http://www.nextgreencar.com/reviews.php Green Car Reviews en-gb Wed, 23 May 2012 05:00:01 GMT Copyright 2007, Next Green Car Ltd http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 180 http://www.nextgreencar.com/i/logo_small.gif http://www.nextgreencar.com Volkswagen has sold more than 1.4 million Golf cabriolets, even though there hasn't been a new model for nine years. And its diesel engine refinement is so good these days that, except when you are at pedestrian crossings with the roof down and you notice the engine 'rattle', there is no real downside to going diesel – although it wouldn't be my personal choice. A 1.2S petro... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volkswagen-Golf-Cabriolet-BlueMotion-review Tue, 15 May 2012 05:20:35 GMT The V in Vauxhall must stand for versatile because the company keeps adding features that make its cars more useful in everyday life and the new Zafira Tourer with its 30 stowage compartments and trays and clever Flex-7 seating for seven is no exception. That you can choose a 2-litre diesel with under 120 g/km CO2 emissions and which handles more like a saloon than a tall MPV will... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Vauxhall-Zafira-ecoFLEX-Tourer-review Wed, 02 May 2012 13:46:50 GMT If Peugeot has got its market analysis right; smaller size, sub 1.4 litre engines, better fuel consumption, less aggressive styling, more agile handling (helped by a welcome weight reduction) better quality interior trim and more competitive pricing compared to the 207 should see the new 208 challenging the market leading Ford Fiesta and the quality champion the Volkswagen Polo. F... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-208-VTi-review Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:36:07 GMT Citroen's 'micro-hybrid' C3 will save drivers from road tax and the London congestion charge, if applicable, but the lowest CO2 emitting model uses an electronic manual gearbox that is an acquired taste to put it mildly. Providing you can cope with the engine racket when accelerating it's a sensible town car with a light and airy cabin and a good sized, well shaped boot. Wallowy c... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Citroen-C3-Airdream-review Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:38:26 GMT Continuous development has kept BMW's 3-Series saloon at the top of the compact executive tree. The latest model is bigger and more spacious than its predecessor, but lighter and more agile with most versions quicker and more fuel-efficient. Comfort, specifications and quality have been improved and there's a wider choice of trim levels and options. Fuel consumption figures, espec... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?BMW-320d-Sport-review Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:42:14 GMT Despite its more glamorous styling, Renault's Scenic is all about sensible family transport and to that end is a spacious, five-seater MPV with a large box shaped boot. Its fuel consumption, practicality and 40 storage compartments are more important to buyers than 0-60 mph times, but the car likes long journeys. Fuel consumption is in the 60s according to official figures while insurance is ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Renault-Megane-Scenic-review Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:25:47 GMT Hyundai's economy champion is good fun to drive despite its sub 1-litre three-cylinder engine, in contrast to its dowdy appearance. But it tips the price scales at £1,000 more than the 22 bhp more powerful 1.2 litre car which feels more grown-up and capable. And because you don't have to work the engine so hard a lot of the time you could get very similar fuel figures I suspect. Not pay... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Hyundai-i10-Blue-review Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:53:10 GMT The old Panda was a tough act to follow but Fiat has improved the Panda in most areas – though tall drivers would not want to use the car over long distances. Around town and on daily trips it would be easy to live with and there's plenty of stowage space with rear seats folded for weekend shopping expeditions. Having driven the TwinAir and the 1.3 Multijet diesel I reckon m... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Fiat-Panda-TwinAir-Lounge-review Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:19:49 GMT Diesel-engined small cars are usually priced higher than their petrol powered equivalents, so Chevrolet's Aveo models are good news for fans of diesel with prices from £12,345 and this more powerful Eco version at £12,795. There's plenty of space for people and things, it rides quietly and smoothly and has distinctive good looks. Add in a five-year, 100,000 mile warran... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Chevrolet-Aveo-review Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:18:14 GMT Kia's swish looking Optima saloon is 18 months later getting here than Kia UK intended because of runaway demand in US, China and Korea. The interior is spot on too with everything pretty much where you expect it, top quality fit and finish and a spacious interior with room for five adults. It's very quiet too with only a firm ride catching it out over poor surfaces, mainly for th... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Kia-Optima-CRDi-2-Tech-review Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:51:58 GMT Audi's A1 is the most desirable small car on the market to a lot of people and higher than flagged fuel consumption isn't going to put them off. Limousine-style options, including HDD based sat nav with music interface and surround sound audio system, lets buyers 'downsize' in luxury. Engine could/should be more refined for Audi's premium position in the market place. Some rivals ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Audi-A1-TDI-S-Line-review Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:08:49 GMT Renault's new Twingo will win sales on its more stylish looks alone and owners being able to create a more 'personalised' car. That it is a pleasant drive, very economical, deceptively spacious inside with individually adjustable rear seats and a reasonable boot, are bonuses that should keep owners smiling. Petrol power means none of the worries about particulate filters with low ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Renault-Twingo-Dynamique-review Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:57:54 GMT A fascinating first run of the pre-production left-hand drive 'multi-personality' Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4. The car isn't just the first diesel-electric hybrid and capable (theoretically) of 74 mpg, despite space for five adults and their luggage. It can also power all four-wheels for the low speed slippery road traction of a 4x4 or deliver 200 bhp performance if the driver wants to travel in a s... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-3008-HYbrid4-review Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:52:55 GMT Nissan's high tech Micra DIG-S delivers the convenience of petrol motoring with close to the economy of diesel and without the drawbacks of noise, smell and more difficult starting in winter. There's also none of the grief of a diesel particulate filter – used to trap those injurious to health small sooty particles – getting clogged up if the car rarely gets driven briskly. ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Nissan-Micra-DIGS-review Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:15:34 GMT The Fluence was developed rapidly to meet Israeli demands for an electric car and is built in Turkey. It could suit a buyer whose daily journeys are under, say 90 miles, to allow for headlights, heating, air conditioning, radio etc being used. Slightly awkward styling to fit the batteries so the boot takes a little getting used to. The Fluence is far more enjoyable and car-like to drive than ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Renault-Fluence-ZE-review Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:50:37 GMT No Volvo I've ever driven got the stares and positive looks of this car. It's a big evolutionary step for Volvo and makes the S60 a stronger rival for the Audi A4 than I expected with little compromise in the hunt for good fuel economy. That said, keener drivers will still opt for the more agile, and rear-wheel drive BMW 3-Series. Prices are competitive though some friends thought... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volvo-S60-DRIVe-review Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:35:07 GMT A great looking and well built car for both the city and further afield. Very refined to drive but steep inclines take their toll on the 59 bhp version, so if you live near hills or carry people, go for the 74 bhp version. The cabin is very classy for the price and some good option packs as well as emergency brake system for when the driver in front stops suddenly instead of pulling on to a r... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volkswagen-Up-BlueMotion-review Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:26:34 GMT The Fabia Estate Greenline is a typically well made Skoda and very practical in terms of passenger and luggage carrying abilities, even without using a ski box on the roof. No road tax is a money saver, but unless you go frequently into the London congestion zone and want to avoid paying, I feel most drivers would prefer a more enjoyable drive, probably use less fuel, and hold up other traffi... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Skoda-Fabia-Estate-Greenline-II-review Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:21:06 GMT Kia's new Picanto looks sharp and modern but the driving experience feels from a previous generation. Working the three-cylinder 1-litre engine to achieve reasonable performance, even when the car is lightly laden, spoils the refinement and hammers the fuel consumption. On the plus side there's no road tax to pay, or London congestion charge, and you can carry five, thin adults ar... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Kia-Picanto-2-review Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:45:41 GMT Great looks and a fun drive make the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.3 JTDM Sprint a winner in the compact, sporty hatchback category. Only restricted boot space and awkward access to rear seats mar the car's practicality. Communication features including Blue&Me make the MiTo as desirable as the Mini and pretty good to drive too. Previous versions have held value well, reducing overall running... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Alfa-Romeo-MiTo-review Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:00:26 GMT The most economical model in the C4 range, yet it comes with lots of equipment as standard and plenty of options. Even though Citroen has concentrated on practicality, safety and value, the standard EGS semi-automatic gearbox takes getting used to and pushes up the price to nearly £20,000 which may be too much for people otherwise attracted by the low running costs. The C4 i... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Citroen-C4-eHDi-review Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:54:39 GMT Another classy offering from Volkswagen in the popular coupe-cabriolet class for cars with metal folding roofs. Most rivals put the fresh air experience top of the list, but the Eos is dynamically an enjoyable drive too and rides as well as any saloon. Yes, it looks expensive compared to a Peugeot 308 cabriolet or a Renault Megane CC, but the Eos feels in a higher class whether yo... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volkswagen-Eos-Sport-review Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:23:04 GMT Offering Range Rover qualities and abilities in a smaller package is going to make the Liverpool-built Evoque a huge success in the manner of the new Mini. 80% of the 20,000 worldwide orders so far are said to be from people who have never considered a Range Rover in the past. The styling is unmistakeable and, yes, very 'bling' and footballers' wives in certain colours and trims, but there is... