The '2001 fuel crisis', 'Emission fuel tax' and 'London Congestion Charge' all signify the problems associated with petrol from a user point of view. The environmental issues of petrol motoring are also well documented, with greenhouse gases cited as a major problem.

 

Electric, LPG, CNG and Hybrid are some of the solutions to the problems of petrol-fuelled cars, with fuel cell technology to follow.

 

Although they are relatively less well known than petrol or diesel fuelled cars, these options represent the most environmentally friendly choice, as they have ultra-low emissions.

 

To contact us about our selection of Hybrid cars please click here to submit a form for us to contact you or select a topic to read a little more about;

• Saab BioPower
• Lexus Hybrid Drive
• Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
• Hints for less Environmental Damage

 

Saab BioPower

 

 

Saab created BioPower technology for drivers who want it all: turbo-charged performance plus the satisfaction of helping the environment.

To take a closer look go to www.saabbiopower.co.uk.

Saab 93 Convertible

 

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Lexus Hybrid Drive

 

 

Lexus Hybrid Drive is the fruition of fifteen years of intensive research and development and has already resulted in three breakthrough Lexus models: The RX 400h SUV, the GS 450h performance saloon and the LS 600h luxury flagship saloon. All three hybrids deliver unique combination of low emissions, exceptionally quiet power and fuel efficiency.

RX 400h - Launched, 2005.

The RX 400h luxury SUV harnesses the power of a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine and two powerful electric motors, delivering 269 Bhp of seamless power, whilst returning the lowest premium petrol SUV fuel consumption today: 34.9 mpg in the combined cycle.

 

RX 400h

To do this, its advanced control systems make sure that power is sent exactly where it's needed, to the wheels or to the electric generator, making the most efficient use of the vehicle's power. Its exceptionally low Co2 emissions mean lower tax bills too. Company car drivers face a Benefit in Kind tax liability of just 23% compared to its rivals, most of whom are at 35%. 

 

OSAMU SADAKATA

CHIEF ENGINEER LEXUS RX 400h
"Conventional wisdom says that high driving performance and superior fuel efficiency cannot be achieved in the same vehicle. We have proven that wisdom wrong with the RX 400h, and taken SUV driving to a new and different dimension" 

 

GS 450h - Launched 2006.

This breakthrough hybrid saloon offers outstanding performance, thanks to the combination of a 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine and a high-output electric motor. These two power sources work together in an intelligent and seamless partnership to produce acceleration that is both extraordinarily fast and effortlessly smooth. The system produces an output of over 340 Bhp, rivalling that of a conventional V8 engine, but with the economy of a 2.0-litre petrol engine.

 

GS 450h

 

SHIGETOSHI MIYOSHI

CHIEF ENGINEER LEXUS GS 450h
"The Lexus goal of realising synergy between mutually contradictory objectives has been taken to its extreme in the GS 450h. However, it was not enough to bring two opposing elements into harmony. The new GS 450h brings four: fuel economy, low emissions, quietness and breathtaking performance."

 

LS 600h - To be launched 2007

 

LS 600h

 

Scheduled to arrive in Europe in mid 2007, the all-wheel drive LS 600h will be the world's first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 power-train. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the LS 600h builds upon technology developed in the RX 400h and GS 450h to combine an all-new five-litre V8 petrol engine with large, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. This advanced combination will provide the LS 600h with a peak combined output rating of more than 435 Bhp.

 

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Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive

 

 

Toyota's HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE is the new type of powertrain that combines the strong attributes of two kinds of power sources: the electric motors and the gas/petrol engine. HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE delivers world class performances in terms of the fuel efficiency, low emissions, driveability and quietness desired of cars today.

 

Toyota Prius

 

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Hints for less Environmental Damage

• Try to avoid using your car for short journeys - use public transport, ride a bicycle or walk.

• Plan ahead - try to choose uncongested routes, combine trips, car share.

• Cold starts - drive off as soon as possible after starting.

• Drive smoothly and efficiently - harsh acceleration and heavy braking have a very significant effect on fuel consumption, driving more smoothly saves fuel.

• Slow down - driving at high speeds significantly increases fuel consumption.

• Use higher gears, as soon as traffic conditions allow.

• Switch off - sitting stationary is zero miles per gallon, switch off the engine whenever it is safe to do so.

• Lose weight - don’t carry unnecessary weight, remove roof racks when not in use.

• Regular servicing helps keep the engine at best efficiency.

• Keep the pressure up - make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure for the vehicle.

• Do not compromise safety but be aware that the use of onboard electrical devices increases fuel consumption.

• Check your fuel consumption - it will help you get the most from the car, changes in overall fuel consumption may indicate a fault.

• Use air-conditioning sparingly - running air-conditioning continuously will increase fuel consumption significantly.

For more information please go to the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) website, ww.vcacarfueldata.org.uk.

 

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