Lexus RX 450h

The luxury Lexus RX 450h SUV achieved an average 54.75mpg on the FleetWorld/ALD MPG Marathon. That is pretty good going for a vehicle that weighs over two tonnes and is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, as well as the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain.

The results were achieved by Lexus’s driving team of David Crouch and Richard Lacey and this excellent fuel performance coupled with a low CO2 emissions rating of only 148g/km make the Lexus an appealing car leasing package.

Vauxhall Vivaro

The Vauxhall Vivaro has won the commercial vehicle category in the Fleetworld/ALD sponsored MPG marathon. The British built van achieved an overall figure of 55.25mpg on the 360 mile drive, which took place over challenging roads in the East and West Midlands.

The Van in question was the Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0 CDTi 115PS SWB variant, which is the most popular of the Luton-built range and beat rivals including the Ford Transit and Mercedes Vito with its excellent fuel economy.

Driver Andrew Duerden said,”I knew that keeping the van within its peak torque curve and by reading the road ahead we stood a good chance”.

A5 aluminum

Audi has constructed a lightweight Audi A5 aluminium bodied prototype and has lost over 100kg in weight. They have replaced steel with advanced aluminium and carbon fibre construction in the pursuit of fuel economy, emissions reduction and handling agility.

With the 2.0-litre 211PS Turbo FSI engine, the A5 now achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 161PS per tonne. The lightness of the prototype allows the car to change direction more keenly, due to the reduction in weight and also smaller engines can be fitted, without a drop in performance. 

Audi has been a pioneer in aluminium bodies since 1994 and this technology will shape the cars of tomorrow.

Kiyora concept car

Mazda is set to unveil their new Kiyora concept car at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show which starts on the 24th October 2009.

As well as showing off their new concept car Mazda will also unveil eco-friendly and powerful new “SKY-G” (direct injection petrol) and “SKY-D” (clean diesel) engines plus a new Sky-Drive Automatic transmission.

The Tokyo Motor Show will be held at Makuhari Messe on Chiba Prefecture and Mazda’s theme for the show is “The Mazda SKY concept- Providing driving pleasure and environmental and safety features for all customers!”. Mazda has a long term goal of reducing average fuel economy by 30% before 2015, compared to 2008 levels.

smart BRABUS

smart is adding a new service which will provide all smart car drivers the opportunity to personalise their car with a splash of colour. The smart BRABUS tailor made concept was launched this week and will enable smart car drivers to choose from an array of colours from both inside and out of the car.

smart BRABUS

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars said “smart has always been regarded as an iconic and unique product and the launch of smart BRABUS tailor made will enhance that reputation”.

smart cars will also provide a company driver with a low CO2 vehicle with excellent fuel economy thereby saving you money in the long term.

Qubo Trekking

Fiat has added a rugged new version to their practical and versatile Qubo which will be available later this month.

The Qubo Trekking “looks tougher” (standing 20mm higher than the regular Qubo) and is tougher too, with a Traction+ system which improves handling and control in the mud, snow and other low-grip conditions.

What is also appealing is that unlike most four-wheel drive systems, Traction+ does not impact on fuel economy or maintenance costs and will be appealing to any motorist looking for an affordable off-road vehicle.

The Traction+ system works by braking the driven wheel with the lowest grip and transferring more torque to the other wheel, providing extra traction on the road. The new Qubo Trekking also comes with Fiat’s Blue&Me entertainment and communications systems and at a CO2 figure of 115g/km is also appealing to any company car driver.

New Volvo C70

Volvo is launching a new Volvo C70 coupe/convertible at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The original car was launched in early 2006 and broke new ground at the time, as the world’s first four seater with a retractable hard top.

The new car has been updated with a fresh new design both inside and out and retains the three piece retractable roof which opens in just 30 seconds.

The nose of the new car has a more distinct wedge shape with new pronounced headlamps and updated fog lights adding to the inviting “V” shape. From the rear the high-tech LED lamps, as found on the XC60, are now added.

New Volvo C70

Inside the car has a more luxurious feel with new, softer leather upholstery and a re-designed instrument panel. Four engines will be available when launched and the following data is provisional and shows information for manual versions only, with the fuel data for combined mpg consumption. The first cars are expected to be in showrooms in early 2010 with full prices and vehicle specifications released later to this date.

The Government has pressed ahead with the planned 2p a litre rise in fuel duty from today, despite intense pressure from motoring groups. The further rise in oil prices looks set to push this up by 5p in total- putting an extra £120 a year on on fuel costs, for the average two-car family. This is the third rise in fuel duty in nine months, following increases in April and December.

RAC motoring strategist, Adrian Tink said,”This third fuel duty hike is unacceptable. Since the start of 2009, motorists have seen a 23 per cent rise in pump prices, meaning an extra £11 per tank for the average car”. Mr Tink also pointed out that VAT is set to rise back to 17.5%, on the 1st January 2010 and there is a further fuel duty rise due, in April 2010.

To ensure you get the best prices for your money don’t forget the website www.petrolprices.com records the cheapest prices for fuel in your location. It is also worth considering the combined miles per gallon consumption, when choosing your next car or van.

The MPG shopper at Comparecontracthire.com allows you to select the range of combined MPG fuel consumption you would like to achieve and choose the manufacturers whose vehicles you would like to see displayed. You can easily change the MPG ranges on the side menu bar if you don’t find a Bentley doing 70mpg!. And by choosing business or personal car hire you get to see the latest car leasing prices displayed as well.

Combined MPG is the figure presented for the Urban Cycle and Extra- Urban cycle together. It is an average of these two tests weighted by the distance covered in each.

Michelin Man

The cost of fuel continues to rise and is a large part of the running costs of your car or van. To help with this Michelin is offering £40 in fuel vouchers to any customer who buys a set of four tyres for a car, van or 4×4.

This special offer is available through various UK tyre retailers from the 1st September until the 30th November.

Michelin tyres

Michelin is one of the world’s major tyre manufacturers and offers a wide variety of tyres including low resistance Energy Saver or Primacy HP car tyres. For vans they have the damage resistant Agilis tyres and for a 4×4′s the Latitude Tour HP 4×4.

The voucher is redeemable in any Sainsbury’s store and can be used to purchase fuel or even your weekely grocery shop.

The Highways Agency has reported that too many drivers are running out of fuel on the motorways. They are advising drivers to check their car fuel levels before setting off as 15,788 vehicles broke down over a 12-month period with no fuel in their vehicles.

Derek Turner of the Highways Agency said,” The number of people breaking down simply because they have run out of fuel is alarming. It’s not only hazardous to the driver and passengers but to other road users as well, especially if the vehicle has to stop in a live lane”.