Tuesday, June 3, 2008 worcesternews.co.uk 17 18 worcesternews.co.uk WORLD ENVIRONMENTDAY Tuesday, June 3, 2008

ADVERTISING FEATURE Worcester’s first green taxis It’s time you did your

HE drive to make Worcester now so many taxis on Worcester’s roads, greener has accelerated with the and they’re all pumping out a lot of bit to save the world Tarrival of the city’s first eco-taxis. emissions. It’s much better for the New cab firm Go-Go-Eco, based in environment to have cars running Foregate Street, has become the city’s around giving out no emissions at all.” ORLD first operator to use twin-engine hybrid Worcester City Council’s licensing Environment vehicles, which are almost silent and committee changed its regulations for Day, emit no fumes when travelling at low the new firm. All private hire vehicles in commemorated speeds. Worcester had to have a minimum Weach year on The firm’s Toyota Prius cars run on engine capacity of 1,600cc but the Toyota June 5, is one of the principal rechargeable electric batteries when Prius has only a 1,500cc engine. vehicles through which the waiting in traffic or travelling slowly, United Nations stimulates but have a normal petrol engine which COMPANY: Go-Go-Eco. worldwide awareness of the kicks in when they accelerate quickly or BUSINESS: Taxi services environment and enhances drive at higher speeds. LOCATION: 6 Foregate Street, political attention and action. The overall driving experience is Worcester. The World Environment Day identical to that of a normal petrol engine CTFILE TELEPHONE: slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! car – but with less fuel consumption. 01905 724880/07919 595030

FA Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Owner Jon Higgins said: “There are Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UN is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and lifestyles, such as improved energy Animals are at risk because of what humans have done to the planet. efficiency, alternative energy are pivotal to changing attitudes day, led to the creation of United sources, forest conservation and towards environmental issues; Nations Environmental eco-friendly consumption. and advocate partnership, which Programme The main international will ensure all nations and World Environment Day can be celebrations of World peoples enjoy a safer and more celebrated in many ways, Environment Day 2008 will be prosperous future. including street rallies, bicycles held in New Zealand. World Environment Day was parades, green concerts, essay The day’s agenda is to give a established by the United and poster competitions in human face to environmental Nations General Assembly in schools, tree planting, recycling issues; empower people to 1972 to mark the opening of the efforts, clean-up campaigns and become active agents of Stockholm Conference on the much more. sustainable and equitable Human Environment. In many countries, this annual development; promote an Another resolution, adopted by event is used to enhance political understanding that communities the General Assembly the same attention and action.

organics

Easy steps to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle Fit savaplug on your fridge THIS is a small gadget that sends power to the fridge in short bursts, rather than continuously, and can save up to 20% of your fridge’s annual running costs.You put your fridge plug into the Savaplug, which then plugs into the wall socket. Use energy saving bulbs Boil only the water you need THESE use one-fifth of the energy of old fashioned incandescent bulbs and last up to ten TO boil the water for one cup of coffee takes a 2,400 watt kettle one minute.To boil a full times longer.The expense of buying the actual bulbs is soon offset by the savings. kettle (equivalent to nine mugs of coffee) takes it five-and-a-half minutes.The energy wasted boiling the unwanted water is enough to run an energy saving light bulb for nine Use reflector foil hours. THIS reflects the heat you pay for back into the room, rather than wasting it outside. Get the temperature right Switch off outside lights MANY people wash their coloured clothes at too high a temperature.This not only wastes energy but fades the colours faster.Awash at 60°C uses over 30% more electricity than a AFTER all, the cat can see in the dark, so why waste lighting when no one is there? wash at 40°C. Switch electricity supply Don’t buy too many whites THE renewable electricity supply company Good Energy was judged the best renewable- THESE need very high temperatures to get them shining white and often require some electricity supplier in the UK by Friends of the Earth for two years in a row. form of bleaching which colours do not. Tuesday, June 3, 2008 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY worcesternews.co.uk 19

