Driving home the message of green cars
Buying a new March motor? Read this first...
March is officially the start of spring and with it comes new life.
It is also the time of the new car registation mark – so for many of us a fresh set of wheels could signal a new era in motoring.
And this March a Milton Keynes-based organisation is urging buyers to add a new factor to their car considerations.
The Energy Saving Trust says while we all have a number of ideals in mind when choosing a car, making fuel efficiency a bigger priority could save thousands of pounds – and the planet.
This week the Trust sent me on a test-drive of three cars, joined by Energy Saving Trust's transport co-ordinator Sandra Fellowes.
The first was a Volvo V50 1.6 diesel DRIVe, from Volvo Pilling in Kingston.
As I approached the dealership I realised in the windscreen of all the shiny cars was a document I'd only seen before on home appliances.
"These are the fuel economy labels" said Sandra.
"In some showrooms they may be among other signs to sell the car, but make sure you search for it because as well as the easy-to-read colour-coded guide, the document tells you, for example, how much you would spend over 12,000 miles."
Dealership staff Andy Gadeke explained features of the V50 and led us outside to an estate car: sleek and streamlined but nonetheless bigger than anything I had driven before.
Once driving, Sandra added: "The Trust has to be imartial - but we can explain in great detail the features of fuel-efficient cars.
"What you'll also find when looking for is the variety of models available; if you're after a small supermini there's plenty on offer, but even if you're after a business-like saloon or a family estate, you'll find there is always a greener option."
And as I drove I could sense that. At traffic lights the Volvo's quiet engine cut out until I tapped the clutch, which is initially unnerving – but ultimately satisfying when realised how much fuel can be saved.
Next was the Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2; a five-door supermini supplied by Evans Halshaw Vauxhall Milton Keynes.
Compact on the outside, the Corsa was like a tardis inside and while the engine felt sluggish after the Volvo, the low fuel costs would more than compensate.
Last on the testing schedule was what I'd class as a typical executive-type saloon - but with a green twist. Ironically called Bluemotion, the 2-litre VW Passat was loaned to us by Wayside Volkswagen.
As a saloon I'd expected it to feel smaller than the Volvo estate but interestingly it seemed bulkier. Yet the controls were light as a whisper and for a car noted for its 'greenness' a mere brush of the gas made the engine roar.
The Passat also had the stop-start technology - as well as a dashboard sign to prompt the right gear use according to conditions and fuel economy.
Back at the Knowlhill base of the Energy Saving Trust I was in a quandary.
Ranging from 10,000 to more than 22,000, all cars suited very different needs; I knew they would be kinder to the planet and the pocket in the long-run, but I still didn't have a real picture of costs involved.
"I would like to thank the three dealerships who have helped us greatly with testing the cars today.
"But if there's one thing to be found, it is a minefield choosing a new car," said Sandra.
"And when you're looking for a green one, it really is about hunting out the right information and not being seduced by the more 'traditional' selling points like appearance."
Free, impartial advice is available on the Energy Saving Trust's consumer helpline 0800 512 012, while businesses looking for help with choosing a green fleet should call 0845 602 1425.
More information is also available at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.
>> Click on the above link to watch Natalee Hazelwood's exclusive video of the day.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Milton Keynes
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 5 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
