Business Motoring

Dramatic Porsche hybrid sports car gets go-ahead

THE Porsche 918 Spyder concept looked awesomely dramatic when it was launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.</p><p>The potential performance was also similarly mind-boggling: 600hp; 94.1mpg; and CO2 emissions of just 70g/km.</p><p>And now Porsche has taken the dramatic step of committing this concept to a production reality. If the Porsche 918 Spyder were to go into production as a plug-in hybrid with the same performance figures, a business could claim 100% writing down allowances in the first year

Business turns to more flexible solutions for cars

Five-door and estate models head new Ford Focus range

THE all-new Ford Focus goes on sale at the beginning of 2011.</p><p>The new Ford Focus range will include a five-door hatchback and five-door estate model, along with the recently announced Ford Focus C-MAX models.</p><p>However, Ford said that there will be no three-door model in the range, nor will there be a coupe-convertible option.</p><p>"Having taken the decision to adopt such a sleek, coupe-like design for the five-door hatchback, there was little space in the line-up for a three-door version," explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Product Development at the recent Paris Show where the car was launched.</p><p>"The three-model Focus range provides the ideal blend of sporty, dynamic looks and every-day practicality. And for buyers wanting the same dynamic appearance but with extra space, we also offer the stylish new C-MAX, so customers really can find the perfect car to suit their needs," Mr Kuzak added.</p><p>The Ford Focus range will feature economical petrol and diesel engines, along with stop-start fuel saving technology. Ultra low emission ECOnetic models will follow later in 2011.</p><p>Small business users will be particularly interested in the brand new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol units, available in 150PS and 180PS versions.</p><p>The lightweight aluminium engine features turbocharging to boost power but remain economical. Ford says the more powerful 180PS unit can return 47mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.</p><p>There's also the option of a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine which will be available in two different power ratings: 95PS and 115PS. </p><p>This diesel engine provides exceptional 67mpg economy and CO2 emissions of 109g/km

Business Secretary launches business mentoring scheme at Google

M 1 Series Coupe blasts in from BMW

HERE'S something that will set your business apart: a high performance M 1 coupe.</p><p>Smaller and more compact than the M3, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe really looks the part with dramatically widened wheel arches, exclusive 19-inch Y-spoke M alloy wheels, dual chrome tailpipes and a front lip spoiler.</p><p>But the M 1 Series Coupe is rather more than just looks: it's backed up by the sort of sporting M series performance you would expect.</p><p>The powerhouse is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six engine with 340hp and 450Nm torque from 1,500rpm. It takes just 4.9 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62mph.</p><p>Despite the undoubted performance of the new M 1 Series Coupe, economy is nearly 30mpg (officially 29.4mpg); CO2 emissions are 224g/km, which puts it into the 34% company car tax band in 2011/12.</p><p>Inside the BMW 1 Series M Coupe there's plenty of standard equipment, including two-zone air-conditioning, cruise control, BMW Radio Business CD/MP3 player and six speakers. It also has a Boston leather interior with Alcantara trim and Kyalami orange stitching.</p><p>Optional extras include Comfort Access, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Professional Navigation system with hard drive storage, Adaptive Headlights and High beam Assistant.</p><p>The exterior paint finishes are Alpine White non-metallic, Black Sapphire metallic and the exclusive Valencia Orange metallic.</p><p>The BMW 1 Series M Coupe goes on sale in May 2011 priced at L39,990. First customer deliveries will be in May.</p>

Performance Audi A1 costs L20,705

FANCY downsizing your business car but without losing that executive feel?</p><p>And you don't want to lose that performance edge either?</p><p>Then take a look at the new Audi A1 flagship model, the A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS, which has been priced from L20,705 on the road. The new Audi A1, which was voted Car of the Year by What Car? magazine recently, is an executive car but reduced.</p><p>"It's the right car at the right time: a car that combines desirability and ability alongside frugal financials

The law and smoking in vehicles: England

Citroen launches van-only dealers

New Citroen van dealers to offer additional services

Smaller business fleets need help to go green

Small businesses want greener van fleets but won

Online shopping boosts van rental in Christmas run-up

Van operators turn to daily van rental to meet peak seasonal demand in online shopping.