Toyota has just announced the exclusive news about the official EU CO2 emissions and economy figures for the new 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and they are exceptional. The vehicle emits 49g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle and travel 134.5 miles on one gallon of petrol. These numbers makes it the most efficient Toyota on the market. The engineers in addition have improved the car’s EV driving range to 15.5 miles. This is an improvement of 24% versus the customer trial vehicle. Another thing which makes it unique is that it takes only 90 minutes to recharge the car, using a conventional plug. When the EV battery is depleted, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid automatically switches into HV mode. In this mode, the vehicle delivers CO2 emissions of 85 g/km and economy of 76.4mpg. This is an improvement on the emissions and fuel economy of the standard Prius. This leading performance helps to deliver a total driving range of 769 miles. The car continues to offer the same interior space as the standard Prius, with seating for five and 443 litres of bootspace. 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in the summer of 2012.
At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show Citroen will showcase a wide range of their new and stylish models. Some of the vehicle will make their world wide debut, while other will be already known by the public. The visitor will see the complete DS line, along with a new DS4 Racing concept and new special editions – DS4 and DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous and DS3 Racing S. Loeb. More over, this year Citroen brand is putting highlight on the improvement of the ecological performance of its vehicles through the reduced average CO2 emissions of its range. In particular, it is reduced with 5g/km in a year due to the use of e-HDi micro-hybrid, full electric and full hybrid diesel technology.
First of all Citroen will display all three models in the DS line, starting with the New DS5. The new DS offers bold and creative design, premium quality and innovative technologies. As with DS3 Racing, Citroen engineers have taken their multi WRC winning expertise and put their unique stamp on Citroen DS4. This resulted in the creation of the new concept, which will make its debut in Geneva. Citroen DS4 Racing Concept features new carbon fibre components including an air diffuser, front splitter and wheel arch extensions. It is powered by 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which develops up to 256 bhp (188 kW). This exclusive performance is accompanied by CO2 emissions of just 155g/km! In addition, the engineers of the car have transformed the chassis and running gear with the utmost precision. Now, the chassis is lowered by 35mm and the track widened by 55mm at the front and 75mm at the rear. The braking system boasts fixed four-piston callipers at the front together with special 380mm diameter discs. The concept is also fitted with larger diameter 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tyres. Another grabbing-attention feature in the new concept is the textured-effect matt grey paint, which catches the light to further enhance the lines of the car. Additional exterior refinements include a two-tone roof and two-tone wheels with a special DS4 Racing design.
Citroen DS4 Racing Concept
Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige is the next model from the DS line, which will be showcased in Geneva. It represents a confident foray into the world of luxury, combining sophisticated style, premium specification and distinctive personality. It is powered by a punchy THP 155 petrol engine or a fuel and CO2 efficient e-HDi 110 diesel with Stop & Start.
Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige
CitroEn is introducing two limited edition versions of DS4 and DS5, which are under the title Paris Rendez-Vous limited edition. The models include pearlescent white paint, chrome-finished door mirrors, chrome trim and black diamond-effect 19-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, the club leather interior is finished with the DS line’s signature ‘watchstrap’ design in a warm brown colour with striking blue overstitching. The leather upholstery is of high-quality and the club leather finish on the dashboard of the Citroen DS4 Paris Rendez-Vous is in the same brown colour to match the seat upholstery.
Another Geneva debut, Citroen DS3 Racing S. Loeb, is very special edition of series and limited in number as well. There are only 200 examples of it. This edition is based on the DS3 Racing and is fitted with Citroen’s MyWay navigation system, and features a distinctive use of colours and materials. The body is painted in matt black colour with textured effect. This special finish is not only robust, but also highlights the lines of the car. The roof, door mirrors, grille, dashboard fascia and gearstick base all feature a contrasting shade of red. The new model also features special decals and, as an exclusive limited series, sports a numbered identification plate on the roof lining.
Citroen DS3 Racing S Loeb
Citroen DS5 Hybrid4 is the first Citroen with a full hybrid drivetrain. It combines an HDi diesel engine with electric power delivering a performance of up to 200 bhp (147 kW). It is a four wheel drive with zero emissions for urban use and an acceleration boost function in the ‘Sport’ setting – with low CO2 emissions from just 99 g/km.