Ridding the air of pollutants is one way to halt global warming

OOD air quality is Local authorities control air important for our pollution from smaller industrial environment. processes. Substances we put into The Environment Agency also Gthe air can affect the works with local authorities, the health of plants, animals and people, Highways Agency and others to and can contribute to global warming. deliver the Government’s air quality Several organisations in England strategy in England and Wales. and Wales protect and improve air The strategy sets air pollution It should have been a view to die for but air pollution spoiled the landscape when these hot air balloons took flight. quality. The Environment Agency standards to protect people’s health regulates the release of pollutants and the environment. pollutants, principally carbon original emission site. Acid rain is environment. In most areas of into the atmosphere from large and In both developed and rapidly monoxide, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), another long-range pollutant Europe, these pollutants are complex industrial processes. industrialising countries, the major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) influenced by vehicle NOx emissions. principally the products of It also regulates emissions from historic air pollution problem has and , which have an In all except worst-case situations, combustion from space heating, some large-scale food processing typically been high levels of smoke increasing impact on urban air industrial and domestic pollutant power generation or from motor factories and pig and poultry rearing and sulphur dioixide arising from quality. sources, together with their impact vehicle traffic. activities, but many of the last type the combustion of sulphur- In addition, photochemical on air quality, tend to be steady- Pollutants from these sources may continue to be unregulated for what containing fossil fuels such as coal reactions resulting from the action state or improving over time. not only prove a problem in the they emit into the air. for domestic and industrial purpose. of sunlight on nitrogen dioxide and However, traffic pollution problems immediate vicinity of these sources Emissions from major sources of The major threat to clean air is VOCs from vehicles leads to the are worsening worldwide. but can travel long distances, pollution, such as transport, are now posed by traffic emissions. formation of ozone, a secondary A variety of air pollutants have chemically reacting in the tackled through various measures at Petrol and diesel-engined motor long-range pollutant, which impacts known or suspected harmful effects atmosphere to produce secondary European, national and local level. vehicles emit a wide variety of in rural areas often far from the on human health and the pollutants such as acid rain or ozone. ADVERTISING FEATURE VALE HEATING Solar energy is free and &PLUMBING LTD Heating & Plumbing ·General Maintenance will reduce your fuel bills ● Condensing gas replacements ● Condensing oil boiler replacements ● PERSHORE Full heating systems designed & fitted company is hoping to ● Pressurised cylinders be able to enhance the energy efficiency ● All general plumbing & heating work Aof its customers’ ● All servicing & maintenance undertaken homes to do its bit to save the Company planet. ● CORGI Solar Collection Vale Heating & Plumbing Ltd, Registered Vale Heating & Plumbing Ltd based in High Street, is always