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Range-Rover-Evoque-Coupe-review Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:04:22 GMT Peugeot has successfully revamped its best selling family hatchback – more than 900,000 have been sold since September 2007 of which 84,000 were in the UK. It is now better looking and a more pleasant car to live with, while its Euro V diesel engine is even more economical. Dynamically it's pretty dull. That said, the 308 feels a quality product that keeps its style whilst ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-308-16-eHDi-review Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:10:39 GMT Well built, spacious and value for money; we almost know the Skoda proposition for its Octavia hatchback and estate models off by heart. This is an honest car for the family motorist who isn't a badge snob and wants to keep transport costs under control. You have to respect Skoda for what they do and how they do it. You can understand why owners swear by them and there's a wave o... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Skoda-Octavia-GreenLine-II-review Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:47:09 GMT Ford's best selling business car, the Mondeo, has been given a mid-life facelift and a raft of new high tech equipment including driver fatigue monitoring, lane departure warning and an automatic lighting system which uses a forward facing camera to select high or low beam. There's also a blind spot alert system, borrowed from Volvo, a practical rear view parking camera and optional speed lim... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Ford-Mondeo-16-TDCi-Edge-review Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:21:11 GMT Both the C-Zero and the Peugeot iOn are essentially Mitsubishi i-MiEVs wearing Citroen badges – the pioneering trio were really the first mass produced electric vehicles available in the UK that are not classed as quadricycles. The three models use the same drivetrain and the body work is almost identical, but the interiors vary slightly from one to another. The C-Zero can ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Citroen-CZero-review Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:03:06 GMT The Vauxhall Ampera has only recently been available to test drive in the UK in its production ready form, although its sibling model the Chevrolet Volt, has been on sale in the US for several months. They represent the first models to be classed as 'extended-range electric vehicles' – which sit somewhere between a hybrid and battery electric vehicle, probably closer to the latter. Prod... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Vauxhall-Ampera-review Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:38:36 GMT Feels like a Rolls-Royce compared to a G-Wiz, but not as salubrious as the Nissan LEAF. If you can cope with the extra attention until the iOn becomes a more familiar sight, this egg-shaped four-seater could make sense if you tend to make shorter journeys. Statistics suggest the average town commute is less than seven miles each way, so theoretically the iOn should satisfy most mo... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-iOn-review Mon, 16 May 2011 10:19:55 GMT Following the success of the Insight and CR-Z, Honda has now added the Jazz to their IMA hybrid drive line-up. If the popularity of the conventional Jazz model is anything to go by, the hybrid version, first seen at the Paris Motor Show last year, is likely to be a familiar sight on the roads. Sat in its airy and light cabin, the Jazz offers a solid and smooth ride making you feel... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Honda-jazz-hybrid-HXT-review Wed, 04 May 2011 15:17:07 GMT Engine upgrade and fitting of auto stop-start to cut fuel and emissions in traffic drops Volvo's best selling compact executive S40 model below the 100g/km target bringing lower running costs for both private and business users. Handling is not as sporty as styling suggests; this model is only available with a manual gearbox. Front seat passengers get the best deal but the boot i... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volvo-S40-16D-DRIVe-review Wed, 04 May 2011 12:41:37 GMT Big Peugeots haven't been big sellers in the UK for years and this car exists mainly for China where it will also be built. Though Peugeot doesn't mention the B-word, it hopes the quality and value of the 508 might tempt buyers from the cheaper BMW 3-Series and, yes, Audis too. Cope with the gearbox and the 1.6 litre eHDi can be a very economical and comfortable car, however it d... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-508-Active-16-eHDi-review Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:19:25 GMT Vauxhall's new Astra in ecoFLEX form is going to make some company car drivers happy with its low benefit-in-kind tax as a result of its low CO2 emissions. However, with a choice of trims and extras along with low fuel consumption, the Astra will please private motorists too. Automatic stop-start to reduce consumption and emissions in traffic is £345 extra and cuts CO2 outpu... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Vauxhall-Astra-13CDTi-ecoFLEX-review Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:45:54 GMT Even if you don't pay out for some of the driver safety options, the new Focus is a fine car and in my view the best in its class. The Focus is brimming with technology to make life easier, safer and more sustainable, and it's an easy drive once you work out some of the mass of buttons and controls. Most people seem to find the new Focus attractive. The attention to detail shows ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Ford-Focus-16-TDCi-Edge-review Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:42:42 GMT Lexus's petrol-electric hybrid entry into the premium hatchback sector makes strong financial sense for companies and company car drivers, but despite its sporty looks is not as lively or fun to drive as rivals from BMW and Audi, and it only comes with CVT transmission with no manual over-ride. The cabin is top quality and the car feels built to last, but a Prius feels more comfor... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Lexus-CT-200h-review Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:03:23 GMT Volkswagen continues to hone its Passat models pushing overall quality and refinement even closer to premium brands like Audi and Mercedes. This year will be the first time the estate outsells the saloon in the UK with just under 10,000 saloons and more than 11,000 estates. As a low stress driving environment and capable workhorse, the Passat is right on target. Driven with restr... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?VW-Passat-BlueMotion-20-TDI-SE-review Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:54:24 GMT Toyota has finally filled the gap left by the demise of the Yaris Verso with the Verso-S now that there is again a big enough difference between the Japanese market second generation Ractis (Verso-S here) and the Yaris. Modern and ultra easy to live with, Toyota claim resale values after three years will make the Verso-S over £1,000 cheaper to run than a Nissan Note. Sluggis... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Toyota-VersoS-VVTi-Multidrive-review Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:23:37 GMT The world's first passenger car diesel engine with variable valve timing dominates the driving experience, delivering excellent low speed punch, top end kick and seriously impressive real-life 50mpg fuel consumption. Coupled with usual Mitsubishi reliability, good interior space and a better boot than the Nissan Qashqai, the ASX will make sense for lots of families. 'Crossover' st... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Mitsubishi-ASX-18-TurboDiesel-review Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:56:10 GMT Vauxhall has evolved its new, bigger Meriva to make it a strong rival for cars like the Ford C-Max, Renault Scenic and Citroen C4 Picasso. Rear hinged back doors make access easier, and folding down the rear seats for additional room is simpler than ever. The boot space can be divided thanks to a 'false' floor, creating a big, flat cargo area when the seats are folded. Quality is... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Vauxhall-Meriva-13-CDTi-ecoFLEX Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:33:49 GMT Chevrolet isn't usually a name you associate with small cars, but since General Motors took over Korean brand Daewoo it has become the value stablemate for Vauxhall and the Spark is a strong replacement for the old Daewoo Matiz. It's a good looking car. The price is keen on base models; it steers and rides well enough and doesn't get too blown about by lorries on a motorway, but ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Chevrolet-Spark-10LS-review Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:34:08 GMT A great leap forward by the Korean manufacturer compared to the Amica, the Indian-built i10 is a refined enough city car for users needing affordable transport and a strong challenger to most European badged rivals. Cheap to buy and run it ticks all the ease of use boxes without breaking any new ground. A sensible small car purchase backed by one of the best warranties in the business. ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Hyundai-i10-Comfort-12-review Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:40:21 GMT Much smarter looking with a better quality interior and even better to drive, the new BMW X3 in 2-litre turbo-diesel format is the lowest emissions four-wheel drive model in its class. Emissions are 147g/km for the eight-speed automatic and 149/km for the six-speed manual. This compares to 165g/km for the Land Rover Freelander 2 and 174g/km for the Volvo XC60. BMW's combined 54mpg figure show... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?BMW-X3-xDrive-20d-SE-review Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:27:40 GMT Classy looks, low running costs and low BIK rates make the BMW 320d the company car driver's transport of choice. Stunning fuel figures of Efficient Dynamics model match or beat Toyota's little Yaris (67.3mpg) and Honda's electrically assisted Civic hybrid (61.4mpg) though it must be remembered the Civic is petrol powered. CO2 figures are a match too. Snags? You can ge... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?BMW-320d-Efficient-Dynamics-review Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:25:38 GMT Fun and economy in a package as effortlessly stylish as a four-wheeled Vespa, the Fiat 500 TwinAir is a fine city car, providing you rarely need to carry large people in the rear seats. Compact size can get a bit of getting used to but the easy proximity of all the controls means you are soon scooting about with a big grin on your face. No road tax or London congestion charge are cherries on ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Fiat-500-TwinAir-Pop-review Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:17:10 GMT Vauxhall's usefully spacious Corsa supermini is a familiar sight on our roads and popular with buyers. But you need to be careful if trying to pick the most economical ecoFlex version as there are so many of them, petrols and diesels. Only the 94bhp 1.3-litre CDTI diesel three-door beats the 100g/km barrier bringing exemption from road tax. Review by Russell B... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Vauxhall-Corsa-13-CDTi-ecoFlex-review Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:21:44 GMT Renault's eco2 diesel engined Clio in three-door Extreme or five-door Expression trim is the lowest CO2 producing model yet from the French car giant. Yet despite beating the 100g/km barrier it still retains its joie de vivre driving personality and does so without ugly flat disc wheels so looks quite normal. Unlike environmentally-friendly rivals, which can cost up to £1,0... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Renault-Clio-eco2-dCi-86-review Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:09:23 GMT There wasn't much wrong with the 'old' Swift. It won 63 Car of the Year awards in 19 countries and the new car is noticeably better with more space, better performance and improved fuel consumption. There's not the 'image' factor you get with cars like the Mini and the Fiat 500 but the Swift is an honest product, solidly and sensibly engineered, easy to drive and gives a choice of three or fi... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Suzuki-Swift-SZ4-review Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:20:38 GMT If the hydrogen to power the fuel cell has been produced using renewable sources (such as solar, wind or hydroelectric power) the FCX Clarity, the world's first production fuel cell car, is the ultimate in clean motoring. The fact that even in left hand drive it was easy to live with, shows the progress made by Honda with fuel cells over the last 20 years. One fuel cell I saw in ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Honda-FCX-Clarity-fuel-cell-review Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:24:40 GMT It's all in the categorisation, but if you consider a taller body, raised suspension and the ability to switch engine power between front and rear wheels makes this Mini a sports utility vehicle (SUV), then at 129g/km CO2 it's the lowest emission SUV you can buy. Prices start low enough to pitch the non 4WD Countryman against Ford's Focus, excluding discounts, but Mini says its m... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Mini-Countryman-Cooper-D-All-4-review Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:17:05 GMT Highly competent compact MPV with supermini running costs and stylish looks we aren't used to from Kia. Cabin is classy too with versatile seating arrangement. Reasonably enjoyable to drive but diesel engine lacks refinement. Car feels built to last as you might expect from that highly publicised seven year/100,000 mile warranty. Review by Russell Bray for Next Gr... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Kia-Venga-14-CRDi-EcoDynamics-review Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:10:52 GMT Ask people what features they want in a car and they want everything. So Renault has done its best to deliver with a four-seater that's also a convertible, and a coupe thanks to a folding metal roof, that achieves nearly 50mpg. Servicing is recommended every 18,000 miles/two years. Oil condition monitoring on dCi FAP engines protects against excessive wear and may advise longer or shorter ser... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Renault-Megane-Coupe-Cabriolet-review Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:34:08 GMT The Nissan LEAF (Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family) will change the way we think about cars. As most cars spend 97% of their lives parked and 80% of drivers cover less than 30 miles daily, the LEAF's 100 mile range could suit more people than we'd like to admit. Servicing is minimal (tyres, brake pads etc) and the batteries can be recycled so the main concerns are initial... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Nissan-LEAF-electric-review Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:08:41 GMT Motorists want more fun and emotion from their cars, says Nissan. Nissan was proved correct with its Qashqai ‘crossover.’ Some 80% of buyers have never bought Nissans before. And with strong advance orders for its smaller brother, the Juke, also being built in Sunderland, this SUV blended with sports coupe looks set to be another winner. Despite the avant-garde styling the techno... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Nissan-Juke-review Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:09:02 GMT Volkswagen’s Polo BlueMotion pulls together all the German company knows about low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions in a quality package but there’s the usual price problem of small diesel cars. A 1.2 litre Polo petrol costs £4,655 less before negotiating any discount. That means you have to do a huge mileage even to break even. The Polo BlueMotion may make sense as ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?VW-Polo-BlueMotion-review Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:50:15 GMT Winner of Next Green Car's Car of the Year 2010 Award, the Auris brings petrol-electric hybrid motoring to the masses and the lowest CO2 taxes and fuel costs in the small family car market segment. Not a car for the over-enthusiastic driver the Auris is a quiet stress free drive round town or cruising – but is slig... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Toyota-Auris-Hybrid-review Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:11:52 GMT Though it breaks no new ground technically, Audi's A1 supermini, on sale in November, is keenly anticipated. That's because it provides Audi style and quality in a small car. All versions were happier on main roads than around town. Six-speed gearboxes were notchier than five-speeders. Audi UK has decided, wisely in my opinion, not to sell the 89bhp 99g/km model here, but there a... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Audi-A1-16-TDI-SE-review Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:55:16 GMT Audi has created the premium sector's lowest CO2 car with a special three-door version of the A3 using its all-new, economy optimised common rail 1.6 TDI engine with engine stop-start and energy recovery system. Changing the final drive ratio for the otherwise standard five-speed manual transmission and lowering the ride height, together with reduced aerodynamic drag and smaller ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Audi-A3-Sportback-16-TDI-review Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:10:05 GMT While looks and price are going to sell the CR-Z, Honda's sporty looking coupe doesn't have the performance to match. Driven carefully this petrol-electric hybrid is as economical as a diesel, but push harder and you are quickly in the low 30's. Honda claims the Lotus Elise (34 to 45mpg) was a 'constant inspiration'. For what one has to ask? Keen pricing, from £17,000 and proven quality... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Honda-CRZ-GT-Coupe-review Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:17:32 GMT Drive gently and you'll be amazed at the fuel economy BMW's Efficient Dynamics systems give this practical, but pricey sports activity vehicle. The sDrive versions are rear drive only with traction advantages of four-wheel drive on xDrive versions. CO2 emissions increase to 153g/km with 4wd and fuel consumption dips to 48.7mpg. Some cheap plastics in some cabin areas but this car is destined ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?BMW-X1-sDrive-18d-SE-review Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:22:44 GMT Subtle but effective restyling and a revamped interior justifies the Punto's Evo, or evolution inspired name. But the new petrol and diesel engines are almost revolutionary in terms of increased efficiency with lots more pulling power and improved fuel consumption. Cabins are plush but seats lack side support for enthusiastic cornering. Wide choice of trim levels and a sportier chassis set-up... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Fiat-Punto-Evo-13-Multijet-review Fri, 21 May 2010 13:06:34 GMT MultiAir engine technology breaks the traditional link between performance and fuel consumption claim Alfa engineers and it's hard to disagree. This 135bhp petrol engine is 12.5% more powerful with better throttle response and less turbo lag than the engine it replaces, yet is 10% more economical and produces 10% less C02 according to fuel consumption figures. Suspension mods make the MiTo a ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Alfa-Romeo-MiTo-14-MultiAir-review Fri, 21 May 2010 10:41:45 GMT Audi's compact executive model, the A3, matches proven style and quality with some impressive motorsport developed technology to show that petrol engines are by no means beaten in the war with diesel; well, providing you don't drive quickly. A spirited run saw just 32.1mpg, and a gentle one near 45mpg. With build quality to rival a tank the A3 bring prestige motoring to those who don't need a... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Audi-A3-Sportback-14-TFSi-review Tue, 11 May 2010 15:19:00 GMT This 4-seater sports coupe is easily my favourite 'green' car to date because it is enjoyable to drive, yet naturally economical without any effort from the driver. And gratifying improvements are possible with care. Build quality seemed good and the C30 looks good too, well, except for those aerodynamic wheels. Pricey though. Review by Russell Bray f... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volvo-C30-16D-DRIVe-review Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:20:48 GMT Most credible compact SUV whether you are going for style or genuinely need its off-road capabilities, in which case be careful on choice of tyres. At least as comfortable as a car to drive/ride in and doesn't feel a lumbering beast when a road starts to twist. Latest technical developments make it kinder to the environment than rivals. Getting expensive. Review by http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Land-Rover-Freelander-II-TD4e-review Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:09:41 GMT Lamborghini looks at Peugeot prices is the main selling criteria for the new RCZ coupe. It dishes up enjoyably brisk performance without too much financial pain providing you are not too aggressive with the right foot in a surprisingly practical car. I predict its desirability will produce the best used car values Peugeot has seen in a long time. Improved build quality will help too. http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-RCZ-Coupe-GT-review Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:13:08 GMT Solid, well-built, modern looking small hatchback with room for five adults thanks to high seating position and tall body. Not cheap but well fitted out with safety kit and other equipment. Pleasingly agile around town and on country roads, and it's no motorway slug either. Clunky five-speed gear change. Pricier GLS+ version has alloy wheels, privacy glass, front fog lights. Diesel (62mpg, 12... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Suzuki-Splash-12-GLS-review Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:06:35 GMT Looks good, especially in white, and performs well too though, like all cars it proved impossible to match the official laboratory test cycle figures in real life. General road noise/engine refinement could be better at times and the ride is firm on the low rolling resistance tyres. From £11,895. Review by Russell Bray for Next Gre... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-207-Economique-review Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:23:44 GMT Lots of style for the money. This sharp handling, two-door coupe looks nearly as striking as the original 1970's model penned by Italian design master Giorgetto Guigiaro, yet is practical - though watch out for the sweep of those long doors. With diesel power there's strong performance and economy. Interior oddment space and rear vision are both poor but the boot is a decent size though s... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?VW-Scirocco-20-TDI-review Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:58:29 GMT Graceful and a lot of car for your money. We're used to two-seater coupes from the German triumvirate but Peugeot, often with the assistance of Ferrari's chums, Italian styling house Pininfarina, has a longer history of stylish, economical coupes. With four good size seats the 407 Coupe is practical too. Overall it’s better suited to the easy rider rather than the hard charger and so m... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-407-Coupe-Sport-review Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:08:06 GMT The handsome Leon Ecomotive proves going green needn’t be painful and you don’t have to drive a car looking like a toad either. I achieved 57mpg with no attempt at economy driving. Cabin is much classier than before, equipment levels are good and coupled with good reliability will help the car achieve good used car prices when the time comes to sell. A theoretically even more ec... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Seat-Leon-Ecomotive-review Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:29:09 GMT Bags of showroom appeal with distinctive looks, good interior space and a much more up-market cabin than the outgoing model. Prices high by Citroen standards as you move further up the range and you need to check your insurance because it will be pricey if you break that big windscreen. Dynamically, the 'softer' C3 is a very different flavour to Ford's sporty and agile Fiesta and... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Citroen-C3-HDi-16V-review Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:57:04 GMT Vauxhall bosses aren't exaggerating, or even showing off, when they say they believe their extended range electric car, the five-door, four-seater Ampera, could remove the car from the environmental debate for many motorists. While the series-hybrid Ampera won’t be available until 2012 (pictured left), Russell Bray test-drives a Chevrolet Cruze 'mule' (pi... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Vauxhall-Ampera-preview Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:31:37 GMT Slick looking but surprisingly practical and easy to live with convertible, though as usual boot access is awkward. Quite expensive to buy but after that running costs look good with strong residuals and good fuel economy. A sharper drive than the previous A3 models can encourage a more 'press on' driving style with more wear to tyres and brakes but use of high gears means minima... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Audi-A3-Cabriolet-16-TDI-review Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:33 GMT Forget the arguments about which hybrid was first to market, the best-seller by far is the Toyota Prius and, in its latest iteration, Iain Robertson still believes that it is the best of the bunch. Upward spiralling fuel costs (in case you had not noticed) and the economic crash have focused motorists’ attention on green issues like never before. Even the car ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Toyota-Prius-Mk3-review Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:05:17 GMT One of Europe's most popular small cars has been through no less than five transformations since its introduction in 1975, yet, states Iain Robertson, none of them has been as ground-shaking as the latest iteration. The Volkswagen Polo is one of those cars with which an entire generation of people has grown up alongside. From the outset, it was a defining product. Ne... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volkswagen-Polo-MkV-review Sun, 31 May 2009 22:00:27 GMT With a hybrid development featuring in almost every model of its line-up, Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota, enables even posh car buyers to go some way to satisfying thier environmental conscience, which Iain Robertson suggests is just dandy! By building the RX 450h in the World's first dedicated hybrid-only plant, Toyota is living up to its promise to produce some of... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Lexus-RX-450h-review Thu, 28 May 2009 10:02:29 GMT While 4WD and turbocharged engines seem to have been on Subaru's main course menu for some years a need to attend to better MPG figures has led to the introduction of the collaborative, compact Justy, states Iain Robertson. Apart from the twee twin exhaust tail-pipes (a Subaru signature), today's Subaru Justy, introduced last summer, is a broadly familiar model. In f... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Subaru-Justy-10R-review Thu, 14 May 2009 08:54:10 GMT Here’s a thing, the new 4x4 sector is currently dying on its wheels, although car buyers still want spacious cars offering a good view out, factors that Iain Robertson suggests could be combined in just one thoughtful vehicle. If you had said to me a few years ago that I would recommend a van-based car to somebody, I would have laughed. Yet, I am going ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Peugeot-Partner-Tepee-review Tue, 12 May 2009 11:40:51 GMT With a notable gap in its UK line-up, Nissan has finally introduced a sub-Micra model that delights Iain Robertson, although he wonders if one trick has been missed. Although there has been enough news coverage of late around the car scene to appreciate that 'small is preferable' in today's economic environment, Nissan has been extraordinarily slow to intro... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Nissan-Pixo-review Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:17:42 GMT Having created a name with Picasso, Citroen is now filling a niche with a C3 version, with which Iain Robertson can find NO areas of disagreement, and declares it as one of the best compact MPVs / family cars he has driven in many years. Excitement has been sorely missing from the motorcar business for some time. Oh, sure, you can become excited, enthralled... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Citroen-C3-Picasso-review Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:36:13 GMT BMW is already a global award-winner for its stance on low emissions and its `Efficient Dynamics&#96 power-train technology; According to Iain Robertson, going `green` with this premium brand is a thoroughly painless, though moderately pricey, affair. In days not so long past, buying in to premium car ownership usually came with an unfortunate &... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?BMW-118d-ES-review Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:52:32 GMT When he first saw the new Honda Insight, Iain Robertson was almost speechless with delight, and only slightly disconcerted that the second generation Insight appears to share some strong styling cues with the next generation Toyota Prius. Honda's first generation Insight, w... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Honda-Insight-review Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:05:38 GMT Without doubt one of the most stylish and eminently desirable new cars to emerge in recent times has been the Fiat 500, which Iain Robertson says is not just a retro-designed city car but is a genuine fashion statement. The fortunes of Fiat have fluctuated like the proverbial yo-yo. At one time it was the carmaker with the highest percentage of local demand... