Thursday, May 12, 2011
You may or may not like Vilner's aesthetic proposals, but you’ll have to agree that Bulgarian studio is a very good example of what a company from a relatively small country with no background in its niche can achieve with some hard work and smart yet efficient marketing tactics. You see, instead of focusing on the local market and waiting for someone to discover the firm’s products, over the past year or so Vilner has been aggressively promoting every tune it has worked on. We don’t know if this strategy has translated into an overseas income, but it has put the company on the map, and that’s something worth noting.
In this latest tune, Vilner crafted a bespoke Smart ForTwo for one of its local customers. The Lilliputian two-door model received extensive styling modifications built around a square motive that is visible inside and out. On the outside, the ForTwo gains a colorful wrap that includes a chrome finish at the back and orange wheels, while the interior has been completely reworked featuring new and more luxurious materials throughout. Follow the jump for more pictures as well as a video from the build.
You may or may not like Vilner's aesthetic proposals, but you’ll have to agree that Bulgarian studio is a very good example of what a company from a relatively small country with no background in its niche can achieve with some hard work and smart yet efficient marketing tactics. You see, instead of focusing on the local market and waiting for someone to discover the firm’s products, over the past year or so Vilner has been aggressively promoting every tune it has worked on. We don’t know if this strategy has translated into an overseas income, but it has put the company on the map, and that’s something worth noting.
In this latest tune, Vilner crafted a bespoke Smart ForTwo for one of its local customers. The Lilliputian two-door model received extensive styling modifications built around a square motive that is visible inside and out. On the outside, the ForTwo gains a colorful wrap that includes a chrome finish at the back and orange wheels, while the interior has been completely reworked featuring new and more luxurious materials throughout. Follow the jump for more pictures as well as a video from the build.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.
However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.
 |
| The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL |
Related post:
SLS AMG E-CELL is go
Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.
However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.
|
| The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL |
Related post:
SLS AMG E-CELL is go
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The one pence reduction in fuel duty announced in today’s UK Budget won’t be enough to stop lots of car buyers searching out the most fuel efficient offerings.
For many, that will automatically mean a diesel or a hybrid, simply because those technologies deliver the best miles per gallon. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that those types of car will appeal to everyone.
For starters, they tend to cost more, which is enough to put off some. Combine that with the higher price of diesel, and it often means that mega miles have to be driven before the extra initial outlay is offset by better fuel economy.
So, for some drivers it will still make financial sense to go for a petrol-powered car. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, these are the ten models currently on sale that use the least petrol (based on the combined cycle measure).
 |
| Most fuel efficient petrol-powered car: The Fiat 500 / 500C TwinAir with Dualogic transmission. |
The good news is that all will better 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km), and all except the Suzuki and Nissan emit 100 g/km or less of CO2, qualifying them for zero road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge.
However, as would be expected, every one is a small city car which somewhat limits their practicality.
| Rank | Manufacturer | Model | Transmission | CO2 | mpg (l/100km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiat | 500 / 500C TwinAir Dualogic | SAT5 | 92 | 70.6 (4.0) |
| 2 | Fiat | 500 / 500C TwinAir | M5 | 95 | 68.9 (4.1) |
| 3= | Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 97 | 67.3 (4.2) |
| 3= | Hyundai | I10 Blue 1.0 litre SOHC | M5 | 99 | 67.3 (4.2) |
| 5= | Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 99 | 65.7 (4.3) |
| 5= | Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 98 | 65.7 (4.3) |
| 7= | Suzuki | Alto 1.0 SZ-L / SZ-2 / SZ-3 / SZ-4 | M5 | 103 | 64.2 (4.4) |
| 7= | Toyota | iQ (MY 2011) 1.0 VVT-i 5 speed manual | M5 | 99 | 64.2 (4.4) |
| 7= | Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 100 | 64.2 (4.4) |
| 7= | Nissan | Pixo 1.0 | M5 | 103 | 64.2 (4.4) |
Related posts:
Smart fortwo nightorange
Zero Congestion Charge
Top 10: Cheapest new cars
Fiat 500 TwinAir arrives
The one pence reduction in fuel duty announced in today’s UK Budget won’t be enough to stop lots of car buyers searching out the most fuel efficient offerings.
