Volvo has combined its Drive technology with its sports-inspired R-Design bodykit on the C30, S40 and V50 models.

Prices start at £17,240 for the C30, £19,095 for the S40 and £20,595 for the V50. All have CO2 emissions of just 119g/km, enabling customers to benefit from the £35 a year tax band.

An Econetic low CO2 version of the Ford Transit goes on sale later this year based on the front-wheel drive 280 panel van with short wheelbase and 2.2-litre 115PS Duratorq TDCi engine. 

Target fuel economy is 39.2mpg, while average CO2
emissions are 189g/km. Meanwhile, the new Fiesta Van Econetic also goes on sale later in 2009. The 1.6-litre TDCi delivers 98g/km CO2. 

Citroën is introducing the Nemo Multispace at just under £10,000. It offers 60+mpg and 119g/km CO2 emissions.
Mazda’s new Mazda2 1.6D Sport model has a CO2 rating of only 112g/km – qualifying for Band C and an annual road fund licence of just £35. It accelerates to 62mph in 11.4 seconds and averages 67.3mpg. 

Volkswagen has revealed pricing for its new performance diesel, the Golf GTD, launched on June 22. Prices start at £21,850 for the three-door, six-speed manual model. There is a £585 premium for the five-door model and a £1,305 for the six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. 

Powering the new GTD is a refined 2.0-litre (1,968cc) common rail TDI engine, producing 170 PS and 258lbs-ft of torque channelled via a six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox. It accelerates to 62mph in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 138 mph. CO2 emissions are 139g/km and average fuel consumption is 53.3mpg. 

SsangYong has launched a five year or 250,000-mile warranty on its Kyron, Rexton and Rodius models.

Generating combined CO2 of just 136g/km and with performance similar to that of its regular 2.0 CDTi 160 sibling, the new Insignia Ecoflex is set to provide company and private buyers with significant reductions in taxes and running costs. 

Available initially in hatch and saloon versions, and in all trim levels apart from SRi, the Insignia Ecoflex is on sale now with a starting price of £19,600 for the Exclusiv model.]#

Vehicle recalls: Volkswagen Crafter5T Van

Volkswagen has recalled Crafter 5T vans built between 01/06/05 and 30/11/05 because the handbrake might not fully apply. Recalled vehicles will have rear brake shoe adjustment bushes replaced.