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Heavy breather
Could you tell me if you think the new FIAT (I think it is called a Ventiguila or something like that) coming on the market in July with a 1,400cc engine might be a good idea? Would the Toyota Prius be any good for short trips?
Asked on 3 July 2010 by JE, via email
Answered by
Honest John
FIAT's 'Multiair' engine is certainly very efficient. It's fitted to the
FIAT Punto EVO, the Alfa MiTo and the new Alfa Giulietta. But the big breakthroughs will be the new ultra low CO2 900cc two-cylinder 90PS MultiAir petrol turbo to be fitted to the 500. And the 1,200cc three-cylinder 95g/km 99PS supercharged petrol engine coming in the new Nissan Micra. Renault also has a range of modular 3 and 4 cylinder 900cc and 1,200cc TCe petrol engines coming in 2012 that will emit less than 100g/km CO2. A diesel with stop start and a DPF is unsuitable for short runs. The stop start and the battery tend to fail and the DPF often clogs. You should only contemplate this type of car if you do 15,000 miles a year or more. For short runs from cold the best type of internal combustion engine is a small capacity petrol turbo. A Prius needs longer runs to recharge its batteries, otherwise it will not be able to run solely electric. The forthcoming 'plug in' Prius will be better for short runs.
FIAT Punto EVO, the Alfa MiTo and the new Alfa Giulietta. But the big breakthroughs will be the new ultra low CO2 900cc two-cylinder 90PS MultiAir petrol turbo to be fitted to the 500. And the 1,200cc three-cylinder 95g/km 99PS supercharged petrol engine coming in the new Nissan Micra. Renault also has a range of modular 3 and 4 cylinder 900cc and 1,200cc TCe petrol engines coming in 2012 that will emit less than 100g/km CO2. A diesel with stop start and a DPF is unsuitable for short runs. The stop start and the battery tend to fail and the DPF often clogs. You should only contemplate this type of car if you do 15,000 miles a year or more. For short runs from cold the best type of internal combustion engine is a small capacity petrol turbo. A Prius needs longer runs to recharge its batteries, otherwise it will not be able to run solely electric. The forthcoming 'plug in' Prius will be better for short runs.
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