News in Brief

08th October 2007

ITALIAN giant Fiat has a new addition to the Bravo range. The hatch now comes with a 120bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet unit, which claims to give performance, emissions and economy on a par with normally aspirated 1.6-litre rivals. There is a choice of three trims: Active, at £12,895, £13,595 Active Sport and Dynamic, priced £13,995.

NEARLY 90 per cent of motorists believe cars contribute to global warming, according to a YouGov survey. However, the research also revealed drivers are more concerned with their wallets than the planet. Over three-quarters of participants said they would only buy a greener vehicle if the Government offered incentives such as free parking and congestion charge exemptions.

MEANWHILE, car interiors could soon go green – and it’s nothing to do with colour. Mazda has created Biotechmaterial, a plant-derived fabric which offers the durability of traditional upholstery but uses no oil-based substances. The trim will debut in the Premacy HE fuel cell concept MPV at this month’s Tokyo Motor Show.


COMMUTERS in the UK are facing a new parking tax – and workers in Notting­ham will be hit first. From 2010, firms with more than 10 spaces will be charged £185 per space by the council. This news comes after it was revealed British drivers pay more than £2.4million each year to fix car park damage. Research by RAC Direct Insurance discovered half of all owners had suffered a scrape.

DAIHATSU is offering a range of sporty upgrades for its Materia supermini. Buyers can fit 17-inch alloys for £960, while the £120 sports suspension kit lowers the ride height by 20mm. Further modifications include a colour-coded rear spoiler for £200, a £100 mesh front grille and a twin-exit exhaust for £270.