to see how they do against each other like this.
What's the answer?
Still interested in the deal? Scroll down to find out the full details below…
It's the Volkswagen Touareg
Coast2coastcars.co.uk is offering the Volkswagen Touareg 5.0 TDi R50 for £52,457, more than £12,000 less than its list price.
The new Touareg range goes on sale in June and will include a petrol-electric hybrid version that's cheaper, much more economical and slightly faster than the R50.
The 3.3-litre V6 hybrid is likely to cost £57,000 and is 10.7mpg more efficient on the official combined cycle at 34.4mpg. It can manage 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 149mph – 0.2 seconds and 3mph faster than the V10 diesel.
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Visit What Car? for exclusive previews
(Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:51:00 GMT)
What Car? has a pair of exciting and exclusive previews of new cars coming up – and you could be on the guest list.
Preview the Nissan Juke
On March 17, we're inviting readers to get up close and personal with Nissan's new Juke – a supermini-sized crossover that offers something different to the norm.
Preview the Vauxhall Meriva
The second preview is on March 22, and is your chance to try out the clever doors and seating flexibility in the next-generation Vauxhall Meriva.
We have space for six readers at each of the events, both which run from 4-6pm and will be held in our studios at the What Car? HQ in Teddington, Middlesex.
Sign up now
If you would like to take part in the Juke event, e-mail readertestteam@haymarket.com by midnight Sunday, March 14.
If the Meriva is more your bag, e-mail readertestteam@haynet.com by midnight Sunday, March 14.
Make sure you include the following information:
• what car you currently drive;
• where you'll be travelling from on the day;
• your mobile number;
• a few lines on why you're interested in seeing the new cars.
We'll contact six successful entrants prior to each preview.
Your comments and photographs will appear in future issues of What Car? magazine's Reader Test Team feature. You'll also be asked to speak on camera for footage to be broadcast on whatcar.com.
Please note that you will not be able to drive the car – this is a chance to give your views on its design, ergonomics and specification.
Want to know more?
Click on the links below to find out more about the Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Meriva and other cars that readers have come to see at What Car? HQ.
Vauxhall Meriva driven
Nissan Juke revealed
Aston Martin Rapide
BMW 5 Series
Citroen DS3
Get interactive with whatcar.com...
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Surrey tops pothole chart
(Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:51:00 GMT)
Surrey is the most pothole-riddled county in the UK with reports of 1998 holes, according to a survey by Kia.
The manufacturer revealed Hampshire as the second-worst-afflicted area, with 892 reports of potholes, while Kent ranked third with 857.
Surrey not impressed
Surrey County Council rubbished the report. 'The results of this survey are so inaccurate they are absurd,' said a spokesman.
'Kia claims Surrey has 1998 potholes and other counties in Britain have even less – this is pure nonsense.
'In Surrey we have fixed around 15,000 road defects – including potholes – since the recent bad weather alone.'
The council is calling for more cash to invest in long-term improvements in the road network rather than patchwork emergency repairs. It argues that proper investment in Surrey's roads over the previous 15 years would have encouraged more business growth and earned the Government £750 million more in tax each year.
Claim for pothole damage
Authorities have a duty of care to maintain carriageways so, in theory, you can claim compensation for damage caused to your car by potholes. Here's how:
Take a date-stamped picture of the pothole, with something to show the diameter of the hole. Take another picture of the damage caused to your car. Send these, with written estimates for the cost of repairs, to the relevant council (the county council or London borough).
In reality, however, the amount that councils have paid in compensation has shrunk dramatically. The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance Survey estimates payouts peaked at £121 million in 2002, but have since fallen to just £22.1 million in 2009.
UK's top 10 pothole hotspots
Is your county in Kia's list of shame?
1 Surrey (1998)
2 Hampshire (892)
3 Kent (857)
4 Hertfordshire (855)
5 Oxfordshire (796)
6 Lancashire (733)
7 Essex (734)
8 West Sussex (680)
9 Buckinghamshire (678)
10 Gloucestershire (655)
Get interactive with whatcar.com...
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Fiat's new engines in F1 Ferrari
(Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:46:00 GMT)
Fiat has revealed that the clever technology behind its Multiair engines has been tried in a Formula One Ferrari.
The test was part of the development schedule for the technology, but to also to see if it could eventually give Ferrari an advantage in F1.
'Multiair technology works best with turbocharged engines, so at this stage there is no benefit in using it in F1,' says Massimo Fulfaro, the Multiair product manager.
How Multiair works
Multiair is an electro-hydraulic form of variable valve timing that helps improve performance and fuel consumption. In effect, it makes the engine act like human lungs, drawing in just the right amount of air (and fuel) it needs at any moment.