Citroen DS5
A premiere is making the new Citroen C4 Aircross which is is a fresh take on the compact SUV and brings together contemporary styling and technological innovation. Citroen C4 Aircross offers the following features: strong and elegant styling, which clearly draws on Citroën’s design DNA; flexible transmission system with three manually selected settings; 2WD, 4WD & LOCK; just 119g/km of CO2 with the HDi 115 version in two-wheel drive form; compact exterior dimensions (4.34m long), combined with a spacious interior & a 442-litre boot; all the driving pleasure and serene comfort of a traditional Citroën hatchback; raised driving position with a panoramic glass roof; wide range of equipment, including NaviDrive satnav with touch screen & reversing camera, hands-free access & ignition, a Rockford Hi-Fi system & an integrated server for storing music. On display will be the exclusive Citroen C4 Aircross with all-new Vapor Gray frosted-texture paint. The roof bars, door mirrors and door handles are all chrome-finished to match the new colour, while the two-tone diamond-effect wheel rims sport the same Vapor Gray tone as the interior.
Citroen C4 Aircross
A legend is going to be on display too: the compact, economical and ecological Citroen C1 city car, which now has been refreshed for the year of 2012. The new version of Citroen C1 offers CO2 emissions from just 99g/km, LED daytime running lights, a CD audio system with Citroën’s integrated Connecting Box (Bluetooth® system with USB socket) and an Electronic Gearbox System with steering-mounted paddles.
Citroen C1
Citroen is also showcasing the production version of Citroen C3 Red Block, which debuted in concept form at 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The model includes improved dynamics and more muscular look. The C3 Red Block comes with more dynamic suspension settings – roughly 50% more stiffness and nearly 25% less roll – with the steering adapted to the new suspension settings for a more defined road feel. The body height has been lowered 25mm and ESP has been fitted as standard for more verve and control. Citroen C3 Red Block is available with three engines: VTi 120 petrol, e-HDi 90 diesel and e-HDi 100 diesel, mated to manual gearboxes. The body of the vehicle is painted with a Shark Blue body paint which is combined with a bumper strip in the same colour. There are also other body colours available: Banquise White, Aluminium Grey, Manitoba Grey and Obsidian Black – they all come with a gloss black bumper strip. The door mirrors and door handles are finished in Obsidian black. The 17-inch diamond-effect wheels are fitted with 205/40 tyres. The interior of the Citroen C3 Red Block features a gloss black dashboard fascia, while the pedals and front door surrounds are aluminium. The diameter of the steering wheel has been reduced by 20mm to further enhance driving pleasure with a tighter feel. The special red leather seat upholstery is optional.
Citroen C3 Red Block
At last, at the Geneva Motor Show will be presented the refreshed Citroen Berlingo Multispace. It includes new styling whith wider, more defined grille, a new chevron badge and a new headlight arrangement. The indicators, for example, are now to the side of the main light units and are underlined by blue segments for an even stronger personality. The lower part of the grille can be fitted with static cornering lights integrated with the fog lights and LEDs provide an eye-catching daytime lighting signature. A customised Onyx Black trim can be seen on the top of the front bumper, side mirrors, side rubbing strips and rear number plate moulding. The interior includes colours and materials that have been revised on all levels of trim. New Berlingo Multispace is also available with two new body colours: Nocciola and Belle Ile Blue. This is one of the most robust, practical and spacious models in its segment. It specified with up to seven independent seats. Moreover, model’s generous interior dimensions can be fitted with the Modutop®: a glazed roof with multiple stowage compartments, a dual access boot, individually controlled ventilation and additional lighting for passengers in the rear. The new Berlingo Multispace is available different types of engines, including the e-HDi micro-hybrid powertrain with Stop & Start and a six-speed automated manual gearbox. The e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6 version delivers CO2 emissions of just 125g/km.