For many, that will automatically mean a diesel or a hybrid, simply because those technologies deliver the best miles per gallon. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that those types of car will appeal to everyone.
For starters, they tend to cost more, which is enough to put off some. Combine that with the higher price of diesel, and it often means that mega miles have to be driven before the extra initial outlay is offset by better fuel economy.
So, for some drivers it will still make financial sense to go for a petrol-powered car. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, these are the ten models currently on sale that use the least petrol (based on the combined cycle measure).
|
| Most fuel efficient petrol-powered car: The Fiat 500 / 500C TwinAir with Dualogic transmission. |
The good news is that all will better 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km), and all except the Suzuki and Nissan emit 100 g/km or less of CO2, qualifying them for zero road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge.
However, as would be expected, every one is a small city car which somewhat limits their practicality.
| Rank | Manufacturer | Model | Transmission | CO2 | mpg (l/100km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiat | 500 / 500C TwinAir Dualogic | SAT5 | 92 | 70.6 (4.0) |
| 2 | Fiat | 500 / 500C TwinAir | M5 | 95 | 68.9 (4.1) |
| 3= | Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 97 | 67.3 (4.2) |
| 3= | Hyundai | I10 Blue 1.0 litre SOHC | M5 | 99 | 67.3 (4.2) |
| 5= | Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 99 | 65.7 (4.3) |
| 5= | Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 98 | 65.7 (4.3) |
| 7= | Suzuki | Alto 1.0 SZ-L / SZ-2 / SZ-3 / SZ-4 | M5 | 103 | 64.2 (4.4) |
| 7= | Toyota | iQ (MY 2011) 1.0 VVT-i 5 speed manual | M5 | 99 | 64.2 (4.4) |
| 7= | Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | 100 | 64.2 (4.4) |
| 7= | Nissan | Pixo 1.0 | M5 | 103 | 64.2 (4.4) |
Related posts:
Smart fortwo nightorange
Zero Congestion Charge
Top 10: Cheapest new cars
Fiat 500 TwinAir arrives
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Smart has announced that the limited edition fortwo nightorange will be coming the UK, following its debut in mainland European markets earlier this year.
As the name implies, the distinguishing feature is the orange paintwork that, depending on your point of view, looks either very chic or a bit municipal authority. Offsetting the orangeness are the 15” alloys, tridion safety cell, grilles and door mirror housings, all of which are finished in black.
The dark theme is carried over to the interior, where the seats are upholstered in black nappa leather and cloth. A similar shade is used for the clock and tachometer pods, special floor mats, sports steering wheel and dashboard trim.
235 examples of the fortwo nightorange will be available, in either coupé or convertible guise. Unlike the diesel-powered fortwo lightshine edition that appeared back in January, nightorange buyers get a choice of two petrol engines.
The obvious option for anyone wanting to avoid paying road tax or the London Congestion Charge is the 70 bhp (52 kW / 71 PS) micro hybrid unit, because CO2 emissions don’t exceed 100 g/km.
Alternatively, there’s the 82 bhp (62 kW / 84 PS) motor. Capacity is still 999 cc, but thanks to the addition of a turbocharger performance is more brisk - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time is cut from 13.7 to 10.7 seconds, for example. The trade-off is reduced efficiency, but combined cycle consumption of 57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) and a CO2 figure of 115 g/km still aren’t too bad.
Smart has confirmed UK prices as follows:
70 bhp nightorange coupé - £9,995
82 bhp nightorange coupé - £10,495
70 bhp nightorange cabriolet - £11,495
82 bhp nightorange cabriolet - £11,995
Related posts:
Low CO2 fortwo lightshine
Zero Congestion Charge
Smart has announced that the limited edition fortwo nightorange will be coming the UK, following its debut in mainland European markets earlier this year.
