Green Driving with Vauxhall ecoFLEX

2009 was a good year for green driving. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed in their yearly report that CO₂ emissions from new cars were reduced by the biggest ever margin last year. The average model now emits 149.5g/km, but many eco friendly car models go way below this average. Last year in the UK, the ecoFLEX range from Vauxhall was the top-seller in this category.

The Vauxhall ecoFLEX range was launched some years ago with a campaign offering a reward for scrapping old cars that didn’t meet current emission standards and exchanging them for a new ecoFLEX model. Campaigns like this will draw attention to green driving and act as an encouragement, but the biggest challenge for the automotive industry at the moment is to produce cars that are desirable in addition to being environmentally friendly. Attractive details will make people want to own these green cars, and there should be no clash between terms such as economical, green, attractive and fun.

The ecoFLEX fleet has now been around for years, and the latest addition is the new Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX. On top of being the first in the range to be available in SRi trim for those looking for a sporty feel, this new model only emits 109g/km of CO₂ and has a fuel consumption of 67.3mpg. Emissions this low not only make the car a green one to drive, but also a cheap one. Compared to buying a used Vauxhall Astra, this brand new model will help save around £300 in fuel costs on top of reducing an amazing 800kg of CO₂ annually. Low emissions place the new Astra ecoFLEX into tax band B in the UK, which keeps the tax costs for the car at a nominal £35 a year, while having a car with an average emission level lightens the wallet by £125.

Without a doubt, a series of developments are just round the corner when it comes to greener cars. This will be an interesting area to start following more closely.