Honda CR-Z Hybrid – Tokyo reveal

The hybrid Honda CR-Z revealed at Tokyo Although we are on record as not being huge fans of the Honda Insight - Toyota’s saloon hybrid – the CR-Z does look much more promising. You can think of it as an Eco replacement for the successful CR-X of years gone by. But Honda are all too well aware of the major criticisms of the Insight and have taking steps to make the CR-Z more appealing to drive.

Drivers unmoved by electric cars

SUPPORT for electric cars appears to be failing to spark off real interest from drivers, according to a survey of more than 3,000 motorists. Only 1% of UK drivers own an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV), while CO2 emissions are at the bottom of the checklist when Britons are shopping for a new car, the poll by Auto Trader found. Since January 2011, motorists have been eligible for up to £5,000 upfront cost relief on the purchase of a new electric vehicle but the survey showed that 35% of drivers were unaware of this grant.

Hyundai announces high-perfomance diesels

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 05 November 2008 11:56 Hyundai will significantly boost its diesel appeal in 2009 with the arrival of two new Euro V compliant powerplants that will slot into the next-gen Tucson, Sonata, Santa Fe and i30. The new 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesels feature a third generation common rail system with piezo-electric injectors to deliver fuel at 1800-bar. Fitted with a particulate trap as standard, the 2.0-litre unit develops 181bhp and 289lb ft, while the bigger 2.2-litre unit pumps out 197bhp and 335lb ft of torque.