As the name implies, the distinguishing feature is the orange paintwork that, depending on your point of view, looks either very chic or a bit municipal authority. Offsetting the orangeness are the 15” alloys, tridion safety cell, grilles and door mirror housings, all of which are finished in black.
The dark theme is carried over to the interior, where the seats are upholstered in black nappa leather and cloth. A similar shade is used for the clock and tachometer pods, special floor mats, sports steering wheel and dashboard trim.
235 examples of the fortwo nightorange will be available, in either coupé or convertible guise. Unlike the diesel-powered fortwo lightshine edition that appeared back in January, nightorange buyers get a choice of two petrol engines.
The obvious option for anyone wanting to avoid paying road tax or the London Congestion Charge is the 70 bhp (52 kW / 71 PS) micro hybrid unit, because CO2 emissions don’t exceed 100 g/km.
Alternatively, there’s the 82 bhp (62 kW / 84 PS) motor. Capacity is still 999 cc, but thanks to the addition of a turbocharger performance is more brisk - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time is cut from 13.7 to 10.7 seconds, for example. The trade-off is reduced efficiency, but combined cycle consumption of 57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) and a CO2 figure of 115 g/km still aren’t too bad.
Smart has confirmed UK prices as follows:
70 bhp nightorange coupé - £9,995
82 bhp nightorange coupé - £10,495
70 bhp nightorange cabriolet - £11,495
82 bhp nightorange cabriolet - £11,995
Related posts:
Low CO2 fortwo lightshine
Zero Congestion Charge
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Smart has launched a special edition of what’s probably the most eco-friendly internal combustion car on sale.
The lightshine is based on the fortwo passion cdi turbodiesel coupé with softip transmission, which produces just 86 g/km of CO2. That means it qualifies for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge, as well as £0 road tax. Fuel economy is pretty impressive too, with a combined cycle rating of 85.6 mpg (3.3 l/100km).
There’s not too much to differentiate the lightshine, though. Apart from the light green matt body panels, it gets colour coded headlamp bezels, LED daytime running lights, special badging and the double spoke alloys borrowed from the pulse trim level. The interior is spruced up with a new 3-spoke steering wheel, paddleshift gear change and floor mats that feature a lightshine logo.
The downside? Smart has priced the lightshine at £11,405, which is £765 more than a passion coupé currently costs. Some might feel that it’s not worth paying such a premium for the special version, especially considering that the spec isn’t too dissimilar.
Otherwise, it’s the usual fortwo issues: Carrying more than two people is obviously impossible, performance from the 53 bhp (40 kW / 54 PS) diesel engine is best described as leisurely, and the automatic gearbox has been criticised in the past.
But the lightshine will certainly be exclusive, with only 86 - a nod to its CO2 emissions - destined to come to the UK.
Smart has launched a special edition of what’s probably the most eco-friendly internal combustion car on sale.
The lightshine is based on the fortwo passion cdi turbodiesel coupé with softip transmission, which produces just 86 g/km of CO2. That means it qualifies for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge, as well as £0 road tax. Fuel economy is pretty impressive too, with a combined cycle rating of 85.6 mpg (3.3 l/100km).
There’s not too much to differentiate the lightshine, though. Apart from the light green matt body panels, it gets colour coded headlamp bezels, LED daytime running lights, special badging and the double spoke alloys borrowed from the pulse trim level. The interior is spruced up with a new 3-spoke steering wheel, paddleshift gear change and floor mats that feature a lightshine logo.
The downside? Smart has priced the lightshine at £11,405, which is £765 more than a passion coupé currently costs. Some might feel that it’s not worth paying such a premium for the special version, especially considering that the spec isn’t too dissimilar.
