2012 Vauxhall Opel Combo

The new 2012 Combo van might look rather familiar, as it’s essentially a rebadged Fiat Doblò.



Not that that’s a bad choice of vehicle to use as a basis, though. The Turkish-built Doblò won the 2011 International Van of the Year award, and two wheelbases and two roof heights mean it’ll offer more versatility than the previous generation Combo.

Vauxhall is only going to be offering UK buyers the panel van, which has up to either 3,800 or 4,600 litres of cargo space, depending on body size.



Opel customers across the rest of Europe will also be able to choose a passenger carrying version, with a glazed body and five or seven seats. Available in Essentia, Enjoy or Cosmo specification, its spec sheet will include a few extra luxuries such as rear electric windows, remote central locking and front side airbags.

Unsurprisingly, the engine line-up is pretty much the same as that found in the Fiat Doblò. The Vauxhall Combo will be exclusively diesel-powered, with a pick of 1.3 litre (88 bhp / 66 kW / 90 PS), 1.6 litre (88 bhp / 66 kW / 90 PS), 1.6 litre (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS) or 2.0 litre (133 bhp / 99 kW / 135 PS) capacities.



Additionally, Opel is to offer a 93 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS) 1.4 litre petrol, plus a 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) motor that runs on compressed natural gas.



Sales of the new Combo are due to start in February 2012. Prices have yet to be announced.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Doblò is Van of the Year

99 g/km Astra ecoFLEX

The Vauxhall Astra is already one of the neatest looking cars in its class, and now it’s among the most economical and environmentally friendly, too.



With a revised 1.7 CDTi diesel engine, the latest Astra ecoFLEX joins a growing list of C-segment models that produce under 100 g/km of CO2.

But while competitors from Volvo and the Volkswagen Group match the Astra on emissions, the Vauxhall boasts lower fuel consumption and a higher power output. On those last two measures, it even eclipses the Toyota Prius and Auris hybrids:

Manufacturer	Model	Fuel Type	CO2 Emissions	Fuel Consumption	Power
Vauxhall	Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX	Diesel	99 g/km	76.3 mpg (3.7 l/100km)	128 bhp (95 kW / 130 PS)
Audi	A3 1.6 TDIe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Seat	Leon 1.6 CR TDI Ecomotive	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Skoda	Octavia 1.6 TDI Greenline	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Toyota	Auris Hybrid	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Toyota	Prius	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Volkswagen	Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Volvo	S40 DRIVe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	113 bhp (84 kW / 115 PS)

Various measures have been employed to help the Astra attain its mix of power and economy.



The engine has been comprehensively reworked, and it now features a new fuel injection system, variable geometry turbocharger and engine management system that lets it operate at a lower compression ratio. A lot of the internals are now low friction, and there’s even an oil cooler bypass that lets the engine get up to its optimum operating temperature more quickly.



Drive is via a specially adapted six-speed manual transmission. Again, attention has been paid to reducing mechanical friction, and it comes equipped with a shift indicator to encourage more efficient driving.



Apart from the drivetrain enhancements, the Astra ecoFLEX comes with brake energy regeneration and stop-start systems, both of which are now virtually obligatory for any eco-car.



The aerodynamics have also been tweaked to further reduce fuel burn. Ride height has been lowered by 12 mm, while the grille has an active shutter which closes when less throttle load is required. Completing the package are low rolling resistance tyres.



Achieving 99 g/km brings several benefits to UK drivers. These include zero-rated Vehicle Excise Duty, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge, and qualification for the lowest Benefit In Kind tax band for company car users.



So, whatever your views on global warming, there are definite financial advantages to be gained from running a low CO2 car. The only potential downside is that more people are going to change their buying habits accordingly, meaning that the tax authorities will eventually realise that they’re missing out on a huge chunk of revenue.



Consequently, the chances of those ‘free’ thresholds falling from 100 g/km to something much lower in the future have to be high.



Prices for the Astra ecoFLEX have yet to be announced, but it will be available in Exclusiv, SE and SRi specifications. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year.



Related posts:

2011-12 company car tax

Zero Congestion Charge

Police spec Astra

Corsa Nürburgring Edition

A hotter version of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR / Opel Corsa OPC is due in dealers this May. Called the Nürburgring Edition, it gets more grunt, chassis tweaks and a higher price tag.

