Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Britain's low-carbon future

By Guy Bird Motoring Issues 25 March 2008 12:36 Higher purchase taxes for high emitters, ‘traffic-light style’ tax discs to indicate a vehicle’s environmental friendliness and mandatory dashboard-based driving efficiency technology are just three recommendations from a new report that looks set to inform Government policy for the next decade. Published on the same day as the Budget, the snappily titled King Review Of Low Carbon Cars Part Two (Recommendations For Action) was lost amid all the hoopla of new tax bands. But now we've had time to scrutinise it, we can assess the proposals that could affect your next car choice, from upfront purchase price to tax and running costs.

Next Generation Ford Focus – the Iosis MAX Concept – previews at Geneva

Despite all its problems, Ford is on something of a roll. It already had a great set of products – seriously under-rated in many cases – and the recent additions of the Ford KA, The Ford Fiesta and the Ford Kuga has added even more credibility to its lineup. But Ford isn’t standing still, and has previewed the next generation Ford Focus – the Iosis MAX Concept – at the Geneva Motor Show 2009.

Lada XRAY Concept – it’s the Lada Evoque

Lada has revealed an appealing looking compact SUV concept at the Moscow Motor Show – the Lada XRAY Concept For those of us who grew up on Lada skips – and even for younger readers who only really know Lada for the Niva 4×4 or the Granta – the appearance of a good-looking Lada Concept - the Lada XRAY – at the Moscow Motor Show is a bit of a surprise. But if we look at who’s behind the XRAY, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised. Steve Mattin, formerly with Mercedes and Volvo, penned the new Lada, and a very convincing job he’s done.