0-60 in 5.8 Secs – and Congestion Charge Free!

Transport for London will reduce the emissions level limit for the Congestion Charge on July 1 to 75 g/km – making it even harder for motorists to escape the payment.

However, if you want to beat the charge and still drive something that looks better than Postman Pat‘s van, try the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, with emissions of only 48 g/km.

The V60 D6 AWD has undergone a facelift inside and out, with more colours and options. Available in SE Lux Nav specification and priced from £48,775 (£43,775 including the £5000 Plug-in Car Grant), it features newly developed technology such as Active Bending Xenon Headlights with permanent high-beam and Cyclist Detection.

The V60 features a 215hp diesel engine powering the front wheels while a 70hp electric motor powers the rear wheels.

Reaching speeds of up to 78mph in pure electric mode, the Volvo hybrid also has a 0-60mph time of just 5.8 seconds.

New Range Rover Sport Prices

Land Rover today revealed prices for the new Range Rover Sport. Hot on the heels of the latest Range Rover itself, the UK model range will start at £51,500 for the 258bhp SE TDV6.

An SDV6 with 292bhp will also be available – as well as a fuel-guzzling, 510bhp supercharged V8 petrol.

Among the optional extras are a couple of very new features, including Wade Sensing – which monitors the depth when driving through water! Just how many Range Rover Sport owners will find this useful commuting in London remains to be seen.

More importantly, the latest Sport is up to 420kg lighter than the old model. Using weight-saving techniques already employed in the full-size Range Rover, it makes the new Sport nimbler and more agile on the road.

The Sport will make it’s UK debut at the Royal Windsor Horse Show from May 8-12.

Ferrari’s Display Case

Ferrari is fronting up the annual Royal Institute of British Architect’s Regent Street Windows Project, in London. The project links fashion with architecture, and retail with culture to create a series of eye-catching displays.

This year the architects were asked to create an installation that would engage and surprise the shoppers and passers-by on Regent Street.

The window display, created by Gensler architects along with partners Icon and George Singer, features their interpretation of the Ferrari experience.

You can go window shopping at the Ferrari Store on Regent Street until May 6.

Infiniti Q50 On Tour

Infiniti is taking a new Q50 saloon on tour across the UK before it goes on sale this summer. Aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 premium market, it has the unique option of a petrol V6 hybrid engine, that will accelerate to 60mph in under 5.5 seconds.

Most UK buyers will opt for the 2.2-litre diesel, with super-low emissions of 115g/km and 170PS of power. Diesel versions start at £27,350. The Q50 should increase Infiniti’s profile, with sleek looks to match the performance.

Dates for the Infiniti Centre Q50 Tour 

Leeds 2-4 April

Birmingham 5-7 April

Glasgow 9-11 April

Hull 12–14 April

Reading 16–18 April

Stockport 20–22 April

Piccadilly (London) 25–27 April