Otherwise, it’s the usual fortwo issues: Carrying more than two people is obviously impossible, performance from the 53 bhp (40 kW / 54 PS) diesel engine is best described as leisurely, and the automatic gearbox has been criticised in the past.
But the lightshine will certainly be exclusive, with only 86 - a nod to its CO2 emissions - destined to come to the UK.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge.
Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London.
The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less.
Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment.
So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, the models that currently meet the criteria are:
| Manufacturer | Model | Specification | Transmission | Fuel | CO2 g/km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | A3 | 1.6 TDI 105PS Stop Start | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | DS3 | 1.6HDi 90hp w/ energy saving tyres | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | New C3 | 1.6HDi 90hp Airdream+ | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir | M5 | Petrol | 95 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir Dualogic | SAT5 | Petrol | 92 |
| Fiat | Punto Evo (Jan 2010 on) | 1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO | M5 | Diesel | 95 |
| Ford | Fiesta (Post 2010¼) | 1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF ECO | M5 | Diesel | 98 |
| Hyundai | i10 | 1.0l SOHC | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | One D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | Cooper D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Seat | Ibiza | ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 92 |
| Seat | Leon | 1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Hatch | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 TDI 3 cylinder 75PS GreenLine | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 99 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 100 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 97 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 98 |
| Toyota | iQ (MY 2011) | 1.0 VVT-i | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 89g 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T4 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T3 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit w/ Solar Panel 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Polo | 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Golf | 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2010) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | V50 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| NB: Electric and plug-in hybrid cars aren’t eligible for the Greener Vehicle Discount - they have their own discount scheme. | |||||
It’s worth bearing in mind that Transport for London has committed to review the Greener Vehicle Discount in the future, so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. This tweak will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of the discount has been confirmed for 2012.
And finally, the area covered by the Congestion Charge is now much smaller, following the scrapping of the Western Extension zone on 4th January 2011:
Related posts:
Congestion Charge change
London Congestion Charge
The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge.
Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London.
The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less.
Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment.
So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, the models that currently meet the criteria are:
| Manufacturer | Model | Specification | Transmission | Fuel | CO2 g/km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | A3 | 1.6 TDI 105PS Stop Start | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | DS3 | 1.6HDi 90hp w/ energy saving tyres | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Citroën | New C3 | 1.6HDi 90hp Airdream+ | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir | M5 | Petrol | 95 |
| Fiat | 500 / 500C (2010 on) | TwinAir Dualogic | SAT5 | Petrol | 92 |
| Fiat | Punto Evo (Jan 2010 on) | 1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO | M5 | Diesel | 95 |
| Ford | Fiesta (Post 2010¼) | 1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF ECO | M5 | Diesel | 98 |
| Hyundai | i10 | 1.0l SOHC | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | One D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Mini | Hatchback | Cooper D w/ DPF | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Seat | Ibiza | ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 92 |
| Seat | Leon | 1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Hatch | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Skoda | New Fabia Estate | 1.2 TDI 3 cylinder 75PS GreenLine | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 99 |
| Smart | fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 100 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 86 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Diesel | 87 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 97 |
| Smart | fortwo coupé (MY 2011) | 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels | 5 AMT | Petrol | 98 |
| Toyota | iQ (MY 2011) | 1.0 VVT-i | M5 | Petrol | 99 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 89g 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T4 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Auris Hybrid (MY 2010) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 93 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T4 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T3 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit 1.8 VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 92 |
| Toyota | Prius (MY 2009) | T Spirit w/ Solar Panel 1.8VVT-I | E-CVT | Petrol Hybrid | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Polo | 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 89 |
| Volkswagen | New Golf | 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion | M5 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | C30 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2010) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | S40 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| Volvo | V50 (MY 2011) | DRIVe | M6 | Diesel | 99 |
| NB: Electric and plug-in hybrid cars aren’t eligible for the Greener Vehicle Discount - they have their own discount scheme. | |||||
It’s worth bearing in mind that Transport for London has committed to review the Greener Vehicle Discount in the future, so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. This tweak will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of the discount has been confirmed for 2012.