Electro-magnetic and electro-mechanical systems from other manufacturers have promised similar things in the past, but Fulfaro claims they are either too costly or too slow in operation.
'This technology (Multiair) will become the standard for petrol engines,' he claims. It's currently available in 1.4-litre versions of the Fiat Punto Evo, and has just gone into the Alfa Romeo Mito.
Fulfaro says that Fiat is currently developing a Multiair version of the Chrysler V6 engine (Fiat holds a 35% stake in the American company) and believes the technology will help diesels meet the tougher EU6 emissions standards due to come into force in 2014.
'Only with Multiair will you be able to meet EU6 levels at a lower cost,' he claims.
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Fiat's new engines and the F1 Ferrari
(Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:46:00 GMT)
Fiat has revealed that the clever technology behind its Multiair engines has been tried in a Formula One Ferrari.
The test was part of the development schedule for the technology, but to also to see if it could eventually give Ferrari an advantage in F1.
'Multiair technology works best with turbocharged engines, so at this stage there is no benefit in using it in F1,' says Massimo Fulfaro, the Multiair product manager.
How Multiair works
Multiair is an electro-hydraulic form of variable valve timing that helps improve performance and fuel consumption. In effect, it makes the engine act like human lungs, drawing in just the right amount of air (and fuel) it needs at any moment.
Electro-magnetic and electro-mechanical systems from other manufacturers have promised similar things in the past, but Fulfaro claims they are either too costly or too slow in operation.
'This technology (Multiair) will become the standard for petrol engines,' he claims. It's currently available in 1.4-litre versions of the Fiat Punto Evo, and has just gone into the Alfa Romeo Mito.
Fulfaro says that Fiat is currently developing a Multiair version of the Chrysler V6 engine (Fiat holds a 35% stake in the American company) and believes the technology will help diesels meet the tougher EU6 emissions standards due to come into force in 2014.
'Only with Multiair will you be able to meet EU6 levels at a lower cost,' he claims.
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Vauxhall Meriva exclusive preview
(Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:31:00 GMT)
Could Vauxhall's new Meriva be the most family-friendly MPV ever made? We're looking for six readers to tell us what they think, at an exclusive private preview.
Join our exclusive preview
If you would like to take part, email readertestteam@haynet.com by midnight this Sunday, March 14, including the following information:
• what car you currently drive;
• where you'll be travelling from on the day;
• your mobile number;
• a few lines on why you're interested in seeing the new Vauxhall Meriva.
When and where
The exclusive preview will take place on Monday, March 22 from 4-6pm at What Car?'s HQ in Teddington, Middlesex.
First look
The new Meriva boasts a flexible cabin layout, rear-hinged doors for ultra-easy access, a standard kit list which includes a CD player, electric windows and heated door mirrors, and a storage rail running the length of the cabin. There's a choice of three petrol engines and two diesels for the car which costs from £15,495.
Your comments and photographs will appear in the June issue of What Car? magazine's Reader Test Team feature; you'll also be asked to speak on camera for footage to be broadcast on whatcar.com.
Six readers will be invited to attend – we'll get in touch on Monday, March 15 if you've been successful, with further details of the event.
(Please note that you will not be able to drive the car – this is a chance to give your views on its design, ergonomics and specification.)
Want to know more?
Click on the links below to find out more about the Vauxhall Meriva and see other new car previews.
Vauxhall Meriva driven
Ford Grand C-Max Reader Test Team video
Aston Martin Rapide
BMW 5 Series
Citroen DS3
Get interactive with whatcar.com...
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Win 25 free driving lessons!
(Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMT)
We are offering the chance to win 25 free lessons with your local What Car? driving instructor – a prize that will set you on the road to independence.
What Car? Driving School uses only the finest instructors to give you the best chance of passing your driving test.
Unlike most other national driving schools, we use Driving Standards Agency (DSA) fully qualified instructors who also meet our own selection criteria.
To enter, click What Car? Driving School Competition
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Our stars of the Geneva motor show
(Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:18:00 GMT)
It's a week on from the madness of the Geneva motor show press day, but now the dust has settled, what was the star of the show?
The whatcar.com Geneva team has put together a 'two good, too bad' selection of cars from the show to sort out the delights from the duffers.
On the basis of our thoughts, the award for star of the show goes to either the Kia Sportage, Mini Countryman and the Porsche 918 Spyder. Click through our report and see if you agree.
 Steve Fowler – group editor, What Car?
Two good
Mini Countryman – will anyone want a Mini SUV that’s built in Austria? Yes, me!
