British firm hatches eco star

Here's a fledgling British car maker that’s hoping to make its mass-market rivals green with envy.

Axon Automotive, based in Well-ingborough, Northamptonshire, is pulling the wraps off its latest eco challenger at the Sexy Green Car Show, which opens at the Eden Project in Cornwall today.

Unlike Axon’s first offering – a heavily modified Caterham Seven which recorded an astonishing 131mpg – the 8080 is a traditional small hatchback with many of the creature comforts offered by mainstream manufacturers.

Although final details won’t be released until the official launch, the 8080 relies heavily on its carbon fibre construction to keep weight to a minimum. It is also expected to be powered by a low-capacity petrol engine which will give the car performance on a par with a MINI One. According to the company’s boss, Steve Cousins, this particular formula is one that gives the best results for the lowest cost. “We get phenomenal fuel economy from a small petrol engine combined with an IVT (infinitely variable transmission). From a consumer’s viewpoint, this technology is both affordable and familiar,” he said. An on-sale date and prices for the model have yet to be confirmed.