on the look-out for alternative Pump Storage Owner sources of power and also feels ● NOW AVAILABLE… Unit Cylinder Brian Marshall it is its duty to advise Solar hot water customers on the most cost- systems designed Motorised Business type effective ways of saving fuel. Valve One of the firm’s primary goals & fitted Heating and plumbing is to try and reduce the amount of CO2 being discharged into Help to save the planet with Established the atmosphere – and it believes heat from free solar energy. VAVALELE BATHROOMS BATHROOMS & & FIRES FIRES LTDLTD one of the most efficient sources pressure to buy – and its expert 1996 of heat is from free solar advice means it can advise on thermal energy. an existing , how Telephone Storing energy from the sun is to improve it and if a solar not a new concept. It has been thermal device is suitable. 01386 556585/556215 around for more than 40 years. Changing an existing heating However, early collectors and boiler and controls from Website methods of storage were not standard to high efficiency can very efficient and were reduce fuel bills by as much as www.valebathroomandfires.co.uk expensive to manufacture and 40 per cent and if combined e-mail install. with solar thermal to heat But in the last 10 years, solar domestic hot water, then an Please contact us for a FREE survey! [email protected] thermal and high efficiency overall saving can be up to 60 have become the norm, per cent. Tel: 01386 55 65 85 Location and as sales have increased so All of Vale Heating & Fax: 01386 55 61 21 has production – bringing the Plumbing engineers, plumbers Email: [email protected] 71 High Street, Pershore, cost to the consumer down, and electricians are fully with a typical system for a three qualified and employed by the www.valebathroomandfires.co.uk Worcestershire WR10 1EU bedroom house starting at company with no sub- around £4,000, fully fitted. contractors, so customers The company offers a free receive an expert fitting service 10%10% OFF OFF Your solar installation with this advert survey of property – without that is also guaranteed. 20 worcesternews.co.uk Tuesday, June 3, 2008 5/08 Looking for someone to 10 ADVERTISING FEATURE work on your home? 4721 Keeping up the standards S the credit crunch begins to those standards will be investigated bite you may consider home and removed from the list. Worried about the Aimprovement to add value to The directory removes the fear and your property rather than risk the uncertainty of picking a worker at open market. random either through a phone book, However, as you look to save as much by a leaflet or by door-to-door sales. cowboys? money as you can, how unfair would it Ally Cornelius, from Trading be if you discovered the trader you’ve Standards, said: “We are trying to help asked for help was ripping you off? stop rogue traders knocking on doors Find alocal reliable trader on the Trader Register Fortunately, Worcestershire’s and charging too much or doing Trading Standards has developed the shoddy work. With the current credit Run by Trading Standards Trader Register which holds crunch it would be awful for people to information about more than 100 of have work done and then find out they the county’s reliable plumbers, had wasted their money.” Call 01905 765394 builders, roofers, The register also aims to support operatives and electricians. local tradesman and people can apply or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/traderregister Although it is not an approval for their details to be included. scheme, the people featured in the To find out more visit register have signed up to the Trading www.worcestershire.gov.uk/trader Standards’ code of practice and shown register or call the Trader Register themselves to be committed to team on 01905 765394. One-stop shops, providing quality workmanship and CAB and Age Concern can also point value-for-money. you in the right direction. Anyone found to be working below ALICIA KELLY YLERS TILIN MARTIN FOX T AName G ELECTRICIAN A You Can Trust Plumbing &Central Heating Engineer Re-Roofing &Repairs ● All Work Guaranteed Specialist building contractors *Rewires *Sockets *Lights *Showers New Roof Specialists dedicated to producing beautifully *Burglar Alarms *CCTV *Immersion Heaters Slating &Tiling -Leadwork Flat Roofing *Phone Extensions *Central Heating Chimney Pointing To Rebuild crafted and carefully executed work UPVC Fascia, Soffit &Guttering to individual clients’ specifications *Extra Radiators *Thermostatic Re-Roofing Insurance Work ● No job is too big or too small, fully Radiator Valves *Showers Why Use Us? guaranteed Free Quotes- No call out charge Competitively Priced ● Special deals available while working in Tel: Fully Insured All Rubbish Removed your area - see contractor for details 01905 420176 Mobile: 07763 151386 Listed Buildings Welcomed ● We look forward to hearing from you Mobile: 07967 706660 Free Quotes, Domestic/Commercial Corgi Registered Tel: 01905 22162 16 Years Experience No job too small -Fast friendly service No 178352 ● BLOCK PAVING ● SLABBING We Recycle Your PLANSPLANS ● EXTENSIONS Waste Not Tip It! M W Heating ● TARMACING (red or black) We have a range of skips ● PATHWAYS & DRIVEWAYS to suit your needs LET US PLAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY From 2yds to 40yd Rolo Bins REDUCE YOUR GAS BILL INTO YOUR NEW BUILD by installing an energy efficient boiler All types of work under taken for Local Authority BLACKPOLE RECYCLING BOILER UPGRADES PLANNING REGULATIONS, We are the only Waste Transfer BUILDING REGULATIONS, Station in Worcester Full central heating systems IMPROVEMENT GRANTS, Waste Management Licence STRUCTURAL SURVEYS No: EMWML 46161 UNIT 100 COMPLETED IN 1 DAY Free Consultation, Competitive Rates BLACKPOLE TRADING ESTATE See comments from our customers on HODGES, RICHMOND WORCESTER WR3 8TJ thebestof.co.uk/bromsgrove 217984 &PARTNERS FREE 2 The Lodge, Pershore Road, Lower Haselor, Evesham WR11 2RB Telephone 01905 457641 PHONE 0808 1376436 • Mob 07792 926302 Tel: (01386) 861071 Fax (01386) 861785