Behind the history of the electric vehicle are more than hundred years. Yes, I was surprised to find out this too. In particular, their history began in the middle years of the 19th century. However, at this time it was really costly to afford such automobile. Moreover, compared to internal combustion vehicles, the electric ones had much lower speed. Gradually this led to their extinction worldwide. Nowadays what we experience is quite the opposite. As we can see ourselves on the market are gradually being launched vehicles, which are powered by alternative fuel or are electric ones. This of course has to do with environmental issues.
The hydrocarbon fueled vehicles seem to cause great damage to the environment, because of the gases they emit. Or in other words, the automotive industry is now trying to take some precautions for the evil done, develop and promote environmental friendly vehicles and raise the global awareness in this particular area. We all want to live in less contaminated and better world, don’t we?
In fact, for the first time in history, electric cars became popular after the mid-nineteenth century. Then the electricity was actually a strongly preferred method for automobile propulsion. Back in 1987 the electric cars found their first commercial use in the United States. For instance, the taxies in New York City were electric. They were manufactured by the Philadelphian Electric Carriage and Wagon Company. During the twentieth century the main manufacturers of electric vehicles in the U.S. were Anthony Electric, Baker, Columbia, Anderson, Edison, Riker, Milburn and many more.
Although that at this time the electric cars produced relatively slow speed, they had some advantages over their rivals. What I have in mind here is that they produced less noise, vibration and smell, which were a characteristic of gasoline powered vehicles. In addition, they did not require gear changes. And hence the electric car became famous among people living in the city, who could use their optimum potential. Furthermore, the electric powered vehicles didn’t require manual start as oppose to gasoline ones and were easier to drive, which lead their popularity growth among women.
And even back in the beginning of the twentieth century the electric car was considered the cleaner, quieter and of course the more fuel-efficient car, in comparison to the gasoline vehicle. However, by the 1930s the latter one became the “bigger star” and more importantly – what made it more popular was its lower price. They also developed far greater speed to their equivalent electrics. And adding to all this – the invention of the electric starter by Charles Kattering (in 1912) – gasoline cars became easier to operate. Then came the use of the muffler, which reduced significantly the noise they produced.
The total eradication of the electric automobile from the world was also possible due to the mass production of the gasoline Henry Ford vehicles, which even were at an extraordinary price – more than six time cheaper than the electric ones. After this expansion, no one really remembered the electric cars …
Until the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when the world experienced the first big energy crises. This led to the renewed attention on alternative fuel and electric vehicles. As a result, in the beginning of the 1990’s, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) set the requirements for the development of more fuel-efficient and lower-emissions vehicles.
The highest aim here was the production of zero-emissions vehicles. The electric ones were what they were looking for. Then the automotive world came to see some great electric models, such as Chrysler TEVan, Ford Ranger EV pickup truck, Honda EV Plus hatchback, or Toyota RAV4 EV.
However, the market wasn’t fully prepared to embrace this new ecologically orientated step, so the models were taken off production in the end. Another recession followed in the 2000’s, which lead to the increased need for smaller cars, hybrid cars and of course electric ones. One of the most famous nowadays electric cars manufacturer Tesla Motors, in 2004 began the development of the Tesla Roadster, which was firstly launched on the market four years later. Nowadays we have many examples of electric cars, developed and produced by famous carmakers. Such are: Mitsubishi i MiEV, Nissan Leaf, Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell, Smart ED and many more.
To sum up, when the electric vehicles were invented, they seemed to be the best choice of and for the future. Moreover, the electric car produces no pollution to the environment and can be the greatest choice for the city dwellers, who are concerned about the world around them and want to make a positive change.
People won’t loose from comfort, road handling, safety, performance or durability, because the electric vehicles are similar to the gasoline powered ones. Another big advantage is also their low cost to operate and more importantly they have the potential to be more reliable because they include fewer parts and mature technology.
A successful day for Mia Electric today, because its all three of its vehicles got the qualification for the ‘Plug-In Car’ and ‘Plug-In Van’ Grants. The Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) determined that mia electric’s vehicles meet all the safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards necessary for the UK market. The Mia-U is currently on trial with a major UK company that is considering the switch to electric for its sizeable fleet of commercial vans. The vehicle is designed specifically for inner-city environments and commercial vehicles account for a significant proportion of traffic in urban areas. On the other hand, the Mia box van is a key component of the product range and mia electric is considering bringing it to the UK market later this year. Cars and vans are vital people’s lives. Moroever, the climate change is a global challenge and it can not be ignored.
