By Mat Watson

August 2003

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Turning off the engine when your car is stationary is a good way to save fuel and cut emissions. However, despite various attempts by several manufacturers, an acceptable system which does this for you has not been found - until now.

Component manufacturer Visteon's new SpeedStart12 replaces the standard alternator and starter motor with a high-performance device which can turn an engine on much faster than a normal unit - literally quicker than the blink of an eye. It also generates electricity 20 per cent more efficiently. We tried a manual Ford Mondeo 1.8-litre equipped with the system and were amazed at how well it works. Once the vehicle has reached normal operating temperature, the technology goes into stop-start mode. When your motor comes to a halt at a junction or traffic lights, the engine cuts out immediately. Take your foot off the brake, and as long as your left is on the clutch, the unit starts in the time it takes to move your right boot to the throttle pedal.

You soon forget that the engine is cutting out - until you study your fuel bills. On the combined cycle, the system improves economy by five per cent. SpeedStart12 will be available for production vehicles by 2005.

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