2018 Citroen Dispatch Reviews

ATTRACTION often leads to seduction, and that's what Citroen is hoping its new C4 will do to buyers in the tough small car market. The latest C4, core model of the French brand, has retained much of its aero-efficient, domed look, but is slightly longer, wider and taller than before.It will initially be available in a choice of two petrol and a diesel engines, two transmissions and in three trim levels: Attraction, Seduction and Exclusive. All engines are four-pot 1.6-litres, but there's a world of difference between them.As attractive and seductive as the sexy five-door hatchback might be, this one has bucked the Citroen trend to be quirky. It's one of the more conventional cars from the innovative maker. Even the fixed-hub steering is gone in favour of a regular wheel which saves 3.0kg. And prices, which now start from $22,990, have been trimmed by up to $4000 to add to the appeal.Things start with the Attraction, which has an 88kW/160Nm petrol engine paired to a four-speed automatic.It's hi-spec for a base model, and includes ABS, EBA, ESP, traction control, six airbags, aircon, cruise control with speed limiter and remote central locking.It's one of the most affordable small autos on the market, and one of the most stylish.The Seduction, which adds foglights with cornering function, tinted glass, Bluetooth and some leather trim, can be had with the same motor, or a 115kW/240Nm turbo version or an 82kW/270Nm diesel in manual or auto. And soon also with a 'micro-hybrid' e-HDi engine and six-speed EGS electro-robotic shift.The Exclusive uses turbo-petrol, HDi or e-HDi power and six-speed manual, four-speed auto or EGS. Citroens have always been known for their comfort and all C4s get very good, supportive seats, dual-zone aircon, a comprehensive trip computer and steering wheel controls for the iPod-compatible audio and cruise control.The Exclusive has Volvo-style blind spot monitoring to warn of traffic from behind, folding mirrors with LED lights, auto-on wipers, front seats with a massaging function, climate control and customised dashboard lighting.There's a Picasso rechargeable torch in the boot which can expand from 380 to 1183litres by folding the back seats flat. Biggest boot in its class, they say. And the car runs on Michelin energy saving tyres.The petrol engines are the same BMW-designed units as used in some Peugeots, Fords and Minis and the diesel is well-proven.The oil-burner with the $1000 extra micro-hybrid drivetrain includes a stop-and-start system with regenerative braking which saves up to 15per cent fuel in city driving and helps the car achieve an open road cruising figure of 3.8litres/100km and 4.2litres/100km on average.All engines are Euro 5 compliant and the EGS transmission has an auto setting said to give better economy than a manual gearbox.We sampled an 88kW Seduction petrol manual and diesel on a squirt through one some of twisty tarmac terrain in NSW and liked the C4's road manners.Its suspension is a bit softer than the original model but it hangs on with typical panache, brakes well and its electro-assisted steering was great.Although 88kW isn't much these days, the totally revised powertain gave the car more than adequate performance  and a combined fuel figure of 6.9litres/100km.  Liked the petrol but we'd happily stump up the $2000 extra for the diesel. Sacre bleu, such torque!Attraction petrol four-speed automatic starts the range at $22,990 with Exclusive e-HDi six-speed EGS  topping it out at $32,990The C4 has the maximum five star safety rating by Euro NCAP. A sporty DS4 version of the C4 will arrive in Oz in early 2012 and a DS5 is expected mid-year. A C4 Aircross AWD SUV is due before Christmas. Every car in the Citroen range gets pared prices, better trim and equipment for 2012.