And finally, the area covered by the Congestion Charge is now much smaller, following the scrapping of the Western Extension zone on 4th January 2011:
Related posts:
Congestion Charge change
London Congestion Charge
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The UK’s Department for Transport has announced the first nine models that will be eligible for its Plug-in Car Grant.
Beginning in January 2011, the scheme will see buyers able to claim 25% off the list price (up to a maximum of £5,000) per qualifying vehicle. The government has allocated £43M for the grants up until the end of March 2012, with a review of the programme’s viability beyond that date scheduled for January 2012.
The nine are:
| Manufacturer | Model | First UK Deliveries | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | i-MiEV | January 2011 | £23,990 including grant |
| smart | fortwo electric drive | January 2011 | TBC. Available to lease in limited volumes from January 2011 ahead of full series production starting in 2012 |
| Peugeot | iOn | January 2011 | Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month |
| Nissan | Leaf | March 2011 | £23,990 including grant |
| Tata | Vista EV | March 2011 | TBC |
| Citroën | CZero | Early 2011 | Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month |
| Vauxhall | Ampera | Early 2012 | £28,995 including grant |
| Toyota | Prius Plug-in Hybrid | Early 2012 | TBC. Currently only available to lease in limited volumes |
| Chevrolet | Volt | Early 2012 | TBC |
 |
| smart fortwo electric drive |
Although it looks like there’ll be plenty for customers to choose from, the choice isn’t as wide as it first appears. The Peugeot and Citroën are essentially re-badged versions of the Mitsubishi, while the Ampera shares its underpinnings with the Volt.
 |
| Peugeot iOn |
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Today’s news that motorists will be able to choose from at least nine cars under the consumer incentive scheme… will further reinforce the message that the UK is Europe’s leading producer of ultra low carbon vehicles."
Unfortunately the last part of that particular statement shouldn’t be taken at face value just yet. The only model on the list that is definitely confirmed for UK production is the Nissan Leaf. However, domestic manufacturing will only start in 2013, with cars being imported from Japan until then.
Meanwhile, GM Europe has yet to decide whether the Vauxhall Ampera will be built at Ellesmere Port in England, but it has confirmed that the Ampera’s UK price will be £28,995 after the Plug-in car Grant has been applied.
 |
| Vauxhall Ampera |
A surprising inclusion is the Tata Vista EV, mainly because it’s an unknown quantity in the UK. Apparently it has been developed from the Indica Vista, the previous version of which was the basis for the almost universally unloved and derided CityRover.
 |
| Tata Indica Vista |
Tata Motors European Technical Centre in Warwick has been involved in the project, and the rumour is that the Vista EV may be built in the UK. A location has yet to be disclosed so, unless there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes, an on-sale date of March 2011 seems very optimistic unless the initial cars are going to be imported from India. And then there’s the slight issue of not having a dealer network to sell through. Maybe Tata will use the showrooms of its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries?
Related posts:
Leaf is Car of the Year
US to get wider i-MiEV
SMMT Electric Car Guide
Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs
UK i-MiEV prices slashed
Electric car grants saved
PSA goes electric
The future’s electric
The UK’s Department for Transport has announced the first nine models that will be eligible for its Plug-in Car Grant.
Beginning in January 2011, the scheme will see buyers able to claim 25% off the list price (up to a maximum of £5,000) per qualifying vehicle. The government has allocated £43M for the grants up until the end of March 2012, with a review of the programme’s viability beyond that date scheduled for January 2012.
