Top 10 Eco Friendly Cars
This article first appeared on SmartPlanet, the new green consumer reviews and news website.
The new rules mean that when you buy a new car in 2010 which emits more than 130g of CO2 per kilometre you’ll get stung with a ‘first year rate’ charge. That ranges from a minimum of £115 for a BMW 3 Series E90 right up to £950 for a Porsche Cayman S.
Obviously the way to beat the budget is to buy a greener car. But what if you don’t have £20,000 to lay down on a Toyota Prius, much less a whopping £80K for a Lexus hybrid? Worry not – we’ve hunted down ten great motors that won’t maul the planet or your wallet.
All the cars on our list emit 130g of CO2 or less per kilometre – dodging that new first year rate – and our chosen few range from £17,100 at the upper limit down to £10,500 at the bottom, covering the spectrum of car sizes. We’ve deliberately left out electric cars, which are only really suitable for city living.
Here are our top affordable eco machines.
1: Seat Ibiza, 1.4 TDI 80PS Ecomotive, diesel
CO2 (g/km): 99
Price: £11,000
Seat’s probably not the first name you think of when it comes to green cars, but this three-door supermini’s both cheap to buy and cheap to run.
EcoCar
2: Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion, 1.4 TDI 80PS
CO2: 99
Price: £11,995
This little diesel has all the solid German build quality you’d expect, plus an incredibly economic engine that’ll make the man at the garage a distant stranger.
3: Honda Civic Hybrid 1.4 IMA ES
CO2: 109
Price: £16,300
As the cheapest hybrid in the UK, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a good, small family alternative to the Prius — so long as you can stomach automatic transmission.
4: Renault Megane Sport Hatch 1.5 dCi 86 Expression 3 door
CO2: 117
Price: £13,000
Like Citroen, Renault’s one of the unsung French brands which has been doing a huge amount to cut emissions across its range. This small family car is a particularly economic example.
5: Citroen C3 1.6HDi
CO2: 118
Price: £13,000
The Citroen C3 is an efficient, straightforward car with a big boot and not quite enough legroom at the back.
6: Ford Focus ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi
CO2: 115
Price: £15,800
This is a brand new version of Britain’s most popular car. It’s incredibly fuel-efficient and, if it’s similar to the Ford bioethanol Focus we reviewed, will make for a good reliable drive.
7: Renault New Laguna Hatch dCi 110
CO2: 130
Price: £17,100
As it emits 130g of CO2 per kilometre the Laguna is just on the borderline of being a greener option, and it’s also on the pricey side. But it has some of the best green creds you’ll get for a car of this size.
8: Skoda Fabia Estate1.4 TDI PD 80PS
CO2: 109
Price: £13,100
No more funny jokes about Skodas. This one is big and clever — not to mention as cheap and green as estate cars come.
9: Peugot 207 SW, 1.6 HDi
CO2: 119-123
Price: £13,900
Another big but green option. According to Autoexpress it’s a little dear, but it has everything you could want in an estate.
10: SMART Fortwo Cabrio
CO2: 113
Price: £10,500
With their heavier frames for safety and structure, it’s surprising any open-top cars made this list. But we can fully recommend this Smart, since it emits so little CO2 and only costs mite over £10K.
So you’ve chosen your greener car, now it’s time to look for eco car insurance, but which insurance company to go with can often be as time consuming as finding the right car for you. Which is why I would recommend searching for the best car insurance company on the internet, and looking at how you can continue to be green without putting you in the red!
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The launch of the VR-01 Racing
After seeing a link on my twitter feed yesterday about the launch of the VR-01 racing car, I have to say it’s an impressive piece of car, even if the insurance is probably more than what my house is worth.
The Insurance Is ....
The VR-01 is the first of a new breed of race car, designed completely in the digital domain using CFD – computational fluid dynamics, a system created by Virgin Racing technical super-brain, Nick Wirth.
If you get a chance, checkout the photo’s of this new breed of racing car at http://www.virginracing.com/cars/#/car-gallery
For the launch of this VR-01, you can even name the cars, as their are two of these built, on their website, it mentions: -
Fancy seeing your name racing around the track? We’ve got two Virgin F1 cars that need christening. And we want you to think up some suitably fast and fierce names for them. Anything goes – from your favourite Pistols song title to a sexy slogan.
If you think you know what the car insurance would be for this, then please leave a comment or look me up on twitter
January – BOOK OF THE MONTH
SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE COMPLETE EDITION
To mark the release of this season’s blockbuster, Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel has teamed up with Penguin books to provide copies of the new definitive Sherlock Holmes collection as its “book of the month” this January.
