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Britain's low-carbon future

By Guy Bird Motoring Issues 25 March 2008 12:36 Higher purchase taxes for high emitters, ‘traffic-light style’ tax discs to indicate a vehicle’s environmental friendliness and mandatory dashboard-based driving efficiency technology are just three recommendations from a new report that looks set to inform Government policy for the next decade. Published on the same day as the Budget, the snappily titled King Review Of Low Carbon Cars Part Two (Recommendations For Action) was lost amid all the hoopla of new tax bands. But now we've had time to scrutinise it, we can assess the proposals that could affect your next car choice, from upfront purchase price to tax and running costs.

Toyota Yaris HSD Concept (2011): full photo gallery

Toyota’s goal is to offer a hybrid powertrain in every one of its European models ‘as early as possible in the 2020s’. That means electrified drivetrains in everything from the Avensis to the Auris, and everything from 4x4s to sports cars in between. The Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) was the first mainstream Toyota model to gain hybrid power in 2010, and up next is the new-generation Yaris.

Honda Insight hybrid sticker price to start at $20,470

Honda has delivered on its promise of bringing the 2010 Insight to market priced less than the rival Toyota Prius. The new Honda hybrid will start at just $20,470 in base LX form, including shipping charges, which undercuts the Prius by $2,250. Insight LX models come standard with front-side and side-curtain airbags, ABS, automatic climate control and power windows.