Your daily automotive news!
Mercedes-Benz will introduce a ‘green’ version of its C-Class that will decrease fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the UK market.
The C 180 Compressor Blue Efficiency replaces the existing model and Mercedes says this will reduce costs for motorists with no increase on the purchased price.
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This car is supposed to be the first of its kind in India, and is available in two versions: Petrol and Hybrid 1.8E MT, 1.8V MT, 1.8V AT are the petrol variants and ’1.3 Hybrid’ is the Hybrid variant.
The petrol versions are power-driven by a 1.8L i-VTEC engine that gives 130 bhp of power. The Hybrid version deduces power from 1.3L hybrid engine that gives a 94 bhp of power. All the versions come with a 5-speed manual transmission; the 1.8V AT has an extra Paddle Shifters. The hybrid engine is matched to a CVT automatic transmission. Plush interior with raised drivers’ seat, Multiplex Meter with elucidation Control, tubeless alloy wheels and foldaway armrests allow for extreme relaxation on long drives.
Ford Escape Hybrid
MSRP: $21,880 – $27,445
MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy
The Ford Escape Hybrid is among the top three by merging the utility and serviceability of the gas-only Escape with a fuel-sipping hybrid power train. Commentators like its muscular exterior and contented seats, but criticize about swollen managing and the lack of stability control.
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
MSRP: $23,310 – $29,920
MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy
The Mercury Mariner hybrid has all the strengths and weaknesses of the Ford, but with a more refined interior. Regrettably it is costly also. But still, commentators love the balance of standard features. But they’re not as beguiled with the Mariner Hybrid’s baggy handling.
Honda is to renew the name Insight for its Prius-rivalling new hybrid.
The Insight will be a small family sized five-door, five-seater hatch as the original 1999 model was an impractical two-door coupe. This five door coupe is to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The sales of this car will be starting next year. It will be assembled in Suzuka, Japan. The company plans to sell 200,000 a year through out the world.
Honda predicts to undersell the Prius because the Insight will be priced at a very less price than any other hybrid car on the market. This would help people to access petrol-electric technology easily. Prices will be declared at a later date.
Honda also has plans to assist drivers through a unique function for more fuel-efficient driving. This would help drivers to get the most out of their real world fuel consumption.
Honda is also to set in motion hybrid versions of the Jazz and a new Civic Hybrid in the next few years. It also has plans for a sports car based on the CR-Z concept. The goal of Honda is to sell more than 500,000 hybrids a year, with 10% of its global sales to be hybrids by 2010.
The Toyota Prius is one of the “greenest” vehicles of the year. Chevy’s Cobalt coupe gives 33 miles per gallon. An economical threesome the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa each average better than 25 miles per gallon, and start at less than $15,000.
Americans definitely want to squeeze pennies at the pump, particularly with gas touching $4 per gallon and the market becoming soft. But this does not mean they will give up the joy of motoring. Thus while others prefer cars that are merely fuel-efficient, we prefer cars that are proficient and muscular both.