Not that I want to sound like Captain Planet trying to save the planet in the cartoon world, but environmental awareness and better emission standards have indeed become a rave in the automobile industry. While the more traditional parameters that we measure a car in such as the revs and the engine capacity still hold good, it is the co-standards of modern cars that are stealing the spotlight. It is for a good reason too as the world is only now starting to understand that its own fancies and comforts cannot lead to a tomorrow that may not exist.
In the market today are many frugal, low-emission family cars for us to choose from. The European market right now provides a wide range of choice with Volkswagen’s Golf Bluemotion, SEAT’s Leon ECOmotive and Ford’s upcoming Focus ECOnetic. Now we have another car that is competing in the same category and that is Fiat’s new Bravo 1.6-litre Multijet diesel. While the old 1.9-litre remains unchanged, the new 1.6-litre comes out as if it was made to save the plannet from global warming disaster.
The 1.6 turbo-diesel emits 129g/km of CO2. But Fiat will also offer a special £300 Eco Pack for the new unit, which results in emissions of only 119g/km. This not only means a cleaner road but also a drop in tax of £35 each year and not to mention, a slash business users’ tax bills. Longer service intervals also promise a reduction in maintenance costs by a good 25 percent. This meaning a car that goes easy on both nature and its owner.
The 105bhp unit develops a healthy 290Nm of torque at 1,500rpm; its more beefy 120bhp stablemate puts out 300Nm. The 120 bhp obviously offers more in terms of thrust and acceleration, allowing you to have a more adventurous ride. Both models offer a very comfortable and silent drive. The handling is pretty clean and precise with minimum fuss.
The new car is due to go on sale in the UK in March and the 105bhp 1.6-litre is expected to cost £13,800, with the Eco Pack-equipped model priced at £14,100. The 120bhp version will weigh in at £14,800. Considering the Tax cuts you are going to benefit from, the 105bhp Eco Pack variant offers the best deal. Now it is up to the consumers to pick an eco-friendly wagon from the varied band at display.