Celebrating the most famous character in crime fiction, this new collection includes sixty adventures that follow Holmes and his faithful sidekick Doctor John H. Watson in stories that pit his wits and courage against thieves, murderers, swindlers and his arch-nemesis Moriarty. Including a new foreword by crime writer Ruth Rendell, this special edition book marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Bloomsbury Street Book Club Background
Set in the heart of Bloomsbury – home to literary legends Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster – the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is the first hotel to host its very own book club. Each month guests are invited to enjoy the hotel’s recommended book; leaf through at their leisure, or take away a complimentary copy.
With Sarah Waters, Dave Boling and Nick Hornby all recently spotted at the hotel, Bloomsbury Street is considered the hotel of choice for London’s Literati. The 174-bedroom Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street, launched in January 2009 following a 25 million transformation, has dedicated an entire wall to one of Bloomsbury’s most famous exports; Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. The striking art installation, made up of pages from the celebrated novel, dominates the hotel’s spacious reception area. The immense Folio
MF
Room boasts some of the most innovative technology in the capital whilst the hotels luxurious bar is perfect for entertaining clients around the clock.
A tranquil haven from the busy capital the spacious Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel includes:
- 36 Standard double rooms
- 50 Superior Twin & Queen bedrooms
- 85 Deluxe rooms with King Beds
- 3 Luxury Suites
All rooms feature sleek flat screen TVs and complimentary high-speed wireless come as standard.
Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel,
9-13 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3QD
For reservations please call: +44 (0)20 7636 5601
For more information: www.radissonedwardian.com/bloomsburystreet
VISIT VAN GOGH
Stay at The May Fair hotel and embark on an insight into the complex and creative mind of Vincent Van Gough. Book between 23rd January to 18th April 2010[1] to get a pair of exclusive open tickets to ‘The Real Van Gogh: the Artist and his Letters’ at the Royal Academy of Arts.
The Van Gogh package at The May Fair hotel, starts from just £269 per night including exclusive open tickets to the exhibition – valid any day, any time with fast-track entry, plus a gallery guide, full English breakfast and VAT.
The Royal Academy of Arts is just a short stroll away from the May Fair hotel; this is the first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years. Over 35 original letters, rarely exhibited to the public, will be on display, together with a collection of 65 paintings and 30 drawings.
The May Fair hotel is an ideal location for a cultural visit with a stylish room to relax in and the uber-cool May Fair Bar with its menu of over 40 signature drinks to chill out in. Dine in the sumptuous Amba Bar and Grill and visit the sensuous May Fair Spa for time out.
To book or for further information, please visit https://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/vangogh
Packages at Radisson Edwardian Hotels
DISCOVER SECRET LOCATIONS IN THE UK WITH SHERLOCK HOLMES & RADISSON EDWARDIAN HOTELS
To celebrate the release of “Sherlock Holmes”[1], the hit film starring Robert Downey Jr. as Britain’s most famous sleuth and currently in theaters across the UK, Radisson Edwardian hotels have joined forces with Visit Britain to invite tourists to discover the “paths trodden” by the legendary detective and, more recently, the film’s director, Guy Ritchie.
With the Radisson Edwardian’s 11 enviable addresses in central London and one in Manchester, it comes as no surprise that Sir Conan Doyle and Mr Ritchie’s choices of locations cross paths with the luxury Radisson Edwardian hotel group on a number of occasions–from 221B Baker Street, home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum (see: Radisson Edwardian Grafton,) to Manchester Town Hall (see: Radisson Edwardian Manchester Free Trade Hall Hotel), which provided a suitably grand alternative to the real Houses of Parliament in the new movie.
Radisson Edwardian is offering a special Sherlock Holmes experience from 26 December 2009 to 25th February 2010 for guests looking to follow in the footsteps of the iconic character. To make a booking or find out more visit http://www.radissonedwardian.com/sherlockholmes
From just £140 per room per night[2] London guests can enjoy a weekend[3] night’s stay, breakfast, 2 cinema tickets – to watch the latest blockbuster – 2 for 1 dining and a Sherlock Holmes Walking Book for them to discover the delights of London for themselves.
For visitors to the UK’s second city, the Radisson Edwardian Manchester Free Trade Hall hotel is offering a night’s stay, breakfast, 2 cinema tickets, and a Manchester guided tour[4] from £169 per room, per night.
For more information visit http://www.radissonedwardian.com/sherlockholmes
[1] Out 26 December, nationwide
[2] Rate available at the Vanderbilt inc. VAT and Breakfast.