Mia Box Van
To go further into details, the cars come in three configurations – the standard short wheelbase model and two extended models, the Mia L and the Mia box van. The standard design concept Mia-U has a light-weight body and weighs only 765kg (extended models weigh 786kg). More importantly it has extremely economical power consumption and low running costs – approximately £1.30 per 100 kms. All three vehicles are powered by an 18kW electric motor at the rear of the car. The tops speed of the vehicle is 68 mph (100km/h), and a 120 to 130km range is available from the 12 kWh battery pack that comes as standard and the lithium iron phosphate batteries. The latter can be fully charged in five hours. This battery system is exceptionally safe and helps alleviate range anxiety by allowing “no memory effect” charging. To be more precise, the battery can be charged for short top-up periods with absolutely no adverse effect to the life of the battery. The standard short wheelbase Mia-U includes three seats in total, while the extended Mia L has four. Mia box van features a cargo capacity of 1,500 litres. The most interesting part of all three vehicles is the central driving position. With this design innovation, the driver can get in and out of the car on both sides. Moreover, this provides the driver with a perfect view of the city traffic and gives the cabin a unique office-style layout.
Mia’s standard short wheelbase model (Mia-U) will retail at approximately £21 000 and the two extended models, the Mia L and the Mia box van, will both retail at approximately £22 000.
The brand-new generation and one of the most efficient Mazda ever is the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5, which will hit the growing European compact crossover SUV market in the spring this year. What is ore important here is that the new CX-5 model will feature the ground braking SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. The latter is Mazda’s innovative new line-up of engines, transmissions, chassis and bodies. It is especially developed for cars which are affordable, fun yet economical to drive, and environmentally friendly. The figures are more than impressive: at 4.6 l/100 km and 119 g/km, the CX-5 with SKYACTIV-D diesel engine has combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This makes it one of the best in its segment not only in Europe, but also all around the world.
The key design behind the innovative SKYACTIV technology is the internal combustion. And namely this technology is going to be the predominant engine technology for the next decade, with industry coverage of at least 80%. Mazda made a great step into improving the basics of internal combustion power, coming up with a range of unique innovations. The idea is to progressively supplement this enhanced basis – SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines – with advanced technology. From the i-stop idle-stop system and regenerative braking to hybrid systems and more, their efficiency will continually enhance. This strategy stands under the name “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom”, and it goes beyond optimizing internal combustion. What is more here is that the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom is also about lightweight designs. Here Mazda’s goal is to make each new model generation 100 kg lighter than its predecessor. The ultimate goal for 2015 is to improve the average fuel efficiency of its global model line-up by 30% relative to 2008 levels.
New Mazda CX-5 diesel CO2 emissions and fuel consumption:
The new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is expected to be America’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable sedan. This success can be traced back to Ford’s electrified vehicle team and the nearly 500 patents Ford now holds for its hybrid technology. Innovations can be found throughout Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or further by giving fuel-efficiency-minded customers the power of choice. Key components such as Ford’s innovative powersplit architecture system are included on vehicles like the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.
In details the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is expected to deliver 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. At the same time, these expectations for the new 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, which arrives this fall in the U.S. dealerships, are more than 100 MPGe. In addition, one patent covers the display system for the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid that shows how efficiently the power of the car is being used. Fusion Energi is projected to achieve a better miles per gallon. In other words the levels of innovation are set very high for the new upcoming models.
According to “Greener Choices List” for 2012, Hyundai Sonata was recognized for seventh year in a row by the creator of the list, namely – the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In addition, the Sonata will be featured in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, which resembles an annual consumers’ guide to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks. This is a great acknowledgement for the vehicle and given that it is given to it for the seventh time, makes the model a class-leading car in fuel-efficiency. In addition, the Sonata offers class-above interior volume compared to its key competitors and provides the best fuel economy in the EPA Large Car segment with the exceptional 28 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The “Greener Choices” list is restricted to widely available gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. In this way it highlights the widespread availability of environmentally friendly vehicle choices in many segments of the market.
