CAR TALK
NEW MAZDA CROSSOVER
This is Mazda’s brand new CX-5 compact crossover SUV. It’s the first production car to feature Mazda’s new Kodo styling and it is built around a new efficient range of chassis, body, engine and transmission technologies called Skyactive. The Skyactive 2.2 diesel-engined model should emit less than 120g/km of CO2 when it goes on sale.
MINI SOHO
A special edition Mini for London called Mini Soho has just gone on sale. Available in Hatchback and Convertible form, the Soho edition has unique White Silver metallic paint and 17-inch Black Star Bullet alloy wheel and unusual white indicators. Inside each car gets a three-spoke leather steering wheel and “piano black” interior trim. An urban motoring must-have, surely.
SKODA’S GREEN CREDS
Škoda has won the “Small Family Car” category in the Next Green Car Awards 2011 for its Octavia Hatch Greenline II which returns an impressive 74.3mpg while emitting just 99g/km of CO2. The GreenLine II is powered by a 1.6 TDI CR 105PS engine and costs nothing per year in tax, which is unusual for a family car of its size. Not a bad looker, either.