A pair of new models...
A pair of new models for the UK have been unveiled by SEAT. Its Alhambra MPV gets a new 2.0-litre TDI 140 engine, replacing the 130, while the Ibiza will have a 1.4-litre TDI 80 in place of the current 75bhp unit. Both go on sale in the new year, and at roughly the same price as the outgoing models - í‚á£19,110 and í‚á£9,200 respectively.
That"s according to...
That"s according to a new Government website, which allows users to work out their annual carbon footprint. The Internet-based calculator at www.direct.gov.uk/actonCO2 takes into account the property you live in, the appliances you have and transport you use.
Auto Express wanted to see exactly how much a car contributes to someone"s total carbon output, so we entered figures for one of our team, who lives on his own in a two-bedroom flat in London.
The website found he created 4.06 tonnes of carbon a year heating and lighting his home and powering appliances such as TVs, a fridge and a dishwasher. The transport section of the calculator works out the combined total for public transport use, flights and cars.
Our writer does 10,000 miles a year in a 42mpg Ford Focus 1.6, giv÷ing a transport carbon footprint of 2.89 tonnes - that"s 42 per cent of the total. Meanwhile, new Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures show buyers are switching to less polluting cars. In 2000, 43 per cent of all vehicles sold emitted less than 165g/km. Now, it"s 61 per cent.