Ford Fiesta reduces CO2 emissions even further

The significantly improved efficiency, boosting the environmental performance of the Fiesta and FiestaVan featuring ECOnetic Technology by over 12 per cent, has been achieved through the introduction of:

* Auto-Start-Stop

* Upgrades to the 95PS 1.6TDCi engine including friction and combustion improvements and calibration optimisation

* Revised gear ratios

* Smart regenerative charging

* EcoMode

* Improved efficiency of the air conditioning, cooling fan and alternator

Original equipment fitted as standard to the Fiesta and FiestaVan ECOnetic, including rolling resistance tyres, an aero pack comprising undershield and wheel deflectors, variable flow oil pump and shift indicator light, is carried over on ECOnetic Technology models.

The Ford Fiesta with ECOnetic Technology has three trim levels to suit different customer requirements: Edge, Zetec or Titanium. Such advanced fuel economy avoids UK road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) contributions, yet the refinement and fun-to-drive personality of the original Fiesta is retained intact.

Ford Fiesta’s value story continues with five engines in the Fiesta car line-up emitting less than 130g/km of CO2 making them exempt from vehicle excise duty in their first year. This includes the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engines, the 1.25-litre 60PS and 82PS petrol engines and the latest 1.6-litre TDCi 95PS ECOnetic Technology engine.

Sustainability is important not only for the car, but also for the facilities behind its manufacture. Ford’s Dagenham-built Duratorq TDCi engines are produced in a facility that derives all its electricity from renewable sources, with three dedicated wind turbines.

The new Fiesta Edge, Zetec and Titanium ECOnetic models start from £14,445 and the FiestaVan ECOnetic starts from £12,215. No vehicle excise duty payable on cars.

Great Wall UK sales

Great Wall Motor Company - market leaders for pick-ups and SUVs in China - will this month become the first Chinese automobile manufacturer to commence volume sales in the UK, following the launch of the Steed pick-up at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. Prices will start at just £13,998 (CVOTR) for the generously equipped Steed S model - the lowest for any double-cab pick up in the UK. With a gutsy 2.0-litre diesel engine, six-speed gearbox and selectable-on-the-move two/four-wheel drive, the Steed also delivers class-leading urban fuel economy and the lowest insurance ratings of any vehicle in the pick-up segment.

Citroën C1 UK prices

The newly restyled Citroën C1 will go on sale in the UK in April with MRR OTR list prices starting from just £7,995. The range-topping 5-door VTR+, featuring Citroën’s efficient Electronic Gearbox System with steering-mounted paddle controls, is priced at £10,545. To celebrate the New C1’s launch next month, Citroën has announced that all New C1 models attract a £1,000 Citroën Reward, meaning OTR prices start from just £6,995. In addition, VTR models are available from just £99 per month with Elect 4 Personal Lease, including one year’s free insurance for drivers aged 21-75. The free insurance offer is also available on VTR models funded with Elect 3 finance.

Skoda Yeti Urban will be exclusive

Skoda is launching a limited-edition version of its critically acclaimed Yeti compact SUV. Called the Yeti Urban, it is based on the already highly popular SE trim, but features up to £2,450 worth of extra equipment at no extra cost when compared to the SE. The Skoda Yeti compact SUV has been a huge sale success since it was launched in 2009 - more than 8,800 have been registered in the UK. It won 12 independent product awards along the way, and charmed UK car buyers with its on-road performance, family orientated practicality and rugged styling. This new model - restricted to just 750 cars - will extend that appeal to younger and more style-conscious UK buyers.