Kokova Magazine

In what could have been a scene from cult TV series Ashes to Ashes, eight people piled into the show’s iconic red Audi Quattro this week to demonstrate how 'green' motoring has cemented its place at the forefront of motoring innovation.

The event was run to help promote the UK’s eco motor show, EcoVelocity, which takes place at Battersea Power Station*, between September 8-11 2011.

While the CO2 emissions of today’s Nissan Leaf (0g/km), Citroen C3 Airdream (99g/km), Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion (91g/km) and Toyota Prius Plug-In (59g/km) are 249g/km combined, the Quattro’s credentials in 1983, when the equally iconic Battersea Power Station was last in operation, were more about power, hence an estimated CO2 figure of over 260g/km.

DCI Hunt would have to carry an uncomfortable eight people on every journey just to put it on a par economically with all four modern cars, assuming they are transporting the UK average of around two people.

EcoVelocity, which is co-owned by Metro is a dynamic festival of green motoring packed with the very latest no-compromise, hi-tech and ultra-low carbon vehicles.

It will feature the latest green models including electric, hybrid and low CO2-emitting cars, as well as providing test drives on a specially-constructed circuit in the shadow of the famous power station.

Market leading brands attending the event include Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Mia Electric.

It's not just CO2 emissions that provide a stark reminder about how different the motoring world was in 1983. Petrol prices have increased by 143% and, although the average engine size has increased from 1552cc to 1722cc**, the introduction of cleaner technology such as the catalytic converter in 1993 has vastly increased the number of cars with low emissions.

1983 vs 2010 comparisons***

In 1983 the average car price was £4,983.40 compared to the 2010 price of £17,576.50 and with petrol at £0.36.7 - deisel at £0.38.9 there were no recorded model of cars under 110g/km CO2 but 2010 had petrol averaging at £1.29.9 litre - deisel at £1.33.3 and 68 models (36,649 cars) under 110g/km CO2

"Today’s event was a great way of launching the EcoVelocity show while remembering the importance of what we are about – educating people about eco cars and reducing the carbon footprint.

EcoVelocity will be the most important and definitely not to be missed motoring event of the year, showcasing the best real-world cars for real-world motorists at a single location.

Event founder and organiser Giles Brown

EcoVelocity will be a fun, interactive and educational day out, with opportunities for all of the family, including:

• The 'SEAT young drivers' programme for 8-12 year olds
• The 'Honda my first licence' introduction to motorcycling for young children
• The What Car? catwalk parade – presenting the best eco cars in each category
• The Green Supercar Paddock
• Get On – free motorcycling test ride

EcoVelocity is being organised by IMIE, organisers of the British Motor Show and Metro, the World’s largest free newspaper with 3.3 million daily readers across 50 cities nationwide. Metro will be supporting EcoVelocity with a heavyweight, cross-media campaign that started in June.

Event partners include What Car?, TfL, The Mayor of London, Source London, Get On and Green Fleet.

Tickets are available at www.ecovelocity.co.uk

* pending planning and licensing permission
** Source: SMMT
*** Data sources:

No of cars under 110g/km CO2 - https://carfueldata.direct.gov.uk/additional/may2010/VCA-Booklet-text-May-2010.pdf - VCA advised that CO2 emissions not recorded until 1998

Car price - Glass's data includes VAT and 1983 car tax