24 Jul 08
1. Renault Megane RenaultSport R26 R
Everyone likes a bit of uncompromising brute force every now and then and when you look directly down the nose of the Megane RenaultSport R26 R you are in no doubt about what this thing is about: raw speed.
And here's a bald fact to illustrate the point: the R26 R has set a record as the fastest front-wheel-drive production car round the Nurburgring (claims Renault) lapping in an impressive 8 minutes, 17 seconds (figures now etched into the side windows).
It's hideously powerful and 123kg lighter than the 'standard' Megane RenaultSport 230 R26. Renaultsport have taken everything out to achieve the weight savings: there's a stripped-out two-seat interior, carbon-fibre bonnet, polycarbonate windows and tailgate glass and all the airbags bar the driver's have been deleted. Don't expect any creature comforts either: there's no climate control, only basic air con system remains.
2. Ford Fiesta Econetic
Forget the Ferraris, Aston Martins, Spykers and Bentleys: this is far more relevant to most show-goers. For the non-celebrities among us, the new-generation Fiesta is a nice-looking little car, and this version has the trump card of truly excellent fuel economy and low emissions.
Featuring the Ford-PSA 90bhp 1.6 TDCi diesel engine, this Econetic model has extra-aerodynamic body detailing, lowered suspension, low rolling-resistance tyres and low-friction oil. The results? How about 76.3mpg? And with carbon dioxide emissions of just 98g/km, it qualifies for the no-charge tax Band A, too.
It's a real-world 'green' car for real people, and in truth, we're more excited by it than the sported-up Fiesta Zetec S.