Caution all new windows are not energy rated To achieve an energy rating the whole of your window (not just the glass) has to be rated by the British Fenestration Rating Council. Your supplier should have a certificate and registered number. Before you order ask to see their certificate. Tuesday, June 3, 2008 WORLD ENVIRONMENTDAY worcesternews.co.uk 21

Green Transport All of us need help in Solutions Ltd Innovative, environmentally friendly and recyclable vehicles that offer a genuine alternative to existing modes of transport kicking the CO2 habit “The future of public transport” - John Griffiths, Shropshire Star “It’s fantastic, I can’t criticise it and it’s great fun to ride” - James Hubbard - Vectrix electric motorbike case study HERE are a number of “Maybe we will all be riding these soon” - Ant Clerici - WHAM Observer and Environmental Warrior steps you can take to www.greentransportsolutions.co.uk reduce your carbon emissions, the total of [email protected] Twhich is described as your carbon footprint. Everything an individual, ProblemsProblems with with organisation, business or government does or uses CARDBOARD & embodies some form of carbon, CARDBOARD & either in products themselves or in the energy and materials it OFFICEOFFICE WAWASTESTE takes to make them. Buildings, fittings and PAPER? equipment are all proxies for PAPER? carbon; ‘carbon copies’ can be s fforr recyclliing!! chosen based on the least Brriing iitt tto uss amount of impact they will have on the climate. Integrating Carbon emissions are the cause of dramatic shifts in our climate. ToToppppricesrices paid paid climate friendly criteria into (£30 per ton) decision making can trigger a responsible management of the reducing your carbon footprint world’s forests. The FSC include wasting less time and ripple effect. If consumers, Ring Hayley on: manufacturers and lawmakers trademark is increasingly energy on travel. Ring Hayley on: all think ‘low carbon’ and recognised as an international Towns and cities can improve 0138601386 424 424 292 292 ‘climate friendly’ savings in standard for responsible forest public transport options, carbon emissions will multiply. management. Switching to companies can encourage low OpenOpen 8am 8am –4–4pmpm You can buy paper or wood recycled or sustainably sourced carbon habits by ceasing to MonMon –F–Friri products that adhere to paper can also lead to subsidise parking or investing in Paper Nation internationally certified considerable savings, reducing hybrid technology company Paper Nation Offenham Road standards. The Forestry both landfill use and carbon vehicles and individuals can car emissions. Using recycled paper pool or use public transport. Evesham Stewardship Council WR11 8DX (www.fsc.org), for example, is an can save 1.4 tonnes of CO2 for Firms can offer secure bicycle every tonne of paper and storage and changing and international non-profit Est 1992 cardboard. Other ways of shower facilities. organisation promoting FULLYLICENSED REPROCESSOR ADVERTISING FEATURE Go to the woods today

Company Worcester Woods Country Park Owners Worcestershire County Council Business type Get out into the fresh air at Worcester Woods Country Park. ITH a 100 acres – help you explore the woods Country park/outdoor recreation about 10 football and the meadows. Both are Wpitches – of ancient fairly flat, with benches to Established oak woodland on your rest at and no stiles, so you doorstep, perhaps a stroll can relax and enjoy the 1979 through the bluebells or to wildlife at your own pace. listen to the woodland birds is The woodland walk in Telephone just what you need to get particular has a good firm away from the bustle of surface even after heavy rain 01905 766493 Worcester. and is accessible for most Maybe you would prefer to wheelchair users. wander through romantic The Countryside Centre Website wildflower meadows alive includes special interactive with bees and butterflies touch-screen displays that www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside feeding on the sweet nectar in allow visitors to find out early summer? more about Worcestershire’s e-mail Or perhaps you just want diverse and beautiful some wide open space to let countryside as well as the [email protected] off steam, fly a kite, kick a Orchard Café with its ball or exercise the dog? emphasis on locally sourced, Address Worcester Woods is a organic, Fairtrade products. popular place to bring the With barbecue hire, a fun children to play or catch up orienteering course, regular Wildwood Drive, with friends over a cup of tea special events and walks, dog Worcester WR5 2LG at the Orchard Café. If you training classes, a café with a want to venture further afield range of gifts and cards, a but are not sure where to children’s play area and so start, there are two much more to do; you'll want waymarked circular trails to to return time and time again. 22 worcesternews.co.uk WORLD ENVIRONMENTDAY Tuesday, June 3, 2008