Furthermore the 2012 Hyundai Sonata achieves even more fuel economy. In addition it incorporates more thoughtful and convenient technology, and includes features which are improving the drivers experience from the vehicle. For instance, the Blue Link®, which is a full-service telematics offering, delivers information and access, which were never before found in a Hyundai. What is more in the Sonata, is the large seven-inch touchscreen navigation with HD Radio Technology®. There is also featured a full panoramic sunroof which offers additional amenities within an already well-equipped vehicle.
The 2012 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost is Ford’s most fuel efficient petrol-engine production vehicle ever created! The good news around it is that it is now available to order from dealerships in Europe. The first vehicles have been produced in the plant in Saarlouis, Germany and they are both 100 PS (74 kW) and 125 PS (92 kW) models. More importantly, it offers leading fuel economy of 4.8l/100km and CO2 emissions of 109g/km and 5.0l/100km (56.5mpg) with CO2 of 114g/km, respectively.
In details, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost uses turbocharging and direct fuel injection to extract impressive levels of power and fuel efficiencies from a three-cylinder engine block. Hence, this combination of power and low CO2 emissions makes it the best of all other competing engines. Moreover, the engine has a torque of 170Nm between 1,400rpm and 4,500rpm. The new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will be offered in the C-MAX, the all-new B-MAX, as well as other models, later this year. Furthermore the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost will join the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol and 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engines in wearing the ECOnetic Technology badge. This is a recognition given by Ford, only to those models which are class-leaders among the very best in their segment – of course, speaking in terms of fuel economy.
Lexus CT 200h, which is a luxury hybrid hatch, has just received very prominent award given by the respected American business magazine “Forbes”. It is crowned by it as “The Safest Small Cars guide for 2012”. The luxury vehicle is featured in the Forbes guide and had previously achieved the status “Top Safety Pick” by the US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is a non-profit organization backed by the insurance industry. To achieve this success the car must have the highest rating of “good” in the IIHS’ side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations, and in addition it must be equipped with electronic stability control.
Furthermore the Lexus CT 200h also won high praise from “Forbes” judges for the active and passive safety systems it includes. They help protect occupants and prevent collisions. These awards will definitely influence in a positive manner the customers, because they will now have in mind that they have the highest possible safety, while enjoying the ride in the vehicle. In addition, we have to make the reminder, that the last years CT 200h has also achieved the highest rating of five stars for all-round safety performance. This time the award was given by the Australia’s respected ANCAP crash testing.
Lexus CT 200h
The safest small car – Lexus CT 200h, features standard fitment of eight airbags including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, and whiplash-injury lessening (WIL) front seats. Moreover, it also has an electronically controlled brake system with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), emergency LED brake lights and daytime running lamps as standard. In the models from the Sports Luxury segment, is also featured Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Safety technology (PCS), which detects an imminent collision and primes the front seatbelts and emergency braking to reduce the risk of injury and damage.
The new 2012 SEAT Exeo is now available in all UK showrooms nationwide and now delivers even more style, economy and refinement available. The new model has a refreshed new look with a revised face: it features exclusive new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Furthermore the styling enhancements feature new alloy wheel designs. The interior is improved as well and in it is high-quality leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery. At the same time, the new SEAT model also offers a premium power with its 2.0 TDI which has the emissions of only 129 g/km. The fuel efficiency is also improved: it now has 58.9 mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.
In the 2012 the Exeo family will expand with an Ecomotive version of the model. The forthcoming Exeo Ecomotive will boast many of the same technologies that make its Ecomotive siblings such frugal propositions. For instance, SEAT’s effortless Start/Stop technology will assist in the delivering of even more fuel efficiency. The aim is to achieve only 120 g/km CO2 emissions.
The new 2012 SEAT Exeo pricing starts from £19 480.