The 1.6 litre engine benefits from a revised turbocharger and management system, as well as a sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. Interestingly, though, the two GM subsidiaries are reporting different results from these modifications.



Opel claims that power increases from 189 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS) to 206 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS), whereas Vauxhall reckons it only rises to 202 bhp (150 kW / 205 PS). That anomaly is possibly explained by the OPC car being optimised to run on 100 octane petrol, while the VXR has been set up for slightly tamer 98 octane fuel.



What both manufacturers do agree on is the extra torque, which improves from 230 Nm (266 Nm) to 250 Nm (280 Nm). The figures in brackets apply to the turbo overboost function, which can only be used in short bursts.

The effect on performance is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds, while top speed improves to 143 mph (230 km/h).



Significantly, that makes the Nürburgring Edition marginally quicker than the model that’s widely acknowledged as one of the best hot hatches on the market - the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200. But only just, as the Clio sprints to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before going onto 141 mph (225 km/h).

Of course, how that tiny numerical advantage translates into real world driving will depend on how the Corsa handles the added power. To help, a mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential is fitted that should hopefully improve traction and keep the dreaded understeer in check.



Replacing the stock spring and damper units are bespoke Bilstein items, which have been engineered to sharpen up the handling while reducing ride height by 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear. The traction control, electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems have all been recalibrated, too, and completing the chassis make-over are lightweight brakes from Brembo with high performance linings.



Distinguishing the Nürburgring Edition are new 18” high-gloss grey aluminium wheels, a front lip spoiler, the new exhaust and Nürburgring logos on the B-pillars, sill plates and front seat backs.

Buyers are certainly going to have to pay for the upgrades, though. In the UK a standard Corsa VXR costs £18,640, but the Nürburgring Edition will be £22,295.



That’s an awful lot for a Corsa, especially considering that £22,330 would buy the faster - and undoubtedly more desirable - Mini John Cooper Works. It also makes the £17,810 Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 seem rather a bargain by comparison.



In Germany, the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition will have a recommended retail price of €27,650 (including VAT).



Images © GM Corp.

Cruze Hatchback first view

Following the unveiling of the Cruze Hatchback ‘show car’ in Paris last September, Chevrolet has released the first images of the production version that’ll be at Geneva next week.

Apart from some elements that gave the concept a bit more pizzazz - such as the lights and large wheels - not a lot has changed.



Adding a hatch to the existing saloon is bound to extend the Cruze’s appeal, especially in Europe. However, one potential snag for GM could be that the Chevrolet cannibalises sales from its slightly more upmarket cousin, the very, very similar Vauxhall / Opel Astra.



Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback are set to start this summer. Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a fresh line-up of engines is promised, including a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) diesel.



The new model is also going to be built in Australia, where it’ll be marketed as the Holden Cruze.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Cruze hatch show car

Zafira Tourer Concept

Vauxhall / Opel is to unveil its Zafira Tourer Concept at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.

Despite the ‘Concept’ tag, it gives a very strong hint of how the third generation Zafira is going to look.



While some styling elements - such as the striking Ampera-inspired front end - will probably make it onto a production version, others stand less chance. That latter category would include the edge-lit, full-length glass roof, although the panoramic windscreen might well end up being an option.

On the inside, there’s the Zafira’s signature Flex7 three-row seating system. A further development for the concept is the ability to convert the cabin into a roomy four seat ‘lounge’ configuration. This is achieved by folding down the centre section of the second row, which is then replaced by two armrests.



The interior design signals a move upmarket for the Zafira, although it’s expected that the caramel leather and deep-pile carpet of the show car will be replaced by more family-friendly trim by the time that sales start.

Images © GM Corp.

Antara gets updated

The South Korean-built Antara is a fairly rare sight, a situation that Vauxhall will doubtless be keen to rectify with the refreshed 2011 model.

Power now comes from an all-new Euro 5 compliant 2.2 CDTI diesel (there’s no petrol option), which is available in two states of tune: 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) with 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, or 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).



Kicking off the range is the £19,995 front-wheel drive Exclusiv, obviously priced to undercut SUV rivals such as the £22,300 diesel Volkswagen Tiguan S. Featuring the lower horsepower engine and a revamped six-speed manual gearbox, it’ll accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).



Combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 167 g/km aren’t too bad. However, those figures are easily bettered by front-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan and BMW X1, both of which achieve more than 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) and less than 140 g/km.

The all-wheel drive system can be specified with either engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Under normal conditions all power still gets sent to the front wheels, but up to fifty percent will go to the rears when required. As expected, buyers have to pay extra for the extra traction, with prices rising to £26,905 for the 181 bhp Antara SE Automatic.



Development work has also been carried out on the chassis. The ABS system is improved, and Hill Start Assist is now fitted as standard. Suspension settings have also been revised, with the aim of improving handling while maintaining a decent ride quality.



On the interior there’s better quality upholstery and trim and a new centre console. Exterior changes have been limited to a redesigned grille and lights, plus the fitment of protection panels front and rear.



Vauxhall / Opel is saying that 15,000 Antara sales are expected during 2011, rising thereafter to 20,000 per annum. The largest markets are anticipated to be the UK, Russia, Italy and Germany.



Images © GM Corp.

Top 10: Irish car sales 2010

According to figures published by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, 88,373 cars were sold in Ireland during 2010.



That was almost 55% more than 2009’s figure of 57,118, an encouraging increase achieved in spite of harsh economic conditions. However, the market still has a long way to go before it recovers to the volumes seen in 2008, when sales topped 150,000.



2010’s performance was undoubtedly helped by the scrappage scheme, which accounted for over 17,000 registrations. Good news for the industry is that the programme will continue until the end of June 2011, although the amount of support - which is applied via Vehicle Registration Tax relief - is reduced from €1,500 to €1,250.



The top three manufacturers remained unchanged in 2010, with Ford selling the most cars followed by Toyota and then Volkswagen.



Fourth spot went to Renault, which trebled its sales thanks partly to being the manufacturer with the most scrappage scheme reclaims. Skoda also recorded a notable result but, despite a doubling of volumes, it only moved up one place to seventh on the league table.

Top 10: Irish Car Sales By Manufacturer
Position	Manufacturer	2010	2009	+/-	% +/-
1	Ford	11,215	8,121	3,094	38.1%
2	Toyota	10,660	7,603	3,057	40.2%
3	Volkswagen	10,301	6,174	4,127	66.8%
4	Renault	9,746	2,414	7,332	303.7%
5	Opel	6,603	4,046	2,557	63.2%
6	Nissan	5,494	4,684	810	17.3%
7	Skoda	4,915	2,390	2,525	105.6%
8	Hyundai	2,959	1,665	1,294	77.7%
9	Peugeot	2,924	1,766	1,158	65.6%
10	Audi	2,723	2,388	335	14.0%
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

Buick unveils 2012 Verano

Buick has revealed the 2012 Verano, which will debut at this month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

As with the larger Regal, the Verano is based on a Vauxhall / Opel model, in this case the Astra.



And why not? It makes sense for GM to have a slightly more upmarket alternative to the Chevrolet Cruze in North America, a role that the Astra fulfils in Europe. Such a strategy will also give the company further economies of scale from its Delta II compact car platform, which also underpins the Cruze and Astra as well as other models such as the Chevrolet Volt.

Verano (above) compared to its close relation, the Astra (below)

What differentiates the Verano from its European cousin is the four-door saloon body (the Astra is only available in five-door hatch and estate guises) and the choice of engine. For now, power will come from a 2.4 litre Ecotec four-cylinder motor that produces around 177 bhp (132 kW / 179 PS) and 230 Nm (170 lb/ft) of torque.

Coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox - no manual is available - Buick reckons it should be good for a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of about 8 seconds, while an EPA Highway rating of 31 mpg US (37.2 mpg UK / 7.6 l/100km) is expected. A 2.0 litre turbo engine is due to join the range at a later date.



High levels of luxury and refinement were the focus during the Verano’s development and, to help achieve the latter, extra sound insulation, triple-sealed doors and acoustic glass have all been employed. Buick must be confident about the results, because it’s citing the Lexus IS 250 and Audi A3 as target competitors.

The 2012 Buick Verano will go on sale during the fourth quarter of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.