You’ll find this FACTSAT AGLANCE MODEL: Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch SRi 1.6 T £18,250. Astra from £11,560. ENGINE: 1.6-litre turbocharged hot hatch has petrol unit developing 178bhp and 169lb/ft of torque. TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed plenty to offer 139mph, 0-60mph 7.7 seconds. ECONOMY: 36.7mpg. CO2 RATING: 185g/km. a greener world racer however, as the ride quality is a little sporty but comfortable. The seats are supportive and the driving position is very good, factors The Vauxhall Astra Sports Hatch has a good CO2 rating which combine to make the Sport A panoramic roof is a stylish additon to the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch. Hatch a delight to drive whatever BIG title for a car of this with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol size, and gives it the kind of blind means you can have the same the circumstances. size, but then this unit that delivers mightily performance that would be lacking view out as everyone else, or It can still do the practical stuff particular version of the impressive performance in the Corsa from a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated gradually roll it back to reveal more too. It may only have three doors, popular Vauxhall Astra VXR, so even in the larger Astra it equivalent. This is the future of the and more of the screen’s full length. but it will seat four with room for a Ahas a lot to offer. promises much. Not least that that petrol engine. It is effortless to use and is no more small one, while the boot is no less Originally launched in 2003 and high outputs from smaller engines This isn’t the only trick the Sport hassle than a regular screen, but in capacious than a hatch of this size refreshed last year, a steady stream mean good efficiency. Hatch has up its sleeve. An extra the right conditions it does bring a should be. of new variants and improvements The 1.6-litre unit provides a £850 gets you the panoramic welcome extra buzz on a country The only cost of the rakish exterior have broadened the appeal of the generous 178bhp, which powers the windscreen option, which is likened road. is a slight reduction in visibility, but mid-sized contender and has helped Sport Hatch to a 139mph top speed by Vauxhall to piloting a plane. The same could be said for the way the wary can specify parking it to keep up with newer opposition. and from 0-60mph in only 7.7 From the outside the difference is the Sport Hatch drives. sensors to ease the worry. Perhaps most important was the seconds. simple but dramatic. Where a The Astra’s chassis is sharp and Compact hatchbacks tend to come introduction of the Sport Hatch. Strong figures, even against the regular windscreen stops, the responsive, as is the steering, and with a myriad of trim combinations, Deserving of something more than current generation of super-hatches, panoramic version keeps going, for an everyday machine it drives engine options and bodystyles which just a three-door tag, the Sport but even better is that the same unit swallowing up a third of the regular with impressive verve. should mean there is a car for all Hatch was remarkably similar to the can cruise along whilst delivering a roof. In Sri specification the bigger alloy needs. dramatic concept that previewed it, healthy 36mpg on the combine cycle. On the inside there is no noticeable wheels and firmer suspension bring The Astra Sport Hatch proves that and also provided the basis for the The turbo-charger swells the difference – at least until you move it up to sub-hot hatch territory, and you can also have what you want red hot VXR version. torque curve which would normally the blind. it does not disappoint. from a car without the need to Now the Astra can be specified be lacking with an engine of this A cleverly arranged thick roof Neither is it a compromised street compromise.