The nine are:
| Manufacturer | Model | First UK Deliveries | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | i-MiEV | January 2011 | £23,990 including grant |
| smart | fortwo electric drive | January 2011 | TBC. Available to lease in limited volumes from January 2011 ahead of full series production starting in 2012 |
| Peugeot | iOn | January 2011 | Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month |
| Nissan | Leaf | March 2011 | £23,990 including grant |
| Tata | Vista EV | March 2011 | TBC |
| Citroën | CZero | Early 2011 | Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month |
| Vauxhall | Ampera | Early 2012 | £28,995 including grant |
| Toyota | Prius Plug-in Hybrid | Early 2012 | TBC. Currently only available to lease in limited volumes |
| Chevrolet | Volt | Early 2012 | TBC |
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| smart fortwo electric drive |
Although it looks like there’ll be plenty for customers to choose from, the choice isn’t as wide as it first appears. The Peugeot and Citroën are essentially re-badged versions of the Mitsubishi, while the Ampera shares its underpinnings with the Volt.
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| Peugeot iOn |
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Today’s news that motorists will be able to choose from at least nine cars under the consumer incentive scheme… will further reinforce the message that the UK is Europe’s leading producer of ultra low carbon vehicles."
Unfortunately the last part of that particular statement shouldn’t be taken at face value just yet. The only model on the list that is definitely confirmed for UK production is the Nissan Leaf. However, domestic manufacturing will only start in 2013, with cars being imported from Japan until then.
Meanwhile, GM Europe has yet to decide whether the Vauxhall Ampera will be built at Ellesmere Port in England, but it has confirmed that the Ampera’s UK price will be £28,995 after the Plug-in car Grant has been applied.
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| Vauxhall Ampera |
A surprising inclusion is the Tata Vista EV, mainly because it’s an unknown quantity in the UK. Apparently it has been developed from the Indica Vista, the previous version of which was the basis for the almost universally unloved and derided CityRover.
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| Tata Indica Vista |
Tata Motors European Technical Centre in Warwick has been involved in the project, and the rumour is that the Vista EV may be built in the UK. A location has yet to be disclosed so, unless there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes, an on-sale date of March 2011 seems very optimistic unless the initial cars are going to be imported from India. And then there’s the slight issue of not having a dealer network to sell through. Maybe Tata will use the showrooms of its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries?
Related posts:
Leaf is Car of the Year
US to get wider i-MiEV
SMMT Electric Car Guide
Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs
UK i-MiEV prices slashed
Electric car grants saved
PSA goes electric
The future’s electric
Monday, September 27, 2010
Both Smart and Mini will have electric scooter concepts at the Paris Motor Show. That’s either a huge coincidence, or they’ve been keeping a very close eye on each other’s activities. Of course it must be the former, for the benefit of the lawyers.
Smart
Smart’s offering is called the escooter which, like the Smart fortwo car, features a metal frame with interchangeable plastic body panels.
Power comes from a 5 bhp (4 kW / 5 PS) rear hub-mounted motor, driven by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. That’s enough to propel the escooter up to 28 mph (45 km/h), which is on a par with 50 cc petrol scooters and should be fine for most city centre trips. Tackling anything further afield might be a bit ambitious, although Smart reckons it’ll have a range of around 60 miles (100 km).
Charging takes ‘within three to five hours’, which just sounds rather vague. Unlike the Econogo Yogo electric scooter, the escooter doesn’t have a removable battery, which makes recharging awkward unless there’s a convenient kerbside plug-in point to hand.
Stopping ability is clearly one aspect of the escooter that has received a lot of attention. The brakes are linked - which means just one lever controls retardation of both the front and rear wheels - and they come with an anti-lock system, a rarity for scooters.
However, whereas there’s a traditional disc brake for the front wheel, the rear uses the electric motor acting in reverse to slow it down. An added benefit of this arrangement is that braking makes the motor act as a generator, sending extra charge to the battery.
If it ever goes on sale, riders of the escooter will also need to own a smartphone. That’s because putting the phone into a slot on the dashboard deactivates the immobiliser and anti-theft system. Then, when travelling, the phone’s screen becomes the scooter’s instruments, showing speed, battery range and charge level.
