BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Saloon

BMW is taking the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level with the introduction of their new BMW ActiveHybrid 5. This model combines a combustion engine and an electric motor to enhance both efficiency and the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, plus an electric drive system, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. This combined package offers an exceptional balance of performance and fuel economy for the premium executive car class.

The combined drive system generates a combined output of 340 hp and the car can be driven on electric power alone with speeds up to 37 mph. The  BMW ActiveHybrid 5 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds, yet still offers CO₂ emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km (depending on the model and tyres).

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 has the sporty, yet elegant body design of the BMW 5 Series Saloon and comes with bespoke touches which highlight the identity of its innovative drive technology. The “ActiveHybrid 5” lettering on the C-pillars, the BMW kidney grille with galvanised slats and the exhaust matt chrome tailpipes set the exterior apart from the other models in the range.

The comfort of driving this car is enhanced by addition – on this model – of stationary climate control which can be activated before your journey begins. The interior climate remains constant even during breaks in the journey and when the car is in coasting mode (with the combustion engine switched off).

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 technical details

Displacement: 2,979 cc, output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, 
max. torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200 – 5,000 rpm.
Synchronous electric motor; output: 40 kW/55 hp, 
max. torque: 210 Nm (155 lb-ft);
Combined output: 250 kW/340 hp, 
max. combined torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft).
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.9 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 
top speed purely on electric power: 60 km/h (37 mph). 
Average fuel consumption*: 6.4 – 7.0 litres/100 kilometres 
(40 – 44 mpg imp), 
CO₂ emissions*: 149 – 163 g/km, 
exhaust standard: EU5. 

*As per the EU test cycle, figures may vary according to the tyre format specified

SKODA Citigo

SKODA is going to showcase their new Citigo city car as a five-door version for the first time at the Geneva Auto Salon. This five-door version will be launched in European markets together with the three-door version from around mid-May 2012.

The Citigo represents SKODA’s entry into the fast growing subcompact segment and is already being used in the Czech Republic. This new city car has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test and is also the first SKODA model to sport the brand’s new logo.

The Citigo is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine in two versions with 60 hp or 75 hp and in its most efficient Green tec variant, the new Citigo achieves CO₂ emissions  of just 96 g CO₂/km.

Nissan LEAF

RCS, a Nottinghamshire based printer, is reducing its transport emissions with fleet of six new Nissan LEAF EVs and using the new ABB rapid charger, this allows the LEAF to be charged to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes. The company is also using solar panels and other energy reduction strategies to reduce their annual energy bill by £78k, thereby charging the LEAFs for free

“The environment forms a key part of our company ethos and our fleet of Nissan LEAFs build on our vision of becoming the UK’s most environmentally friendly printer,” explained Michael Todd, MD of RCS. “The LEAF is the first practical five door, five seat EV on the UK market and our staff have embraced all aspects of the car which is why we kept adding them to our fleet.”

Citroen Berlingo

The Citroen Berlingo LCV has just gained the accolade of the Institute of Transport Management’s (ITM’s) ‘Best LCV 2012’ award. The ITM’s key criteria for choosing the award winner meant a van had to, “embody perennially important qualities such as reliability, cost-effectiveness and durability. It is because of this that the Institute of Transport Management has named the Citroen Berlingo the ‘Best LCV 2012’.”

The ITM’s judges were very impressed with the Citroen Berlingo and said, “Businesses are looking for LCVs that are lighter, with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency, qualities that the Citroën Berlingo range has in spades.  In particular, the Citroen Berlingo e-HDI Airdream models are equipped with e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology. For further fuel savings, all Berlingo vans are specified with Citroen’s unique Trafficmaster telematics package.  This further reduces urban fuel consumption and emissions by offering the fastest congestion avoidance routing direct to the driver.”

Citroen’s key addition to their Euro 5 Berlingo range is the new e-HDi Airdream models, with their efficient micro-hydrid drivetrain. This power unit provides a unique combination of environmental, economic and driver benefits.

Berlingo Airdream vans have Stop & Start with an advanced micro-hybrid starter/generator to restart the engine quickly and smoothly and incorporate regenerative braking to recover and store energy that would otherwise be lost.

Berlingo e-HDi vans are available with a choice of either a 5 speed manual transmission or Citroen’s advanced 6-speed automated manual transmission, which provides the benefit of two-pedal driving and a combined cycle fuel consumption of up to 60.1mpg and CO₂ emissions as low as 123g/km. We have the full range of Citroen vans, including e-HDI models, on the site now on Citroen commercial vehicle contract hire.

2012 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius Hybrid is being updated for 2012 with a  new-look front end and higher quality interior. The car also gets higher equipment specifications, including Toyota Touch interface and Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation system. Their popular full hybrid powertrain continues to deliver the lowest CO₂ emissions in its class at 89g/km and the updated car improves ride quality, steering feel and overall vehicle dynamics.

Toyota has plans to introduce full hybrid technology across its core model range, and the Prius is still the trend setter for quality, performance and is the world’s best-known and best-selling hybrid vehicle. Not only does the 2012 Prius emit only 89g/km CO₂ emissions (the lowest level in its class), it has a  combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4mpg. The figures for models running on 17-inch wheels remain at 92g/km and 70.6mpg.

Inside the car

The front of the 2012 Prius has been given a new look, which is in line with Toyota’s new design approach, while in the cabin there are new front seats, new upholstery and new soft-touch surfaces that combine to give a higher quality feel.