Bicknells Worcester Shipston Close, Worcester 08448564181 Bicknells Malvern 262-264 Pickersleigh Road, Malvern 01684 892255

Official Government Test Environmental Data-Fuel Consumption Figures mpg (litres/100km): Astra Sport Hatch SXi 1.4i 16v 3dr: Urban 35.3 (8.0) ExtraUrban 56.5 (5.0)

Combined 46.3 (6.1) CO2 Emissions 146 g/km. Offer applies to new vehicles ordered or registered between 02.04.08 and 01.07.08, is subject to status, eligibility, terms and conditions and applies to the trade in and agreement to scrap of one vehicle only. Offer applies to private individuals and small businesses 1-24 (purchase only excluding B2B), Vauxhall Partners, Military and Diplomatic (UK only), Retail Affinity, Pack Sales and Vauxhall Internet Pricing (V.I.P). To Qualify for this offer, acustomer must purchase one of the eligible models, trade in avehicle and agree to scrap the vehicle. The trade in vehicle must have been registered in thename of the customer prior to 20.11.07. Vehicle must be able to be driven on the highway. The customer must supply avehicle registration document (V5C) and avalid MOT certificate to the Retailer for the trade in vehicle. Vauxhall will ensure the vehicle is scrapped under the end of life vehicle directive and a certificate of destruction will be held by the retailer. If the customer agrees to scrap the vehicle atotal of £1000 will be paid for the vehicle irrespective of it's current market value. For more details on this offer and the eligible models go to www.vauxhall.co.uk or visit your local Retailer. (Vaux45750) Tuesday, June 3, 2008 WORLD ENVIRONMENTDAY worcesternews.co.uk 23

Low fuel emissions of The Super-dupermini From only £7,995

Enjoycomplete peace of mind with a 5YEAR WARRANTY economic runaround on all models registered before 31st December 2008.

EGMENT-busting space, style, value and equipment combined with an unbeatable Sperformance, economy and emissions balance – the completely new Daihatsu Sirion has it all. Developed with parent company Toyota – which sells its own version in Japan – the Sirion went on sale in the UK in March, priced from £6,995 on-the- road for the 1.0 S. This is around £2,000 less than Only most mainstream competitors £35. when taking into account the .00 Sirion’s standard equipment road fund license on 1.0 models which includes air-conditioning, No rival can match the new Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 litre’s performance, driver, passenger and side airbags, radio/CD player, four and Combined Cycles. An wealth of safety features The Daihatsu Sirion is available in achoice of 1. 0, 1. 3or All this, plus excellent fuel economy(56.5 mpg on the electric windows, remote central- exceptionally low CO2 emissions including anti-lock brakes (ABS) 1. 5litre models, so youcan take your pickfrom the more combined cycle*) and lowemissions (road taxisonly locking and electric power-steering. of 118 g/km means the car with electronic brakeforce powerful to the evenmore economical. Eachprovides £35 on 1. 0models), and now, a5-year manufacturers outstanding interior space, easy access and superb levels warrantywhichincludes 5years roadside assistance on No rival can match the new qualifies for a road fund licence distribution (EBD). of equipment, including ,electric windows all models, the Sirion is one supermini that offers Sirion 1.0 litre’s performance, charge of only £75 for 12 months Its front seatbelts provide and CD/Radio system with MP3 AUXinput. something foreveryone. fuel economy and low emissions. plus £38 first registration fee (AA pretensioners and force-limiters The top speed is a remarkable band up to 120 g/km). This places and the three rear seatbelts all 01905 828820 Baynhall Garage, Kempsey, 99.4 mph with a 0-60 mph time of it in a category largely boast three-point location plus or visit 13.5 seconds. dominated by hybrids – and the ISOFIX for the outer belts which www.edwardscarcentre.co.uk Worcester Fuel consumption is an smaller Daihatsu Charade, of better locate child safety seats. for more details WR5 3PA outstanding 46.3/64.2 and 56.5 course. There are also five height- Model shown is Sirion 1.3 SE available at £8,995 OTR. Metallic paint is an extra cost. *56.5 mpg based on combined cycle on 1.0 S. All prices include £55 first registration fee and 12 months road fund mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban The new Sirion also has a adjustable head-restraints. license. Price is correct at time of going to print. Official Government Fuel Consumption Figures mpg (Litres per 100 km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) Urban Cycle 32.8 (8.6) –46.3 (6.1) Extra Urban 54.3 (5.2) –64.2 (4.4) Combined 44.1 (6.4) –56.5 (5.0) CO2 emissions 118 –151 Drive yourself into a greener, better future Hybrid ContractHire from£249† amonth