[3] Package available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night stays only
[4] Available Saturday and Sunday only at 2pm
Book of the Month Sherlock Holmes, complete Edition
RADISSON EDWARDIAN BLOOMSBURY STREET HOTEL
JANUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH:
SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE COMPLETE EDITION
To mark the release of this season’s blockbuster, Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel has teamed up with Penguin books to provide copies of the new definitive Sherlock Holmes collection as its “book of the month” this January.
Celebrating the most famous character in crime fiction, this new collection includes sixty adventures that follow Holmes and his faithful sidekick Doctor John H. Watson in stories that pit his wits and courage against thieves, murderers, swindlers and his arch-nemesis Moriarty. Including a new foreword by crime writer Ruth Rendell, this special edition book marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Bloomsbury Street Book Club Background
Set in the heart of Bloomsbury – home to literary legends Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster – the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is the first hotel to host its very own book club. Each month guests are invited to enjoy the hotel’s recommended book; leaf through at their leisure, or take away a complimentary copy.
With Sarah Waters, Dave Boling and Nick Hornby all recently spotted at the hotel, Bloomsbury Street is considered the hotel of choice for London’s Literati. The 174-bedroom Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street, launched in January 2009 following a 25 million transformation, has dedicated an entire wall to one of Bloomsbury’s most famous exports; Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. The striking art installation, made up of pages from the celebrated novel, dominates the hotel’s spacious reception area. The immense Folio
Room boasts some of the most innovative technology in the capital whilst the hotels luxurious bar is perfect for entertaining clients around the clock.
A tranquil haven from the busy capital the spacious Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel includes:
- 36 Standard double rooms
- 50 Superior Twin & Queen bedrooms
- 85 Deluxe rooms with King Beds
- 3 Luxury Suites
All rooms feature sleek flat screen TVs and complimentary high-speed wireless come as standard
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA AT
THE FREE TRADE HALL
What could be more quintessentially British than Afternoon Tea in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings? The stunning 5* Radisson Edwardian Manchester Hotel is offering an exclusive Afternoon Tea menu especially for Mother’s Day, with all the glitz and glamour of the Free Trade Hall.
Treat your mum this Mother’s Day to an afternoon of sophistication and style in the historic Colonnade in the hotel’s Opus One restaurant. The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea menu offers a selection of tempting cakes including choux swans, Chantilly cream, white chocolate fudge cake, orange and crème pattisier tart and sacher tort. Fresh homemade fruit and Apple & Walnut scones are also served with clotted cream and preserves.
Enjoy a selection of savouries including a chicken Caesar wrap and bloomers served up with smoked salmon & cream cheese, Mrs Appleby’s Cheshire cheese & home made piccalilli and honey roast York ham and tomato. *
Choose from a range of traditional, exotic, organic, infusion and green teas or a pot of fresh roasted coffee to accompany your sweet and savoury treats. Or for a spot of indulgence why not treat your mum to a glass of celebratory sparkling wine?
The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea menu is served in Opus One on March 14 2010, priced at £14.99 per person (an extra £4.50pp with sparkling wine included). Opus One restaurant is stand-alone restaurant situated within the 5* Radisson Edwardian Manchester, Free Trade Hall Hotel.
For more information visit www.radissonedwardian.com/manchester.
Valentine’s Menu at Opus One and Alto Restaurant
LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT THE RADISSON EDWARDIAN MANCHESTER
Indulge a loved one this Valentine’s Day at the Radisson Edwardian Manchester. Choose to dine in Opus One with its vibrant red surroundings and soft sensual lighting, or enjoy a laid back, cosy evening in the Alto Restaurant & Bar.
With a stunning Valentine’s menu created by executive head chef Russ Brown served in both restaurants, whatever ambience you desire, you can guarantee love will be in the air!
The Valentine’s menu offers a wealth of flavours to tantalise your taste buds. Inspired by the finest British produce, the menu brings together the finest ingredients for your special day. Fresh and Smoked Salmon Terrine, served with Chard salad and citrus crème fraiche or Carpaccio of Smoked Venison, in a juniper and orange dressing served with textures of celeriac, offers the perfect start to the evening,
The main course offers choices of Goosenarge Chicken Supreme, served with mini field mushroom and leek pie, vanilla creamed potato and baby carrots, or a stunning Chateau Briand of Beef for Two, served with game chips, honey roast seasonal vegetables, duck fat roast potatoes and red wine gravy. For vegetarians and meat eaters alike A Trio of Pasta Dishes includes ratatouille cannelloni, goat’s cheese and sun blush pepper ravioli, butternut squash and cumin tortellini
To finish off with a sweet treat, a selection of chocolate desserts is served followed by coffee and hand made petite fours.