Equipment levels have also been raised, notably with the introduction as a standard on all grades of the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system. The more advanced Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation system is a standard feature on Prius T Spirit and an option onT₃ & T₄. This technology brings with it Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, USB port and an on-board connectivity feature that allows access to a range of on-line information services sourced through Google Local Search, using a compatible mobile phone.

UK sales of the revised Prius 2012 model range will begin in March, with on-the-road prices from £21,350. And, later in the year, the ultra-efficient Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius+, the world’s first seven-seat full hybrid MPV will be added to the range.

Prius 2012 Prices, VED and insurance

Octavia Green E Line

SKODA has just started road testing the new Octavia Green E Line, their first pure electric vehicle, and is working closely with the Volkswagen Group to gain practical experience with electric propulsion.

The Octavia Green E Line test fleet is based on the Octavia Combi as the chassis from the Combi is ideal for holding the battery, electronic controllers and electric motor. The Octavia Green E line is ideal for inner-city driving and will reach 0-62mph in 12 seconds and onto a top speed of just under 84mph.

The battery pack is situated under the middle and rear floor panel and in part of the boot so is well hidden, allowing the car to seat five adults, plus it has a range of around 93 miles. It takes around 8 hours to fully charge at 230V (single-phase AC) and 2 hours at 400 V (three-phase AC).

In addition to developing its first electric vehicle, SKODA is also continue to bring cars to the market that offer fuel-efficient economical engines with low CO2 emissions. The brand has seven models that manage an average CO2 of less than 100g/km and a total of 63 models that emit less than 130g/km.

If you are interested in finding some of the lowest CO2 cars on the market today, have a go on our Vehicle Type shopper. Just select the type of car (or van) you are looking for and set the range of CO2. You can also see the latest business contract hire (or personal) prices too.

Renault Van Z.E.

The Transport Minister, Norman Baker, has announced that the government is to extend the plug-in-grant for electric vehicles so that it covers vans too. The plug-in-van grant will enable van buyers to claim up to £8,000 off the cost of a plug-in van.

Mr Baker, commented,”Electric vehicles are the arrowhead for a low carbon revolution in motoring and as more models come to market we’ll begin to see sales gather pace. Car buyers have had a year to take advantage of our grant and now it’s time for van buyers to get their chance to go electric. This is great news for businesses given the lower running costs of these vehicles – fleet buyers tell us that this is one of the most important factors influencing their decision on what to buy”.

In order to qualify for the new plug-in-van grant, vans will have to meet a range of performance criteria that covers safety, range and ultra-low tailpipe emissions. Both businesses and consumers can qualify for the plug-in-van grant and Renault already has the Renault Van Z.E. (pictured above) that’s bound to qualify.

There are around 10 cars eligible for the Plug-in car grants, with five already launched in 2011 and if you want to see how to qualify for the plug-in-van grant, visit the DfT website.

HydroGen4

Vauxhall will be showcasing its fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the “HydroGen4″, at the UK H2Mobility launch event in London today. This government-led event aims to pull together a number of industry stakeholders to investigate and develop clean hydrogen fuel cell mobility in the UK.

GM/Vauxhall has been involved in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for over a decade and this type of power combines the advantages of electric propulsion with the convenience of fast fuelling and long range.

Bill Parfitt, “Vauxhall Motors’ Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy, said,”Following our company’s unrelenting foucs on hydrogen fuel cell techmology development, the launch and successful roll-out of these vehicles will now depend on the availibility of hydrogen to the consumer in a real life environment. We therefore greatly appreciate this very timely initiative, gathering various stakeholders, under government lead, to establish an adequate strategy for future hydrogen development in the UK”.

Fisker Karma at Harrods

The world’s first luxury electric vehicle, the Fisker Karma, will take pride of place in the prominent Brompton Road window display at Harrods, Knightsbridge, until the 4th of February.

“Harrods is one of the most prestigious retail sites in the world, which is perfect for our car,” said Henrik Fisker, co-founder and CEO of Fisker Automotive.  “The landmark store attracts hundreds of thousands of customers from all over the world during January, and we look forward to introducing them to the Fisker Karma.”

The Karma is one of the most efficient, low-emission vehicles available today and it can travel from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds,was recently given an emissions rating of just 51 g/km CO2 and this luxury EV saloon car offers up to 112 mpg. The car also has a range of 50 miles on “electric only” operation with zero emissions. 

If you go to see the car you will be able to take a tour of the vehicle and offered the chance to virtually configure your own model. The 2012 Fisker Karma is already on sale in the United States, priced from $102,000, and will soon be available at dealerships internationally, in the coming weeks.

Following the successful launch of the UK’s first eco motor show Ecovelocity in 2011, the organisers of the ground-breaking show have announced details for the 2012 event. The show will also move from Battersea Power Station to ExCeL, London and will run from May 10^th  through to the  13^th 2012.

Giles Brown, managing director of organisers IGME Ltd commented: “EcoVelocity got off to a fabulous start at Battersea Power Station, and really stood out from other car events.  The show featured 17 of the leading low carbon automotive brands and between them 7,000 test drives were taken during the event by enthusiastic show visitors.”

EcoVelocity 2012 will see car makers showing off their latest green car models including electric, hybrid and very low carbon derivitaves.  The show provides motorists the chance to get up close to the cars and the chance to have test drives on a special test drive circuit.