Funny buggers, us Strayans. Love to go on about what larrikin individualists we are, then we all run out and buy Mazda3s. Try going five minutes in a big city without seeing one. You can't.Which is just one reason why Citroen's second generation C4 is a tough sell: A point of difference in this most generic of segments should be welcome, but we seem not that keen on difference especially when different doesn't necessarily means better.This equation is exceptional on the face of it, less so on closer examination with $22,990 to get into the entry C4 Attraction.This buys either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto to drive an atmo 1.6-litre petrol engine. Pretty basic jigger - rear seat passengers have to wind up their windows and even in top spec there's no rear air-con vents.From $26,990 the Seduction (yes, I'm afraid so ...) adds the choice of a BMW/PSA sourced-1.6 turbo petrol or one of two diesels, and items like foglights with cornering  functions, cruise control with memory and Bluetooth. The diesel gets the robotised manual EGS transmission with stop/start.The Exclusive level brings blind spot warning, folding mirrors and auto wipers and lights.The tech highlight is the e-HDI "micro-hybrid" engine, which stores electricity and sends it back into the engine. Teamed with a new gen' stop/start system, driven via the EGS and running Michelin Energy Saver tyres, Citroen claim emissions of 109g/km Co2 and fuel use better than 4L/100km.Love to tell you how it goes, but only manuals (which almost no-one will buy) were available to test this week. In addition to that old world 4-speed auto in the stripper, all models persist with torsion beam rear suspension.Where the previous C4 was, and remains, one of the least generic five doors on the road (one which made many think about the double chevron brand for the first time), its successor is going to be altogether harder to find in a carpark - even with $1000 "Rouge Babylon" paint. Vive la indifference, you'd have to say.You get the distinct feeling Citroen's keeping its design powder dry for the next year's model rollout, featuring the coupe-like DS4, DS5 and the C4 Aircross compact SUV. On paper, at least, these have the flair we'd hoped for here.Though 380L cargo space is class-leading, passenger space is not, considerably less than a Golf or  yes - a Mazda3. Up front, though, the top spec Exclusive is a bit of a treat; a driver-oriented cockpit with intuitive and readily manipulated controls, including the cruise on a wheel that no longer revolves around a fixed hub. You can fiddle with the dash display's light colouring and intensity.Blind spot warning system comes on the Exclusive, which is a stand out in class. Rear side airbags are optional on the Attraction, which is pretty ordinary. The C4 rates five stars in European crash testing.You won't get anywhere fast in the Exclusive HDi, but you will get a long way. An introductory drive that was alternatively vigourous then traffic bound saw us use little more than 6L/100km. At highway cruising speed, we'd have made Melbourne from Sydney on what was left.Indeed, cruising is the HDi's remit; a soft sprung, rolly, (very) tall-geared device that's noisier at freeway speed than you'd like, though that's mainly from the wind. The diesel itself is not only fairly refined, but a doughty, capable unit that we're keen to see teamed with the self-shifter. Meanwhile, here's another French conversion to right-hand-drive that sets the clutch pedal maddeningly irritatingly high.It's in the driving that the C4 succeeds in standing apart. You can carp at its lack of "sporty" dynamics, but - like the bigger, luxuriantly riding C5 range - that's not what it's here for.A point of difference among the inevitable choices, we'll need to see how it rolls with an auto for a market relevant conclusion.

