13 Sep 07
The Corsa Hybrid features starter-generator stop-start technology and a 75bhp 1.3 CDTi diesel engine, and is said to be good for emissions of just 95g/km and 75.3mpg. The engine shuts down when the car is idling, firing up again automatically when the brake pedal is released, and the electric motor provides extra torque for acceleration. Energy gathered under regenerative braking is stored in a lithium-ion battery, but as a 'mild' hybrid it cannot run in electric-only mode.
While the Corsa Hybrid is not yet available to buy, the Corsa 1.3 CDTi Ecoflex soon will be. Producing just 119g/km and returning 62.8mpg, it heads the Vauxhall-Opel Ecoflex line-up, consisting of the lowest-emissions model of each range, displayed in Frankfurt with green paint and a green-trimmed interior just to drum the eco-message home.
Ecoflex variants of the Meriva and Astra, both with the 1.3 CDTi engine, go on sale at the end of this year. These have a green sector to their rev counter, indicating the ideal rev range for economical driving, and green and turquoise detailing to their upholstery and interior trim.
Also on display at Frankfurt is the Vectra Flexpower, with the E85 bioethanol-compatible 2.0-litre turbo engine from the Saab Biopower models.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