The new Ford B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle achieves best-in-class fuel economy and CO2 emissions for both the diesel and petrol versions. The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost 120PS (88 kW) petrol engine and the 1.6-liter TDCi 95PS (70 kW) diesel engine both beat the rivals on fuel economy and on CO2 emissions.
Obviously, the all-new Ford B-MAX which is going to make its debut this year is setting a new standard in its class. To be more precise, the new B-MAX, powered by 1.6-liter TDCi delivers 104 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.0 l/100km (70.6mpg). The B-MAX with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine (120PS/88 kW) will offer 114g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 4.9 l/100km (57.6mpg). All B-MAX’s petrol rivals trail behind with 134-149g/km CO2 emissions and 5.7 l-6.4 l/100km fuel consumption. The goal of Ford here was to redefine the segment through technology and ingenuity, which includes delivering the very best fuel economy.
Furthermore B-MAX features also a range of technologies which help reducing the fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions. They include: Auto-Start-Stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle; the Ford Eco Mode driver information system, which helps drivers adopt a more economical driving style; Gear Shift Indicator, to highlight the most efficient gear changing points; and Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical points in a journey.
In the production of the all-new B-MAX was featured a brand innovative approach to door construction, which resulted in wide-open access for drivers, passengers and luggage. It includes the center pillars integrated into the doors themselves. The B-MAX was also designed with high quality materials, which are rarely to be found on an affordable compact car, together with flexible-seating and class-leading load-space.
The all-new B-MAX will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and go on sale across Europe later this year.
The latest edition from smart, which today has just “arrived”, is named Sharpred, because of the sharp mixture of colours it features. As you can see for yourself this smart fortwo is a real attention catcher: the red coulour of the tridion safety cell and door mirror housing makes a striking contrast to the rest of the black exterior.
To go further into details, the exterior of the 2012 smart fortwo sharpred is characterised by the striking contrast of between two strong colours, namely – black and red. The effect they are creating on the smart absolutely adorable. The bright red paintwork of the tridion safety cell and door mirror housing catsh the attention immediately because of the rest black interior. In addition the front apron and rear trim panel are grained and the side skirts boast a high-gloss black finish. Moreover the front and rear axles are fitted with wide tyres: 175/55 R 15 for the front, and for the rear – 195/50 R 15. In addition, black finish have the stylish 15″ 3-double-spoke alloy wheels.
2012 Smart Fortwo Sharpred
Of course, the designers of this shaped edition have featured in the interior the same colour contrast. This is made through red double stitching on the seats and colour accents on the the instrument panel. The seats come in black leather. Additional black leather look is given to the instrument panel and knee pad too. The standard equipment of this smart includes audio system basic and exclusive floor mats.
2012 Smart Fortwo Sharpred Interior
However, this special edition is limited only to 1800 vehicles. Moreover, it is based on the passion equipment line. Hence, this means that it has these standard features: softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a panoramic roof with sunblind. Optionally available are the electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers, the smart audio system navigation and multimedia.
The 2012 smart fortwo sharpred is available both as a coupé and as a cabrio, with two petrol as an option – one 52 kW (71 hp) and one 62 kW (82 hp). The exciting special model can be ordered now and the first vehicles of this limited series will reach dealerships in May 2012. Pricing starts from €14 490.
Toyota has just announced the exclusive news about the official EU CO2 emissions and economy figures for the new 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and they are exceptional. The vehicle emits 49g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle and travel 134.5 miles on one gallon of petrol. These numbers makes it the most efficient Toyota on the market. The engineers in addition have improved the car’s EV driving range to 15.5 miles. This is an improvement of 24% versus the customer trial vehicle. Another thing which makes it unique is that it takes only 90 minutes to recharge the car, using a conventional plug. When the EV battery is depleted, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid automatically switches into HV mode. In this mode, the vehicle delivers CO2 emissions of 85 g/km and economy of 76.4mpg. This is an improvement on the emissions and fuel economy of the standard Prius. This leading performance helps to deliver a total driving range of 769 miles. The car continues to offer the same interior space as the standard Prius, with seating for five and 443 litres of bootspace. 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in the summer of 2012.