Images © GM Corp.

2012 Buick Verano Technical Specification
Body
Style	Four-door, five-passenger compact car
Driveline	Front engine transaxle, front-wheel drive
Construction	Integral steel body-frame with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel; thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
Engine
Type	Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 (LEA)
Displacement (cu. in. / cc)	145 / 2,384
Bore and stroke (in. / mm)	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98
Block material	Precision sand cast aluminium
Cylinder head material	SPM cast aluminium
Valve gear	Overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust
Ignition system	Individual coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery	Direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio	11.2:1
Horsepower (bhp / kW / PS @ rpm)	177 / 132 / 179 @ 6,200 rpm (SAE certification pending)
Torque (lb/ft. / Nm @ rpm)	170 / 230 @ 4,800 rpm (SAE certification pending)
Recommended fuel	Regular unleaded or E85
Emissions controls	Close-coupled catalytic converter, variable valve timing, positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy mpg US)	22 / 31
Transmission
Type	Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic, transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive
Gear ratios (:1)	First 4.58, second 2.96, third 1.91, fourth 1.45, fifth 1.00, sixth 0.75; reverse 2.84; final drive 3.23
Chassis
Front suspension	Independent, MacPherson strut-type with side-loaded strut modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear suspension	Specifically adapted compound crank (torsion beam) with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear, Z-link (tuneable control arm)
Traction control	All-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering	Rack-mounted electric power steering
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock	2.8
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / metres)	36 / 11
Steering ratio	15.5:1
Brakes	Power-assisted four-wheel disc, electronic brake force distribution and ABS
Front brake disc diameter (mm / in.)	300 / 11.8 vented; single-piston with steel caliper
Rear brake disc diameter (mm / in.)	292 / 11.5 vented; single-piston with steel caliper
Total swept area (cu cc; pad area)	TBD
Wheel size and type	Standard 17” forged alloy; optional 18” alloy (two designs available)
Tyres	225/50R17 ALS / 235/45R18 ALS
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in. / mm)	105.7 / 2,685
Overall length (in. / mm)	183.9 / 4,671
Overall width (in. / mm)	71.4 / 1,815
Overall height (in. / mm)	58.4 / 1,484
Track width front (in. / mm)	60.7 / 1,544
Track width rear (in. / mm)	61.3 / 1,558
Curb weight (lb / kg)	3,300 / 1,497
Headroom front (in. / mm)	38.3 / 973 (without sunroof); 37.2 / 945 (with sunroof)
Headroom rear (in. / mm)	37.8 / 960 (without sunroof); 37.8 / 960 (with sunroof)
Legroom (in. / mm)	42 / 1,068 (front); 33.9 / 861 (rear)
Shoulder room (in. / mm)	55.1 / 1,399 (front); 53.8 / 1,343 (rear)
Hip room (in. / mm)	53.7 / 1,364 (front); 51.9 / 1,320 (rear)
Passenger volume (cu. ft. / litres)	95 / 2,690
Cargo volume (cu. ft. / litres)	15.2 / 430 (max. with tyre inflator kit and without Bose Premium Audio); 14.3 / 405 (with spare tyre / jack kit and without Bose Premium Audio); 14 / 396 (with spare tyre/jack kit and Bose Premium Audio)
Capacities
Trailer towing maximum (lb. / kg)	1,000 / 454
Fuel tank (gal. / litres)	15 / 57
Cooling system (qt. / litres)	TBD

Leaf is Car of the Year

The Nissan Leaf has been declared 2011 European Car of the Year. It’s the first electric car to win the title, but it wasn’t a unanimous decision.

Fifty-seven motoring journalists from across the continent formed a jury to decide the winner, and each was given twenty-five votes to distribute across the seven finalists. The contest rules stipulate that they had to allocate those votes to at least five cars, with no more than ten points allowed for any one model.



Only three jurors gave the Leaf a maximum score, but nine didn’t give it any votes at all.

Such a divergence of opinion reflected that while it’s technically interesting, the Nissan is still unproven in real world conditions. Some of the journalists also recognised that the Leaf is very much a first generation electric car; future models will undoubtedly have better range, shorter recharging times, and cost less.