Kia Sportage – at last, the Koreans discover soft-touch interiors. Looks fab and it's great value, too.
Too bad
Nissan Micra – a rare case where the old model looks more appealing than the new one.
Porsche Cayenne – a car that’s got uglier and less desirable with every design tweak.
 Iain Reid – web producer, whatcar.com
Two good
Honda CR-Z – at last, a hybrid that looks cool.
Justin Timberlake's honesty – asked at the VW Group preview: 'Why did you become an ambassador for Audi?' He replied: 'Because they paid me a lot of money.'
Too bad
Bugatti 16 C Galibier – there's more than a hint of Porsche Panamera in the rear of the car.
Mazda 5 – no clever seating tricks, no wrap-over windscreen, just looks that are verging on the bland and sliding doors – which the current model has anyway.
 Peter Lawton – deputy editor, whatcar.com
Two good
Mini Countryman – I thought I'd hate the Countryman, but I actually quite liked it. I spent more time playing around with this car than any other at the show.
Porsche 918 Spyder – you've got to dream, haven’t you? Those bright green brake callipers remind me of Jane Fonda's ankle warmers though (you might have to Google these if you're under 40).
Too bad
Mazda 5/Ford C-Max – the seats are too complicated to operate. They're a far cry from the ones in the Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 5008, which you can flip and fold with one hand while holding a baby in the other.
Lexus CT200h – it's great that the premium small family car segment is finally getting a hybrid, but does it really have to look like this?
 Roger Stansfield – associate editor, What Car?
Two good
Nissan Juke – something very different.
Porsche 918 Spyder – a technological smorgasbord.
Too bad
Audi A1 – what’s wrong with a VW Polo?
Citroen Survolt – too much pink and too many wings – a cross between Lady Penelope and Dick Dastardly.
 Will Nightingale – consumer reporter, What Car?
Two good
Alfa Romeo Giulietta – Lots of promise – whatcar.com readers voted it their favourite car of the Geneva motor show.
Kia Sportage – a huge step forward for Kia’s crossover – it looks sharp and the interior isn’t half bad, either.
Too bad
Honda CR-Z – a dancer falling off the stage during the unveiling. Oops!
Aston Martin Cygnet – takes badge engineering to a whole new level – £30k for what’s essentially a Toyota iQ!
 Pete Barden – sub editor, whatcar.com
Two good
Ford Focus – not just the practical, dull option any more.
Porsche Boxster Spyder – 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, top speed of 166mph, and average fuel consumption of 30.4mpg – what's not to like?
Too bad
Ferrari 599 hybrid technology – stop saying what you could do – and do it.
Nissan Micra – bland styling after early drawings hinted at something a little more interesting.
 Peter Brown – video editor, whatcar.com
Two Good
Bentley GTC Convertible – suits me, I think.
Audi A1 e-tron – cute styling for rich kids with a conscience.
Too Bad
BMW 5 Series –looks too big to drive, but too small to be driven in.
Renault Wind – chunky and ugly - just like me.
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Dramatic cuts in UK CO2 emissions
(Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:40:00 GMT)
Carbon dioxide emissions in the UK have been slashed thanks to the scrappage scheme and recession, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
The SMMT's report reveals that average CO2 levels for 2009 were down 5.4% to 149g/km, compared with figures for the previous year.
Biggest fall since records began
The drop is three times as fast as the average annual rate recorded since the study was launched in 1997 and is, in part, caused by motorists turning to more economical cars, and the scrappage scheme cutting the number of older, less efficient cars on the road.
Although the scrappage incentive doesn't impose a CO2 cap, the average emissions of cars bought through the scheme so far is 133.3g/km – 26.8% less than the average scrapped car.
Incentives need to be ongoing
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: 'While scrappage incentives made a positive contribution to fleet renewal in 2009, there is a risk that over the next few years motorists might be deterred from investing in the latest technology.
'Developing a long-term and consistent approach to vehicle taxation and environmental incentives will be important in maintaining the current rate of improvement.'
If the current rate of reduction in emissions continues, the UK will hit the 2015 average new car emissions target of 130g/km set by the EU, and which comes into force in 2015.
Fall in new car emissionsYear
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Average new car CO2
177.6g/km
174.2g/km
172.1g/km
171.4g/km
169.4g/km
167.2g/km
164.9g/km
158.0g/km
149.5g/km
Drop on previous year
–
1.9%
1.2%
0.4%
1.2%
1.3%
1.4%
4.2%
5.4%
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Toyota's hydrogen cars reach Europe
(Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:54:00 GMT)
Toyota has taken another step towards its goal of putting hydrogen fuel-cell cars on sale by 2015 by supplying its hydrogen cars to a scheme in Germany.
