Landrover Discovery 4
The face looks familiar, but Land Rover’s popular Discovery has been given a radical makeover –under the skin! The new Discovery 4 comes with fresh engines, a revised chassis and an impressive array of advanced technology.
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Mercedes E250 CDI
This is the greenest Mercedes E-Class ever – and not only could it help the planet, it could also prevent owners from going into the red!
The E250 CDI will be the least polluting and most efficient car in the range until an even more eco-friendly E220 CDI goes on sale in September.
However, buyers should still be happy with this 2.1-litre, four-cylinder oil-burner. It puts out 154g/km of CO2 and promises 47.1mpg economy – that’s an improvement of 20g/km and 4.4mpg over the previous-generation E220 CDI.
What this means for owners is road tax of £150 a year – not bad for a luxury model. And make no mistake, even though Mercedes is trying hard to offer environmental and financial benefits, it hasn’t compromised on the comfort and quality that lie at the heart of the E-Class.
The E250 CDI still provides a cosseting experience on the road, soaking up bumps and patchy surfaces. A stronger chassis and new dampers that adapt to the driving conditions make this a highly comfortable cruiser – especially because it’s so quiet inside. Part of the reason for this is that Mercedes has used coconut husks as sound insulation: it sounds nutty, but it works!
All that deadening is also necessary because the diesel unit isn’t as quiet and refined as some of those offered by rival manufacturers. It’s still a little on the agricultural side when you press on, and even if you’re accelerating only gently there’s a faint clattering sound.
However, this is pretty much the only criticism you can level against this car – which says a great deal about the package. The engine’s performance is more than adequate, and with peak torque of 500Nm on tap from 1,600rpm, there’s plenty of in-gear pull. What’s more, bearing in mind that it tips
the scales at 1,735kg, this E-Class is also surprisingly agile and engaging to drive.
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Volkswagen Scirocco
The Scirocco is based on VW Golf underpinnings but its striking looks set it apart from the popular hatchback. It certainly stands out from the crowd, with a distinctive front end and wide rear that provides a purposeful and sporty stance. Technically it’s a three-door hatchback rather than a coupe, but from the outside at least, it justifies the sporty nametag.
Interior/Practicality
Sadly, the VW’s cabin fails to live up to the stylish standards set by the rakish exterior The Eos-inspired dashboard is smart and well built but we would like a few more unique touches to set the newcomer apart from its stablemates. And while it bears a close relationship to the Golf underneath, you don’t get as much rear space. The rear bench of the family car has given way to a pair of less flexible individual rear seats and the 292-litre boot has a restricted opening compared to the Golf.
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Skoda Fabia GreenLine
Not quite as green or as economical as other VW Group eco-models.
For : Refinement, grown-up feel, smart styling, roomy cabin
Against : Doesn’t dip under the 100g/km CO2 mark, gear ratios can be frustrating
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BMW 1-Series
The 118d proves that low-emission, high-economy cars can be exciting, too.
For : Superb economy, involving handling and sharp dynamics, smooth and powerful
Against : Harsh ride, lack of practicality
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SEAT Ibiza ECOmotive
The ECOmotive is a taste of green cars to come from the Spanish firm.
For : Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, sporty drive, excellent value
Against : Feeling its age, plasticky cabin, shortly to be replaced
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Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga looks sharp, has a top-quality cabin and drives really well.
For : Impressive handling, low emissions, fine interior
Against : Rear could be more flexible, not the roomiest for passengers
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Mini Clubman Cooper D
The desirable Cooper D is a very funky way of going green.
For : Superb economy, fine drive, stylish looks, extra practicality
Against : High prices, still not as practical as a supermini
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Chevrolet Aveo
While the Aveo is well equipped and keenly priced, that’s not enough to make it a good buy.
For : Good equipment levels, keen prices, punchy Vauxhall-derived engines
Against : Dated feel and styling, falls short in terms of design and finish
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Aston Martin DB9
For : Beautiful styling, better quality interior, improved ride
Against : Handling and ride still not perfect, price and fuel economy
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