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Fiat-500-StartStop-review Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:55:55 GMT Although Ford Motor Company could never be accused of avoiding issues, its approach to eco-friendly transport is, according to Iain Robertson, considerably more conventional than its rivals'. When assessing the new car scene to ascertain which manufacturer has made the greatest contribution to reducing exhaust pollution and upping mpg, one carmaker rises to the su... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Ford-Fiesta-ECOnetic-review Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:09:38 GMT It has been a while since Ford Motor Company practiced a little bit of Latin in naming its models but, says Iain Robertson, a little bit of Ford is now deeply entrenched with Latin roots, as the all-new Ka hits the road in eco-style. Of course, Ford, as befits a major player, has been in the vanguard of new model innovations for many years. Yet, the previous gener... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Ford-Ka-review Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:22:04 GMT Quintessentially quaint and curiously cubic, the all-new Fiat Qubo may get your goat with its strange name but Iain Robertson believes that its low-pollution, high-MPG and funky family aims will win it innumerable van-derived fans. Converting vans to people-movers is a tried and tested preoccupation of the motor industry, which started long before the dawn of the ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Fiat-Qubo-review Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:10:43 GMT Introduced at a time, when the motor industry is under intense pressure, you have to wonder about BMW's resolve with an H2-powered innovation. Iain Robertson provides a unique insight. Liquid hydrogen is not a mass-market fuel. While the world motor industry is keen to drop us into compact, eco-friendly modes of transport, the hydrogen fuel cell remains a distant ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?BMW-Hydrogen7-review Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:27:44 GMT Faced with demoralising fuel costs, councils slapping on city idling fines and high car costs, South Korean carmaker, Kia Motors, may well have the answer in the form of the new Eco-Kias - Iain Robertson took them for a spin. Korean carmakers are not merely playing `catch-up` with their European rivals but are set to snatch technological leads away from th... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Kia-ceed-review Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:10:27 GMT With every carmaker in an understandable rush to place more economical models in the marketplace, Iain Robertson says that the latest newcomer to Fiat’s line-up – the `Eco` Bravo - should help to chivvy its sales. Fiat's engineers have effectively taken the `120` versions of this car, lost a few BHP but gained a few pounds-feet of torque, added a new ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Fiat-Bravo-Eco-review Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:55:59 GMT Determining whether a car name is important or not has some relevance to Iain Robertson, who believes that rather than a nondescript `i`, the most compact and cleanest of Mitsubishi models should be called `incisive`. To be frank, I have always had a sneaky appreciation of the Mitsubishi `i`. It is small. It is cute-looking. It is undeniabl... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Mitsubishi-iMIEV-electric-review Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:01:24 GMT Get ready with the rubber boots, says Iain Robertson, because Hyundai's opening gambit for 2009 is a shockingly-good line-up of Corsa/Fiesta rivals that may make you reconsider your temporarily-shelved new car plans. Nobody asked, "Well, what do you think?", upon returning the latest Hyundai i20 to the launch venue, held at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, the home ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Hyundai-i20-review Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:21:51 GMT If you are someone who equates eco-friendly transport with tiny motorcars, clockwork engines, disproportionately high prices and severe compromises, then, says Iain Robertson, look again at the Mercedes-Benz C180K BlueEfficiency. While Mercedes-Benz's fortunes have been bouncing from pillar-to-post in recent years, from its snaffling-up of Chrysler Corp, to its un... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?MercedezBenz-C180K-BlueEfficiency-review Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:50:28 GMT Nobody prescribed that eco-driving had to be a painful experience as Ford-owned Swedish carmaker Volvo is prepared to demonstrate in its outstanding new diesel estate car – Iain Robertson investigates. Although many consumers will feel that car buying incentives are as welcome as a nasty rash at the moment, with the turn of the year upon us and the lure of ... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Volvo-V50-16D-DRIVe-review Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:21:00 GMT Buyers are hardly falling over themselves in the rush to buy a smart car, which must make you wonder why Toyota wants a share of that city car sector, although Iain Robertson feels confident that 'intelligence' will win. While I may like the Mercedes-Benz smart, for its chic cuteness and sheer agility as an urban runabout, its handling remains suspect and its two-... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?Toyota-iQ-review Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:20:20 GMT As the first product of 'Projekt i' for BMW, a remarkable electric Mini not only introduces a clearly defined market sector but provides real-time responses to shape the Mini’s future and Iain Robertson drove the $1million car exclusively. Unveiling an innovative new car at the Los Angeles Motor Show is hardly a great way to make motoring headlines in the U... http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?MINI-E-electric-review Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:27:24 GMT