JUST ANNOUNCED
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Prices £50,000 approx
On sale 2009
What’s different? The Cayenne is Porsche’s first hybrid,
scheduled for introduction by the end of the decade. Unlike existing
hybrids, where the petrol engine and electric motor are inextricably linked,
the Porsche system allows its two power sources to operate independently. It
claims this system is more efficient and the car will do 75mph on electric
power alone
Why should I care? Because when Porsche starts embracing hybrid power
and begins talking about fuel economy (it will do more than 30mpg), you know
attitudes are changing. Porsche insists the electric power can actually
enhance the driving experience but says there are no plans to use it in its
smaller, lighter sports cars, such as the Boxster and 911
Consider also
Lexus RX 400h SE-L £45,280,
Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI SE £54,867,
Mercedes-Benz ML 420 CDI £51,963
IN THE SHOWROOM
Kia Picanto
Prices £5,995-£7,995
On sale Now
What’s different? It’s midlife facelift time for Kia’s underrated
little shopping car, so there’s the usual clutch of cosmetic modifications,
including new bumpers, headlights, mirrors, rear light clusters and bonnet.
But it’s joined for the first time by a sporty-looking model, the Picanto 3
with front fog laps, a mesh grille, 15in alloys and unique instruments
Why should I care? The Picanto has five doors as standard and a
surprisingly roomy interior and is even reasonably fun to drive for such a
small runaround. But only the base 1 litre model has emissions low enough to
scrape into band B for UK vehicle excise duty and is therefore alone in
being able to offer the attraction of a £35 tax disc
Consider also
Fiat Panda £6,995-£10,250,
Citroën C1 £7,095-£7,935,
Volkswagen Fox £6,602-£8,022