EXPECT the unexpected from Citroen today and you’ll be disappointed. Expect a new-wave family hatch with sensible design, startling economy and a leap forward in quality and you’ve just met the next C4.Since the 1930s, a bent towards weird automobile design and left-of-centre mechanical experiments made the world know the name Citroen. But in the 1980s, innovation and absinthe-induced engineering were ejected in favour of making a buck. And time has stood still for Citroen ever since.Now there’s a new C4 - Citroen’s bread and butter compact family hatch - which replaces the old C4 that was renown for the innovative fixed steering wheel hub. Nothing else - just the hub.I’ve been driving in France the new C4 that gets here late next month. To be honest, I was expecting a bit more than a fixed steering wheel hub. But I didn’t even get that.This is the very, very important model car that aims to assure the company will make a buck. It’s up against some heavy hitters - the Volkswagen Golf is obvious - but as an affordable European, the C4 may take a bigger bite than its rivals expect. And that’s unxpected.Don’t expect a big change in the price but expect more features. The C4 Confort (Comfort) is the entry-level version tested here, fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and a six-speed manual gearbox. Technically, it’s a simple car and I hope that’s reflected in ownership costs. Even the base model has upmarket seats, full-size spare tyre, dual-zone airconditioning, trip computer and steering wheel controls for the iPod-compatible audio and cruise control. And on that note, the audio controls are integrated into the wheel - not attached like an after thought on a box on the steering column.Think a more rounded version of the Golf and you’d be on the money. The C4 is only 50mm longer and 20mm wider than before yet cabin space feels bigger. The shape has also given it the biggest boot space in its class - 408 litres with the seats up - yet it retains a full size spare beneath the cargo floor. Why can’t other carmakers do this?It is definitely more conservative in design than its predecessor but won’t date as quick. Cabin design is almost spot on, highlighted by the attractive soft-feel dashboard. Big gauges combine a perimeter speedo encircling a digital speed readout in the centre and a conventional tacho to one side. The centre console stack is busy with switches and requires familiarity.The base model skips a sat-nav monitor and has a small digital readout for the trip meter. Upmarket models will get a different console with a big screen. Cabin room is bigger but most noticeably in rear seat room, offering Golf-size leg and headroom. All seating finds the balance between firmness for long distance driving and absorbance to cushion the body against French cobble streets.Citroen will offer Australians eight versions of the car with three engines, two petrol of 88 and 115 kW, and one diesel, the 82 kW turbo-diesel. The diesel will have a choice of two gearboxes, a six speed manual and a six speed EGS robo manual. The petrol C4 will start in the low 20s and the diesel in the mid 20s, which means lower than the outgoing car's pre-run out pricing and with better equipment. All the diesels will be e-HDi cars with the micro hybrid stop start system.Citroen has kept the car simple but introduced some fuel-saving techniques. The car is more aerodynamic than before and gets standard Michelin “energy saver’‘ tyres, gearshift indicator light (manual gearbox models) and a lower weight thanks to laser welding and lightweight materials. The green aspect is also reflected by 15 per cent of the car’s components being made of materials from sustainable sources. The engine is as simple as Simon. It’s also as common as belly buttons, shared with the Mini Cooper diesel, some small Ford cars (Fiesta included) and BMW. It’s a little ripper that is so easy on the fuel yet with gobs of low-end torque. It’s also really quiet.The C4 has recently won the maximum five star safety rating by Euro NCAP, including a score of 97 per cent in the “safety assist’’ category. It’s claimed to be the highest score for any vehicle of its type. Standard features include six airbags, ESC, emergency brake assist and hill-start assist. The test car had cornering lights which may become standard here.Is this a Citroen? It all seems so conventional that I had to pinch myself. Drive this and it’s more like a soft Golf - the tautness has been taken out by more absorbent dampers and springs but the body remains rigid. That makes this a compliant - and for a small-bore diesel, remarkably quiet - city car and for once, dips its brow to its automotive ancestors.The steering is electric but it’s a decent job that is perfect for city and suburbs and didn’t cause drama on the 130km/h autoroutes south of Paris. But all this comfort has to pinch a nerve. This time, it’s handling. The C4 - at least in this base-model guise - is a bit wallowy through the corners and taking things a bit quick will induce eyebrow-raising understeer.The C4  uses a diesel engine that’s also flogged off to other car makers - and there’s a reason why they want it. The oiler is smooth, easy to use because of its strong torque and has superb fuel economy. I ran this through France, from idling it through cities to running with the autoroute pack at 130km/h and averaged 4.8 litres/100km. That’s a range of about 1250km!The controls are easy to use - and I bet that’s the first time you’ve read that in a Citroen test - and well placed, while the driving position can be adjusted to fit pretty much any human shape.

