CAR TALK
TOYOTA GETS GREEN PLAUDITS
Toyota has been named the “world’s greenest brand”, according to a survey from Interbrand. The “Best Global Green Brands” survey takes into account environmental performance coupled with public perception of eco sustainability. Data was collected from the world’s leading markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Brazil and India and Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology, with cars like its Prius model, is thought to have contributed most to its green public profile.
NEW TWINGO
Renault has shown its new Twingo ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show introduction in September. The facelifted car is the first production Renault to be inspired by the brand’s new design identity under design boss Laurens van den Acker. Its front end gets a new face and a bigger and more confident bonnet logo and is a visual “bridge” to forthcoming cars like Renault’s all-electric Zoe supermini in terms of its styling.
BMW’S SECOND GEN 1 SERIES
If you can’t wait for the futuristic i3, BMW’s second generation 1 Series goes on sale next month with all-new turbocharged petrol engines and revised diesel engines plus a new fuel saving mode to maximise efficiency. The 116d EfficientDynamics model has an emission figure of just 99g/km of CO2. The range is longer and wider than its predecessor and so has a bigger, more comfortable interior. Prices start from £19,375.