A clever idea, but it could all go very wrong the first time it rains and the owner discovers that their smartphone isn’t particularly waterproof.
Mini
Mini is claiming ‘CO2-free mobility’ for its Scooter E Concept. That’s somewhat misleading, unless the electricity used comes from a source that doesn’t produce any carbon dioxide during the generation process. Boringly pedantic, but unfortunately true.
Just like the Smart escooter, the Mini features an electric motor integrated in the rear wheel, combined with a lithium-ion battery. Charging is also via an onboard socket, so any potential buyers would probably have to invest in a few extension leads, too.
Disappointingly, that’s about it for technical information. Seemingly Mini has concentrated more on how its Scooter E Concept looks. Details such as the upright windshield and the round headlight are supposed to evoke the design of Mini cars, although it could be said that the result just ends up resembling a bloated Piaggio Vespa.
In yet another startling coincidence, the Scooter E Concept also makes use of smartphones. Like the Smart escooter, the rider would be expected to slot their phone into the dashboard to enable the bike to start. Once underway, the phone would control music, navigation and communication, using a Bluetooth link to a microphone and speakers in the rider’s helmet.
Doubtless Mini, like Smart, will be waiting to see what kind of reaction its concept gets before deciding whether or not to take it any further. Perhaps parent company BMW’s existing motorcycle operation gives the Mini Scooter E Concept a better chance of making it into production?
Both Smart and Mini will have electric scooter concepts at the Paris Motor Show. That’s either a huge coincidence, or they’ve been keeping a very close eye on each other’s activities. Of course it must be the former, for the benefit of the lawyers.
Smart
Smart’s offering is called the escooter which, like the Smart fortwo car, features a metal frame with interchangeable plastic body panels.
Power comes from a 5 bhp (4 kW / 5 PS) rear hub-mounted motor, driven by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. That’s enough to propel the escooter up to 28 mph (45 km/h), which is on a par with 50 cc petrol scooters and should be fine for most city centre trips. Tackling anything further afield might be a bit ambitious, although Smart reckons it’ll have a range of around 60 miles (100 km).
Charging takes ‘within three to five hours’, which just sounds rather vague. Unlike the Econogo Yogo electric scooter, the escooter doesn’t have a removable battery, which makes recharging awkward unless there’s a convenient kerbside plug-in point to hand.
Stopping ability is clearly one aspect of the escooter that has received a lot of attention. The brakes are linked - which means just one lever controls retardation of both the front and rear wheels - and they come with an anti-lock system, a rarity for scooters.
However, whereas there’s a traditional disc brake for the front wheel, the rear uses the electric motor acting in reverse to slow it down. An added benefit of this arrangement is that braking makes the motor act as a generator, sending extra charge to the battery.
If it ever goes on sale, riders of the escooter will also need to own a smartphone. That’s because putting the phone into a slot on the dashboard deactivates the immobiliser and anti-theft system. Then, when travelling, the phone’s screen becomes the scooter’s instruments, showing speed, battery range and charge level.
A clever idea, but it could all go very wrong the first time it rains and the owner discovers that their smartphone isn’t particularly waterproof.
Mini
Mini is claiming ‘CO2-free mobility’ for its Scooter E Concept. That’s somewhat misleading, unless the electricity used comes from a source that doesn’t produce any carbon dioxide during the generation process. Boringly pedantic, but unfortunately true.
Just like the Smart escooter, the Mini features an electric motor integrated in the rear wheel, combined with a lithium-ion battery. Charging is also via an onboard socket, so any potential buyers would probably have to invest in a few extension leads, too.
Disappointingly, that’s about it for technical information. Seemingly Mini has concentrated more on how its Scooter E Concept looks. Details such as the upright windshield and the round headlight are supposed to evoke the design of Mini cars, although it could be said that the result just ends up resembling a bloated Piaggio Vespa.
