News in Brief

26th November 2007

New Volvos name their price
Prices for Volvo’s new entry-level V70 estate and S80 saloon models have been revealed. Petrol cars will cost £24,995 and £23,495 respectively, while the diesels will weigh in at £25,495 and £23,995.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine develops 143bhp and 190Nm of torque, and returns combined economy of 32.8mpg in the V70 and 34.0mpg in the S80.

Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder oil-burner generates 134bhp and 320Nm of torque. In the estate it promises fuel returns of 47.9mpg, while the saloon offers 49.6mpg.

How to unjam UK – by RAC!
Britain's motorways are the most congested in Europe, claims the RAC Foundation. It says a report from pressure group Road Users’ Alliance reveals that the UK has more cars per motorway mile than any other country in the 25-nation European Union.

“A pilot study in the US showed that a voluntary system of road pricing – where drivers pay more per mile during peak times and less for off-peak, but receive a fuel discount – has reduced rush hour traffic by 20 per cent,” said RAC Foundation director Edmund King. “This could significantly reduce traffic congestion here in the UK.”

Insurers facing Web revolution
You won’t have to wait for your car’s insurance certificate to arrive in the post any more. Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick confirmed laws are being drafted to allow delivery of policy documents via E-mail.

The move would be of huge benefit to motorists. A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers told us: “It will bring the industry into line with other business. We will be able to provide much more reliable delivery of these crucial documents.”