News in brief

31st July 2007

Keeping cool behind the wheel could soon cost you more. New EU regulations demand that air-conditioning engineers have proven qualifications.

With more and more cars having climate control fitted as standard, motorists could foot the bill as garages raise prices to pay for staff education.

The law has been introduced to reduce emissions of harmful hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants. In response, the Retail Motor Industry Federation has produced a booklet advising businesses on how to get to grips with the new rules. Specific offences and fines for breaching the regulations will be revealed later in the year.

VOLKSWAGEN'S NEW Polo Bluemotion won’t cost you a penny in tax! The efficient supermini emits only 99g/km of CO2 in basic trim, so it sits in the VED-exempt band A.

On sale in October, the car will cost £11,995 in three-door guise, with the five-door £12,595. It features four airbags, electric windows and a CD player.

The flagship 2 version puts out 104g/km. It’s heavier, partly thanks to kit such as air-con, rain-sensitive wipers and remote central locking. As a result, it falls into tax band B, which costs £50 a year. The three and five-door are £12,845 and £13,445 respectively.

All Polo Bluemotions use a 78bhp 1.4-litre three-cylinder TDI with advanced gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter.

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