Consequently, it was a close result, with second and third spots being occupied by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Vauxhall / Opel Meriva.

2011 Car of the Year
Position	Model	Votes
1	Nissan Leaf	257
2	Alfa Romeo Giulietta	248
3	Vauxhall / Opel Meriva	244
4	Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max	224
5	Citroën C3 / DS3	175
6	Volvo S60 / V60	145
7	Dacia Duster	132

Related posts:

2011 CotY nominations

Electric car grants saved

Leaf to be built in UK

Alfa Giulietta prices

2012 Buick Regal GS

Buick has unveiled the halo version of its Regal, the model that’s based on the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia.

Called the GS, it will come with a turbocharged two-litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed manual transmission (a six-speed automatic will also be available later). An output of 255 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque promises brisk performance, with Buick estimating that the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint should be achieved in under seven seconds.

But the Regal GS is front-wheel drive, which raises a rather obvious question: Why didn’t Buick simply badge-engineer the Vauxhall Insignia VXR (also known as the Opel Insignia OPC)?



Not only do the European cars get a 2.8 litre V6 turbocharged Ecotec motor with 320 bhp (239 kW / 325 PS) and 435 Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque, but they also feature permanent four-wheel drive. As a result, the VXR / OPC gets from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).



However, one benefit of sticking to just four cylinders is better fuel consumption. The manual and automatic versions of the Regal GS achieve Highway economy figures of  29.0 mpg US (34.8 mpg UK / 8.1 l/100km) and 28.0 mpg US (33.6 mpg UK / 8.4 l/100km) respectively, which is virtually identical to what the 220 bhp (164 kW / 223 PS) Regal CXL Turbo manages.



255 bhp is still a lot of horsepower to go through the front wheels, though. To help combat the inevitable torque steer, Buick has fitted High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension which maintains negative camber during cornering.



Other chassis gizmos include active Computer Damping Control (CDC), which continuously modifies damper characteristics according to the road surface, and an Interactive Driver Control System that changes suspension settings and steering response depending on whether ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘GS’ mode has been selected. Whether all of that technology is a substitute for all-wheel drive remains to be seen.



The Regal GS is scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2011, so Buick is certainly making anyone who’s interested in the car wait for it.



Pricing has not yet been confirmed, but the GS will enjoy a decent standard specification which includes 19” alloy wheels (20” optional), Bluetooth telephone connectivity, passive keyless entry with push-button start, Harmon/Kardon 320 watt sound system with nine speakers, XM Satellite Radio, sports seats with leather upholstery, heated driver and front passenger seats, front and rear park distance control and bi-xenon headlights.

2011 CotY nominees

The seven finalists in Europe’s 2011 Car of the Year contest have been announced:

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Citroën C3 / DS3


• Dacia Duster


• Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max


• Nissan Leaf


• Vauxhall / Opel Meriva


• Volvo S60 / V60

Notable is the Leaf, which is the first purely electric car to reach this stage of the competition.



All new models were eligible for the award, provided that they were already on sale (or soon would be) in five or more European markets, and are expected to achieve annual retails of 5,000 or more. This year, there were 41 that met the criteria.



A first stage of voting, which involved motoring journalists from across the continent, whittled those candidates down to the final nominees. The list of cars that failed to make it onto the shortlist makes interesting reading, too, and it includes some surprises:

• Audi A1


• BMW 5 Series


• Honda CR-Z


• Mini Countryman


• Mitsubishi i-MiEV / Citroën C-Zero / Peugeot i-On


• Nissan Juke


• Renault Fluence

The jurors will now have a second vote to determine the 2011 Car of the Year, and the winner will be announced on 29 November 2010.

Cruze hatch show car

Chevrolet’s Cruze is the best selling compact saloon in several major European markets, including Germany, Italy and the UK.



The problem is that it’s a small segment, because hatchbacks take the lion’s share of compact sales in Europe. That also explains why Chevrolet’s sister brands Vauxhall and Opel have yet to produce a saloon version of the current generation Astra, the model which shares its ‘Delta II’ platform with the Cruze.



So, perhaps realising that having just one body style is hampering sales, Chevrolet has announced it’ll be unveiling a Cruze hatchback at this month’s Paris Motor Show. Although the hatch is being referred to as a ‘show car’ (which means it’s not a concept, but it’s not quite the final production spec either), sales are due to start from the middle of 2011.