The company is giving five of its FCHV fuel-cell vehicles to the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) in Germany, a government-funded project that aims to develop the infrastructure necessary for alternatively fuelled vehicles.
Tadashi Arashima, president of Toyota Europe, said: 'We firmly believe that fuel cell-powered vehicles will play a major role in reducing emissions and achieving sustainable mobility.
'Close tie-ups between car manufacturers and infrastructure companies are vital.'
Infrastructure growing – slowly
Besides the two billion euro investment in the CEP project, which will install refuelling points between Berlin and Hamburg, other countries in Europe are slowly putting a skeleton refuelling structure in place.
There are 15 refuelling stations in Scandinavia, while the M4 is targeted as becoming the UK's first hyrdrogen highway by as early as 2015.
Stars in hydrogen cars
The FCHV cars that Toyota will supply to the CEP by 2011 are not the first to join the roads.
Rival brand Honda already has several FCX Clarity models in use in America, including with celebs such as Jamie Lee Curtis, and What Car? Group Editor Steve Fowler has also driven one. Click FCX Clarity driven for more.
Mazda has been developing hydrogen vehicles for more than 18 years. Take a look at Mazda and the hydrogen highway.
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General Motors favours local heroes
(Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:25:00 GMT)
Vauxhall, Opel and other General Motors companies will continue to develop cars to suit local conditions rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.
This is in contrast to arch-rival Ford, which has developed a 'One Ford' policy under CEO Alan Mulally, under which cars are developed with global sales in mind.
'Where do we develop our vehicles? We do it always in the region where they will be sold,' said Rita Forst, Vauxhall's head of engineering.
'You can change a lot of things by specification, but in the end you have to understand what Vauxhall and Opel stands for.
'We stand for German engineering, high quality and flexibility. That means there has to be autonomy (in the different regions). Our mainstream cars will always be designed and engineered "at home", but even with niche cars that are brought in from outside (such as Chevrolets from America and Korea) my people are involved at an early stage to ensure that they have the right DNA.'
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Hot deals whatever the weather
(Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:15:00 GMT)
Has spring finally sprung, or are we due another deluge?
Do you fancy a new 10 plate convertible to make the most of the sun now it's arrived? Or do you think you need a 4x4 just to make it to the local shop?
Either way, What Car? can help save you plenty of cash with hundreds of offers on all manner of cars. Whet your appetite with these deals or click on New Cars For Sale to start searching for more savings.
BMW 3 Series Convertible
Great to drive and refined whether the roof’s up or down. You can save more than £5000 on the list price of a 325d M Sport with Coast2coastcars.co.uk.
Find the BMW 3 Series Convertible deal here
Audi A5 Cabriolet
The Audi's not as fun to drive as the BMW, or as refined, but it's a super-stylish option, and with nearly £4000 off it's worth a look.
Find the Audi A5 Cabriolet deal here
Ford Focus CC
If your budget can't stretch to the Audi or BMW, don't despair. There are plenty of more affordable options and with more than £5000 off the list price you can have the Focus CC for less than £18,000 with Autobytel.
Find the Ford Focus CC deal here
Volkswagen Eos
The VW Eos is another great convertible with a folding hard top. It's always been a bit pricey, but £3499 off the list price with UKnewcars.co.uk takes a bit of the sting out.
Find the Volkswagen Eos deal here
Deals on 4x4s
Audi Q7
Transport for seven no matter the weather, the Q7 is a big car with a big pricetag. Drivethedeal.com can chop more than £6000 off the price, however.
Find the Audi Q7 deal here
BMW X5
Another Audi/BMW head-to-head. At £6718 less than the list price with Coast2coastcars.co.uk, you're saving almost £1000 a seat on the X5.
Find the BMW X5 deal here
Honda CR-V
The CR-V is a great car, but Honda dealers are really stingy. No problem. Hop over to Drivethedeal.com and they'll save you £3190 with a price of 20,235.
Find the Honda CR-V deal here
Land Rover Freelander
Superb ride and refinement, and real go-anywhere ability, the Freelander is happy on the road or off it. You'll be happy with a near £6000 saving off a top-spec 2.2 TD4e HSE, too.
Find the Land Rover Freelander deal here
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Good week, bad week: March 5
(Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:42:00 GMT)
It's our review of the good and the bad in a week of motoring-related ups-and-downs…
Good week for new cars, Mini, Vauxhall and Whatcar.com visitors
The Geneva Motor Show is always busy but this year it seemed even more packed than usual.