In yet another startling coincidence, the Scooter E Concept also makes use of smartphones. Like the Smart escooter, the rider would be expected to slot their phone into the dashboard to enable the bike to start. Once underway, the phone would control music, navigation and communication, using a Bluetooth link to a microphone and speakers in the rider’s helmet.
Doubtless Mini, like Smart, will be waiting to see what kind of reaction its concept gets before deciding whether or not to take it any further. Perhaps parent company BMW’s existing motorcycle operation gives the Mini Scooter E Concept a better chance of making it into production?
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Environmental Transport Association (ETA), a UK-based ethical motoring organisation and sustainable travel lobby group, has announced its 2010 Green Car Awards winners.
BMW took the honours in three of the nine categories. Toyota meanwhile won in two, plus its iQ was given the accolade of overall Green Car of the Year 2010. In deciding how the titles would be awarded, over 5,000 cars were assessed on their power, emissions, fuel efficiency and amount of noise produced.
The worst cars in each category were also named, with the Lamborghini Murcielago being declared the least-green car overall. Perhaps the LP 640’s 495 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions and combined cycle fuel consumption of 13.3 mpg (21.3 l/100 km) had something to do with it?
Some of the results seem a bit odd, though. For example, the winning Toyota iQ (presumably the entry level 1.0 VVT-i Manual) seems to be bettered in a number of key criteria by the car that (possibly) inspired it - the Smart fortwo.
According to the ETA’s own data, this is how the iQ compares to the diesel-engined fortwo:
| Measure | iQ 1.0 VVT-i | fortwo cdi turbodiesel coupé |
|---|---|---|
| Combined cycle consumption | 4.3 l/100km / 65.7 mpg | 3.3 l/100km / 85.6 mpg |
| Fuel cost over 12,000 miles | £930 | £720 |
| CO2 g/km | 99 | 88* |
| Carbon monoxide g/km | 0.15 | 0.174 |
| Hydrocarbons g/km | 0.03 | 0.246** |
| Oxides of nitrogen g/km | 0.02 | 0.224 |
| Particulates g/km | N/A | 0.021 |
* Smart actually quotes 86 g/km.
** Figure is combined hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen.
On the basis of those figures, the Smart would appear to be the much ‘greener’ car, unless the extra hydrocarbons and particulates its diesel engine produces are considered really harmful? However, there were plenty of other diesel cars that won their categories, so it would seem that argument doesn’t really stand up.
Apart from that, there are some models mentioned that are no longer produced (for instance the V6-powered Volkswagen Golf and the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz’s R-Class). And it seems that the greenest off-roader prize has gone to the whole of the BMW X1 range, rather than an individual model. Notwithstanding the issue that anyone contemplating taking an X1 off-road would need to be very adventurous (and have a proper off-roader on standby to rescue them shortly afterwards), there’s quite a difference in fuel consumption and emissions between the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
So, perhaps the results need to be viewed with a degree of circumspection but, for what it’s worth, here is the list of the ETA Green Car Awards 2010 winners and losers:
| Category | Best | Worst |
|---|---|---|
| Green Car of the Year 2010 | Toyota iQ | Lamborghini Murcielago |
| Greenest small family car | Honda Insight 1.3 | Volkswagen Golf 3.2 V6 |
| Greenest large family car | BMW 320d Touring | Vauxhall Insignia VXR V6 Turbo |
| Greenest supermini | Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D | Renault Clio Sport 200 |
| Greenest city car | Toyota iQ | Fiat Panda 1.4 100HP |
| Greenest sports car | Vauxhall Tigra | Lamborghini Murcielago |
| Greenest MPV | Peugeot Bipper Tepee | Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG |
| Greenest small MPV | Renault Modus 1.5dci | Vauxhall Zafira VXR 2.0i Turbo |
| Greenest off-road car | BMW X1 E84 | Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG |
| Greenest luxury car | BMW 740d | Bentley Brooklands |