The Valentine’s Day menu is served in both Opus One and Alto Restaurant & Bar on February 13 and served in Opus One only on February 14. Served at a set price of £42.50 per person in Opus One and £37.50 per person in Alto Restaurant & Bar.
For more information visit www.radissonedwardian.com/manchester.
Henry Winkler sponsors My Way Campaign
PRITT SPONSORS HENRY WINKLER CAMPAIGN TO BOOST CONFIDENCE OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families joined forces with Sarah Brown, Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz), First News and Pritt at No.10 Downing Street to launch a campaign focused on improving attitudes towards children with SEN and building their self-esteem.
The My Way! campaign sponsored by Pritt will run in First News, the children’s weekly newspaper and will be fronted by Henry Winkler. Dyslexic himself, Henry’s dyslexia wasn’t picked up until he was 30 and this has motivated him to change perceptions of SEN and inspire young people.
Heavily involved in the education sector, Pritt is sponsoring the campaign alongside the DCSF (Dept. Children, Schools and Families), highlighting the importance of creativity in education.
Dave McCann, Marketing Director Henkel UK, said: “We are delighted to be involved in such an inspiring and important campaign. Learning through creativity is at the heart of the Pritt brand. For 40 years we have been working closely with schools and parents to help children find their own way to learn and express themselves through arts, craft and creative play. Through the My Way! campaign we hope to reaffirm the message that everyone learns differently, and help children find their own way.”
In January 2008 Henkel worked with education authorities, teachers and students to develop and launch Rainbow Pritt in order to add value to the education sector. It now has 100% distribution in the education sector. Rainbow Pritt is a vibrant and rainbow coloured Pritt stick that can be seen when used, thereby allowing children to ‘paint’ with Pritt and help develop motor function and hand-to-eye coordination. As it is a colourful and visible glue stick, Rainbow Pritt also helps children with poor or developing vision. As with all its products Pritt helps children develop, learn and express themselves freely and creatively, and as such as the natural partner for the My Way campaign..
Working with Henry Winkler, the DCSF and First News, the My Way campaign will raise awareness of learning differences among children, teachers, schools, and parents. Around one in five school aged children need additional help in school of some form. Needing help with learning is not unusual and many children receive some additional support during their time at school.
In addition the campaign will strive to improve attitudes towards children with learning differences among children who do not have special educational needs, encourage and allow pupils to share their experiences of learning, and Inspire young people with SEN.
Commenting on the campaign, Ed Balls said: “This is a great campaign, focused on raising awareness of the different ways children learn and giving all children the self esteem to achieve their potential. We have already done a great deal to support children with special educational needs, helping them and their families access the extra help they need to succeed at school.
“Through highlighting positive role models and sharing good examples of teaching and learning this campaign will promote inclusion in the classroom and inspire young people to go on and achieve.”
Henry Winkler, author, actor and campaign ambassador for ‘My Way!’, said: “Every child has greatness inside them. We need to help them to dig it out and give it to the world. I cannot wait to see who they become.”
The launch of My Way! was inspired by two school tours undertaken by First News with Henry in 2008 and 2009. The response from pupils, teachers and parents was outstanding. Many contacted First News to tell of how this had encouraged them to face their own difficulties with learning with a positive attitude.
The campaign is funded jointly by First News, the Department for Children Schools and Families, and Pritt (Henkel UK), together with Walker Books, and supported by The Teaching Awards.
Club 43 at Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester
CLUB 43 RETURNS TO RADISSON EDWARDIAN – FOR GOOD
Following a hugely successful launch event in December, Club 43 takes up permanent residence at Radisson Edwardian with a regular slot planned for the last Thursday of every month.
The next Club 43 Jazz Supper Night will take place on Thursday January 28 with the Henry Botham Trio on stage at 8.30pm. Guest vocalist Alexander Stewart will join the trio to perform at 9.15pm
Doors open 6pm for drinks & music from Jazz FM.
In it’s heyday Club 43 was the venue that bands and artists appeared at after their performances at the Free Trade Hall.
Such luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Miles Davis and Humphrey Lyttleton made regular appearances jamming with local musicians to the surprise and delight of fans.
Demolished in the 60s, the reprise of the club was the brain-child of general manager Stephen Miles. This time round, Club 43 will be more accessible and appeal to fans of live music generally not just jazz enthusiasts but it will stay true to it’s former roots – with both its entertainment and menu, thanks to a specially created Cajun/Creole buffet from Chef Russ Brown.
Eight delicious dishes from the deep South will be available for you to help yourself to and jazzy desserts will be served at your table.
Tickets for the evening including entertainment and food are just £15 and available by calling 0161 835 8904.
