CAR TALK
REBUILDING SAAB’S BRAND
This is Saab’s new 9-4X, its new crossover car that will be shown at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Size-wise, it will sit between the existing 9-3 and 9-5 saloons and it’s an important car for Saab as it rebuilds its brand. With a turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine and four-wheel drive, the 9-4X should reach 62mph time in just 8.4 seconds and have a top speed of 143mph. It will go on sale in the UK late next year.
NISSAN: NEW AND IMPROVED
Nissan has unveiled its enhanced GT-R for 2011 with more power, better aerodynamics and an upgraded design. Engine power is now up to 523bhp and the car has also been bettered aerodynamically with downforce increased by around 10 per cent. Design-wise, the car’s changes are small, with redesigned front and rear bumpers. The price is up though: the new GT-R will cost £69,950 when it goes on sale.
MAYOR SEES SENSE ON CONGESTION CHARGE
Transport for London has announced that all cars which emit less than 100g/km CO2 (and meet the Euro 5 standard for air quality) will be exempt from the Congestion Charge. Until now, hybrid cars with higher emissions would get 100 per cent discount while cleaner vehicles, but with traditional powertrains, still had to pay. The new scheme starts on 4 January 2011 and it costs just £10 to register your car.