We’re used to motor shows being the forum for stunning cars that never go into production – no matter how much we beg. And here’s one we sincerely hope follows that path. We’ll be begging for it to never see light of day. Looking like the misbegotten spawn of an affair between a piggy bank and a bread bin, the Tubik is described by Citroen as a “high-tech, high comfort, highly functional executive shuttle that is shared, intelligent, connected and eco friendly”. “More than a taxi, more flexible than a limousine and as much fun as a trip to beach. Its flexible interiors means it can carry a group of people or a single person and their luggage; the seats can fold down as a bed or swing around for a meeting; entertainment units fold from the roof and privacy is guaranteed.” Well, you wouldn’t want to be spotted in it, would you? So at least the lack of passenger windows is understandable. But that’s the only part of the appearance that makes sense. We read the press release carefully to check for OHS alerts about eyesight damage, or PG viewer rating on the level of design violence, but the French carmaker has been almost criminally negligent in assuming the Tubik is safe to unleash on an unsuspecting public. Carsguide to the rescue. You have now been warned.

These 2CVs will resurface this month at an international 2CV event. Organisers expect a record-breaking global gathering of Citroen 2CVs at the 19th International "Amis de la 2CV" (Friends of the 2CV) event on July 26-31. The gathering is expected to attract more than 6000 examples of the legendary and iconic Citroen model. Held every two years, the meeting attracts participants from all over the world who come together to celebrate one of Citroen's longest-running success stories. The 2011 event will be held on a 60-hectare site near Salbris in Central France. Four pre-war prototype 2CVs will be on show alongside the contemporary Citroen REVOLTe concept - a small, electric city car that has been inspired by the 2CV's distinctive silhouette. Originally developed in the 1930s, most of the 250 prototype 2CVs were destroyed before war. Only three were hidden to stop them falling into enemy hands. The fourth was stored by Michelin. The 2CV was finally unveiled at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, before going on to enjoy a fantastic career with 5,114,940 units sold between 1948 and 1990. Activities at the event will include a 2CV "disassemble-reassemble" competition; a bring-and-buy sale; various children's events; and the use of driving simulators.

…to rival the German trio of BMW, Benz and Audi. The Tata-owned, British-based manufacturer has a bright future according to ebullient executives, looking to new models and new segments to conquer. The CX-75 supercar unveiled last year will be tomorrow's flagship but there is talk too of a possible SUV, perhaps a wagon based on the XF and broad hints of a two-seat sports machine to revive memories of the E-Type. And with the E-Type celebrating its 50th anniversary, there were plenty of Jaguars from across the ages plus Jaguar bosses talking up the future at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. Tata Motors chief executive Carl-Peter Forster says demand for the iconic British marque is growing, thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of the Jaguar team plus financial backing from its Indian owners. Forster believes the new 2.2 litre diesel XF sedan highlights the company's resolve to find new markets and its commitment to both Jaguar and Land Rover. "We (Tata) have agreed to double the annual investment in new product over the past couple of years," Forster said at Goodwood. "Any kind of cash we generate we are pouring back into the business." Forster suggested Tata's approach, and the resultant freedom now offered the likes of designer Ian Callum, should silence those who criticised Tata's 2008 takeover of the two British marques. But while Tata would like to see Jaguar as the world's number four premium brand the push would not be about volume. "We want to be different and we can afford to be different," Forster said. "We see other premium brands caught up in a race to see who's got the highest volume which I don't find is a particular viable message to customers. "We think the good message is to make great cars, to create great cars with charisma and perhaps different to the other premium brands." He said Jaguar would be expanding its product line up, adding new powertrains plus 'some extraordinary stuff like the CX-75 because we would like to demonstrate the capability of the team'. Among the problematic advances would be creating efficient powertrains and more sustainable motoring while retaining the brand's emotions. "But the more we are working on this, the mroe confident we are that we can deliver such product," Forster said.

