News in brief

12th December 2007

Bipper gets Le Mans makeover
Meet Peugeot’s Bipper ‘Beep Beep’ special edition, which is inspired by the firm’s 2007 Le Mans Series winner, the 908 HDi FAP. The van’s red, black and white paintwork, sporting badges and gold-tinted glass are designed to mimic the racer.

A 1.4-litre 70bhp HDi diesel engine is mated to an electronically controlled five-speed manual. The Bipper returns 62.7mpg on the combined cycle, plus has CO2 levels of just 119g/km. It will go on sale in May.

Warning over seasonal grub
Hidden alcohol in festive treats could leave one in three motorists driving over the limit this Christmas.

According to a survey by insurer esure, a third of drivers have no idea how much booze there is in the typical seasonal spread.

It says 58 per cent will tuck into Christmas pud, while 29 per cent will eat sherry trifle. Both contain 2.7 units of alcohol per portion. Treat yourself to brandy butter, an Irish coffee and a box of liqueur chocolates, and you could be adding two more units.

Agila’s a real penny pincher
Vauxhall has revealed prices for its new Agila city car. Entry models start at £7,595. And carbon-busting economy figures of 120g/km put it in band B, with road tax of £35 a year.

The five-door hatch has the best boot space in its class: up to 1,050 litres with the rear seats flat. Buyers can pick from three specs, plus new engines: a 1.0-litre 64bhp or a 1.2 84bhp petrol – available with a fresh auto gearbox – and a 1.3-litre 74bhp CDTI diesel.