HE Honda Civic Hybrid is currently one of only a few mainstream alternative powered Tvehicles that have the credibility to earn a low tax banding. The Vehicle Certification Agency has awarded the model 109g CO2/km which means, for a private motorist, a low annual road tax bill of only £15. And as the CO2 is also used to calculate the tax a company car driver pays the Civic Hybrid is proving The Civic Hybrid is easy to use and very economical to maintain. very popular in the business arena too. a cleaner, greener future. Some Hydrogen and Oxygen the FCX Using a Civic Hybrid doesn’t of these include the making of can be used in much the same mean over-complicated user solar panels in a more efficient way as an ordinary car with one controls or maintenance. The manner to help them become massive benefit – 0 per cent beauty is that the driver simply more viable, the development of harmful emissions. gets in and drives. a bio-fabric to trim their cars by The only emission from this It’s as easy to use and as using the waste of crop power train is H20 – that’s right economical to maintain as any of production rather than growing water. the Honda range and by utilising crops for this purpose only. Honda finds a lot of reward in clever energy regeneration when The reduction of waste within looking for solutions to difficult decelerating the stored their production plants, re- tasks and this is harnessed by its electricity is used to help boost forestation schemes, and the latest advertising strap line – ‘If acceleration and enable the complete birth to finish it’s difficult it’s worth doing’ – engine to completely turn off and recyclable qualities of all their for the just launched New 2009 products is a huge consideration. Accord with a fully Euro 5 STARTIN HONDA restart seamlessly when Bromyard Road,Worcester WR25YJ.Call01905 423322 or visit www.startin-honda.co.uk stationary in traffic or at traffic The highest profile of all Honda’s compliant engine range. lights. environmental projects is the Currently the FCX is on trial in MODEL SHOWN IS HONDACIVIC 1.4IMA PETROL HYBRID ES: URBAN CYCLE 54.3 MPG/5.2L PER 100KM, EXTRA creation of the Honda FCX Japan and California and there is URBAN CYCLE 65.7 MPG/4.3L PER 100KM, COMBINED CYCLE 61.4 MPG/4.6L PER 100KM, CO2 109g/KM. †Business Honda is a very users only.Contract HireTerms and Conditions: Contract Hirerates arebased on Honda Contract Hirefor the Civic environmentally conscious Clarity. This vehicle is arguably talk of it entering the UK’s retail 1.4 IMA Petrol Hybrid ES. Rentals arebased on 3months’ rentals in advance followed by 35 monthly rentals starting group of global companies with one of the biggest developments market within the next five in month 2with 10,000 miles per annum, non-maintained. Excess and other charges may apply dependent on the within the automotive world years so when looking for mileage and condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. All rentals aresubject to VATatstandardrates. All the responsibility of its impact figures correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Contract Hireoffers areavailable on the Civic 1.4 on the environment one of their since the combustion engine was companies that stand head and IMA Petrol Hybrid ES on 3years/variable mileage per annum, maintained and non-maintained. Offer is valid until 28th primary concerns. With this in created. The FCX Clarity is a fuel shoulders over the rest in terms June 2008. Offer applicable at participating Honda Dealers and is at the promoters absolute discretion. Subject to cell vehicle. By harnessing the of environmental credentials it model and colour availability.Promoter: Honda (UK) –Cars, 470 London Road, Slough, BerkshireSL3 8QY.Honda mind it’s no surprise that Honda (UK) is adivision of Honda Motor Europe. Registered in England and Wales No 857969. has pioneered many ground electricity created through a would be fair to say Honda is breaking technologies to ensure chemical reaction between pretty tall. 24 worcesternews.co.uk WORLD ENVIRONMENTDAY Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Motor that’s high on economy and low on emissions The Toyota Prius couples impressive technology with green credentials. Toyota’s latest Prius is big, smart, clean and good looking. However, can it finally convert us to the benefits of hybrid technology? Andy Enright asks the question FACTSAT AGLANCE