Reflecting the Cruze’s global presence, the hatchback show car has actually been designed and built by GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, at its studios in Melbourne. The result is an elegant looking vehicle which - unsurprisingly - appears to share its proportions with the Astra, which is no bad thing. It could even tempt some buyers away from Vauxhall and Opel?



Australia will also become a manufacturing location for the Cruze hatch, to satisfy the local market. Like the existing saloon version (pictured below), cars sold there will be badged as Holdens and get a slightly different nose.

All images © GM Corp.

Electric car grants saved

The UK Plug-in Car Grant, which will cover up to 25% of the price of an electric car, has been saved. Originally announced back in March by the then Labour government, there had been fears the scheme would be scrapped by the Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition to help reduce the public spending deficit.



A decision wasn’t expected until the completion of the government’s autumn spending review, but today the Department for Transport confirmed that the money would be ring fenced.



However, the rules of engagement have changed. Whereas the original proposal had £230 million set aside over five years, there’s now only £43 million allocated for the period January 2011 to March 2012. Any available budget beyond then won’t be confirmed until January 2012.



Among the reasons given for the reprieve, Business Minister Mark Prisk said, “The consumer incentive will help Britain become one of the leading centres for the design, development and manufacture of ultra-low carbon vehicles.  It sits alongside public and private sector investment in innovation and infrastructure, leading to the creation of new highly skilled low carbon jobs.”



With the maximum per car grant still capped at £5,000, there’ll be enough in the kitty for 8,600 electric car purchases. However, contrary to Mr Prisk’s comments, it’s unlikely that many of those will be manufactured in the UK.



Although Nissan has chosen Sunderland for European production of its electric Leaf, for example, production isn’t due to start until 2013. Until then, it’ll be importing cars from Japan.



Meanwhile, General Motors has yet to confirm where the Vauxhall / Opel Ampera versions of its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid will be built. Ellesmere Port, in the UK, remains a contender though, and perhaps the government’s move is partly to influence the decision? Whatever, it’s doubtful the Ampera will be around in time to take advantage of the initial grants.



So that leaves buyers of cars such as the Turkish-built Renault Fluence Z.E., the Japanese Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the American Tesla Roadster to take advantage of the UK government’s money.

Eight year Volt warranty

Chevrolet has announced that the lithium-ion battery and associated components in its Volt plug-in hybrid are to carry an eight year / 100,000 mile warranty.



In a move clearly designed to allay customer fears about battery life - and more crucially replacement cost - the battery's thermal management system, charging system and electric drive mechanism are all going to be similarly covered too. Importantly, the eight year period should also help the Volt’s prospects as a used car, as the warranty will be transferable to subsequent owners.

North American Volt sales are due to start in October or November this year. A European launch will follow during 2011, and it’s expected that the Volt will get an eight year warranty here as well. It will be interesting to see whether the closely related Vauxhall / Opel Ampera, which uses the same technology, also enjoys the same level of cover.



It’s beginning to look like the Volt (and Ampera) is going to have some real-world advantages over other electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Renault Fluence Z.E.



As well as the long warranty period, the Volt is the only one that also has a petrol engine. This acts solely as an on-board generator to power the electric motor when the batteries are low, giving it an overall range of around 340 miles (550 km).



By comparison the Nissan and Renault will manage 100 miles (160 km) before a recharge is needed, while the Mitsubishi runs out of juice after just 80 miles (130 km). What’s more, there’s no danger of getting stranded in a Volt with a flat battery.

Europeans in Detroit

Interesting to see a couple of re-badged European cars on display at the 2010 Detroit show earlier this month.



Following its takeover by Fiat, Chrysler clearly couldn’t be bothered to do too much with the Lancia Delta, not even going to the trouble of changing its model name. A minor tweak to the grille seemed to be enough.



The Chrysler Delta.  Or is it?

Buick meanwhile appeared to make a bit more of an effort with the Regal, its version of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia. The GS shown featured a 252 bhp four cylinder turbo engine. Not quite the 321 bhp that the six cylinder Insignia VXR / OPC has, but it should still be rather quick, with a 0 - 60 mph time below six seconds.