Sales of new cars were also up, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The SMMT reckons the good news will continue after the scrappage scheme ends this month.
GM has pledged £1.7 billion to Vauxhall, Mini has announced a sub-100g/km model and What Car? has secured the new Nissan Juke for an exclusive preview, especially for you.
Bad week for politicians, roadworks and Kia crash tests
There have been too many people in charge at the Department for Transport, a report says, and Government claims about lower transport emissions are incorrect.
Utility companies face bigger fines for digging up roads and then taking their time while the new Kia Venga had a hiccough in crast tests. A weakness was found in the restraint system during Euro NCAP crash tests so owners have been advised to get in touch with their dealer.
Toyota's week – good or bad?
Mostly bad. Again. The company believes there's nothing wrong, but US owners have been complaining of unintended acceleration in recalled and remedied cars.
The good news? The Toyota Verso was the only car to get the full five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests.
This is the week that was...
Chinese hybrid and electric cars for UK
Politicians' plans for motorists Introduction
Nissan Juke exclusive preview
No hangover after scrappage party?
Too many cooks at the DfT
Bentley's bid to come clean thwarted
Japanese disagree over electric vehicles
Crash tests show Kia Venga safety worry
Revised Toyota RAV4 on sale in spring
New Mini to drop below 100g/km
Saab: back to Swedish basics
Opel Ampera takes to the road
Vauxhall plans Mini rival
Dacia to launch in UK in 2012
Geneva motor show on video
GM pledges £1.7 billion to Vauxhall/Opel
Vauxhall announces prices for new Meriva
Seat IBe electric concept car
Geneva motor show report 2010
Porsche 918 Spyder revealed
Late roadworks face higher penalties
Most economical Auris announced
Save with our Target Price The big price rise
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What Car? needs you!
(Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:00 GMT)
Over the past year or so, a number of internet-based companies have sprung up offering to buy any car, no matter what its age, mileage or condition.
Whatcar.com wants to hear from you if you’ve recently used one of these companies.
We’d like to hear experiences, good and bad, including how competitive the price offered was, how easy the company was to deal with, and how you’d rate the whole process.
Please e-mail What Car? used car editor Matt Sanger at Matt.Sanger@whatcar.com, or write to him at Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9BE. Mark your envelope 'Internet car buyer survey'.
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Mercedes set for electric future
(Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:27:00 GMT)
Mercedes is preparing for all possibilities as we move towards greater electrification of the car. The F800 concept revealed at the Geneva motor show, although only a research vehicle at this stage, previews a flexible architecture for rear-drive models that could support plug-in hybrids, all-electric and range-extender electric cars, or even those powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
Mercedes has already promised that there will be a plug-in hybrid of the next-generation S-Class. At the Frankfurt motor show last September, CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche said it would be capable of 90mpg and have CO2 emikssions of only 74g/km.
Mercedes had previously announced how it would use the platform of the A- and B-Class to support a variety of electrically-propelled front-drive models.
It may look like Mercedes is having to bet on every horse in the race to ensure it is prepared for whichever future technology wins out, but this isn't so, according to Prof Dr Herbert Kohler, the company's head of environmental research and development. He said: 'You can't bet on the right horse until you know who is part of the race, and at this stage it is too early.
'If all current technology were to be electrified it would bring us a market share of around 20% of the total volume, but pure electric – battery or fuel cell – would have only around 5%. It is totally new technology'
In the medium term, Mercedes favours plug-in hybrids and range-extender electric cars – powered by electricity, but with a small internal combustion engine on board to serve as a generator when needed. Hydrogen fuel cells are a longer-term goal.
'Fuel cells would give us the kind of mobility we are used to. You could never achieve that with a battery electric vehicle because of the amount of time you are forced to invest in recharging,' said Kohler.
An alternative propulsion system needs an alternative infrastructure. For electric vehicles, that can not be supported purely by the household grid.'
He is unimpressed by the idea of a chain of quick-swap battery stations, as proposed by Renault and Nissan. 'We looked at this pattern in 1996, but there are two or three reasons why it would not work,' he said.
'First, the battery needs to be a supportive part of the car (stressed member) for crash safety reasons. Second, you are dealing with currents of 400, 500 or 600 volts, and there are only a few people trained to handle that – even in our own workshop. Third, we still do not know a lot about the cars during normal running. Why do you think it is you cannot buy one of our Smart electric cars yet?'
Kohler admits that the electrification of the car introduces 'huge opportunities for different business models', however, and says that manufacturers 'may no longer simply supply and sell cars'.
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