HILE lounging with Honda rival, the Insight, were first cabin comfort for passengers has CAR: Toyota Prius curtain airbags/ABS with EBD a newspaper in a launched, many were impressed been enhanced, with an adjustment PRICE: £17,782 - £20,682. FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 56.5 coffee shop with their technology and green to the hip point for those sitting in INSURANCE GROUP: 7E-8E (extra urban) 67.3mpg (combined) recently, I was credentials. Using an electric motor the back. Buyers will also find CO2 EMISSIONS: 104g/km 65.7mpg Wtreated to a to augment or temporarily replace a smarter upholstery colours, a soft- PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.8s WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: fascinating piece of buyer conventional petrol engine was a touch paint finish for the dashboard STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: length/width/height behaviour. Emerging from a big great idea. Unfortunately both cars and the introduction of a leather- Twin front, side, front and rear 4,450/1,725/1,490mm discount store, I noticed a chap roll were rather compromised, the trimmed steering wheel across the up the conspicuously branded Honda by its ‘squeezed from a range. Fresh options include full performance for a car that now car will accelerate to 60mph in less carrier bag, sneak a peek to make toothpaste tube’ styling and leather trim, new metallic paint competes in the Avensis-sized than 11 seconds, peak power being sure nobody was looking and then impractical two-seater layout and finishes and, on T Spirit models, a Mondeo sector. Sometimes the Prius’ rated at 113bhp. pop it in a bag from a far more the Toyota by its dull driving rear parking monitor and intelligent silent running takes a little getting That’s comparable with a number upmarket retailer. manners, cramped cabin and parking assist (IPA). used to, but under many high- of leading diesel cars but fuel This is, in microcosm, the reason distinctly lacklustre lines. The current Prius mirrors the first density traffic situations, this car economy is far in excess of what why the first generation of so-called Toyota’s second generation Prius generation model’s technique of offers totally emissions-free even the most parsimonious hybrid cars failed in the UK. Nobody changed all that and gave the being able to run on its petrol engine motoring. A more powerful 50- medium range diesel can manage, wants to be obviously branded a company leadership in this sector. It and then switch to exclusively kilowatt motor that operates at the latest Prius bettering 56mpg in penny pincher. The latest Toyota has recently been improved with electric operation when conditions higher voltages offers 50 per cent town. Carbon dioxide emissions are Prius however, has set about changes to the styling of its are favourable. Toyota’s Hybrid more electric power than the Mk1 rated in the lowest possible banding rectifying that hiccup. headlamps and rear light clusters Synergy Drive offers impressive Prius, while sleek aerodynamics and and the Prius is even exempt from When the original Prius and its and a restyled front . Inside the emissions and strong fuel economy an efficient petrol engine mean the the London congestion charge.

brooklynworcester.toyota.co.uk/moreforless

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The TSpirit is the most sophisticated model in the Prius range, boasting an The revolutionaryHybrid Synergy Drive system is the intelligent combination of electric impressive array of features and an enviable level of innovation. The frugal motor and petrol engine, delivering powerful performance and outstanding fuel efficiency. engine boasts low 104g/km CO2 emissions, and has been awarded the The TSpirit is brimming with exciting features including full colour touch screen satellite International Engine of the Year for the 4th year running. navigation with Electronic Traffic Avoidance, intelligent park assist and cruise control for a truly superior driving experience. Find out more now. Prius starting from £17,782

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Model and specification shown Prius TSpirit Hatchback 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid CVT,manufacturer's list price £20,682. Price correct at time of going to press and includes VAT, deliverycharge, number plates, one year's road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Subject to availability. Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Prius 1.5 Hybrid in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 56.5 (5.0), Extra-Urban 67.3 (4.2), Combined 65.7 (4.3). CO2 Emissions 104 g/km.