Small petrol engines 'greener than ever'

Date: 17/5/2011

Vehicles with smaller petrol engines offer owners the benefits of increased performance and more miles to the gallon, new research finds.

According to car price firm CAP, advances in motor technology are helping people to avoid the impact of increasing fuel costs, while also reducing their emissions.

It notes that in the last eight years, the size of the engine in a small family car has reduced by four per cent, yet power output has increased 12 per cent.

Furthermore, combined cycle fuel consumption has risen by 16 per cent, while an 18 per cent reduction in carbon output has been witnessed since 2003.

David Saville, Manager of CAP's New Vehicle Data department, says: "The automotive industry has made massive strides in improving the efficiency of engines and this is paying dividends for hard-pressed motorists who need more than ever to keep spiralling fuel costs in check."

And it appears more drivers are also on the lookout for greener cars, as research by Carmony.co.uk recently showed a 32 per cent increase in queries relating to petrol-electric hybrid vehicles.

Posted by Nick Anderson