Quirky is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Citroen. The company has always produced cars that don't fit in the box, they have sometimes been groundbreaking and innovative, but they have always been challenging.Rusted-on Citroen buyers revel in the quirkiness of their cars, they celebrate the things that separate them from the mundane pack. For others not so committed to the brand and being different, buying a Citroen is a leap of faith. It's particularly so when it comes to peoplemovers, which are dominated by the big Japanese brands.The C4 Picasso is a seven-seater peoplemover based on the mid-sized, front-wheel drive C4 hatch. Unusually for a Citroen its looks aren't challenging.DESIGNThe Picasso is a sleek, attractive vehicle, particularly in its class, which pretty much determines what it will look like.It's inside that the Picasso comes alive with a mix and match cabin layout that can be adjusted to carry pretty much anything you want, from seven people, to oodles of sports gear, camping equipment, even a spot of cargo if the need demands.There is also a large array of features to get used to, from a second rear view mirror to keep track of the kids out back, an in-dash chiller bin, a plug-in torch in the boot, picnic tables, power points, heaps of storage options, and even drop-down sunshades to cut the glare from the sweeping windscreen.You also need to get used to the steering wheel that twirls around a stationary centre boss, a tiny gearshift in the steering column, and the automatic park brake.If quirky is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Citroen then comfort must surely be the next. Citroens have always been supremely comfortable, in seating and in ride, and the C4 Picasso is similarly so. The ride is supple, the seats plush.TECHNOLOGYThe engine choices were a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that boasted 103kW and 200Nm that delivered reasonable if not scintillating performance, and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 100 kW and 270 Nm that gave great fuel economy.DRIVINGOut on the road the C4 Picasso rides comfortably and shows good performance, but isn't the greatest handling car around. For those concerned about visibility and being able to see out of a car the Picasso is great with very good all-round visibility.IN THE SHOPCitroens are not exactly thick on the ground in this country so there isn't a lot of accumulated data about them. Generally they are well built and that seems to stand them in good stead, but buying one is a leap of faith. The other issue is that dealers aren't located on every street corner, so it's worth working out where you will have it serviced and repaired should you buy one.IN A CRASHFive stars from ANCAP is suggestion enough to tell you the C4 Picasso is a safety leader. Not surprising given that it came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety goodies, from front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control.UNDER THE PUMPUnder test by CarsGuide the C4 Picasso diesel averaged 8.4L/100km, well above the claimed average of 7.4L/100km, but still impressive given the size and shape of the beast. The petrol version was claimed to average 8.9L/100km on the recommended 95-octane Premium unleaded. To save a few bucks Citroen says you can use E10 ethanol blend fuel.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $39,990 to $48,990Engines: 2.0-litre petrol, 103 kW/200 Nm; 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 100 kW/270 Nm.Transmission: 4-speed auto (petrol), 6-speed auto (diesel); front- wheel drive.Economy: 8.9 L/100 km (petrol), 7.4 L/100 km (diesel)Body: seven-seat peoplemoverVariants: Base and ExclusiveSafety: 5-star ANCAPExpect to pay: $20,000 to $25,500 for the base petrol model; $22,500 to $28,500 for the diesel; add $2000 to $2500 for the Exclusive.VERDICTNot as good as the Tarago, but has a great cabin with lots of useful features for the family. Definitely worth a look.

The vehicles are ranked out of five stars, with five being the highest rating. None score five stars.The vehicles with a FOUR star rating are:1. Volkswagen Golf (Hatch and Wagon) Oct 2010.2. Citroen C4 Picasso (4 door wagon) May 2007.The vehicles with a ONE star rating are:1. Citroen C3 (5 door hatch) Nov 20102. Honda City (Sedan) Feb 20093. Hyundai i20 (Hatch) Oct 2010peMitsubishi Colt (5 door hatch) Jun 20104. Proton S16 (Sedan) Apr 2010 Proton Savvy (5 door hatch) Apr 20065. Suzuki Alto (5 door hatch) Jul 2009 Citroen DS3 (3 door hatch) Sep 20106. Lexus CT 200h (5 door hatch) Feb 20117. Suzuki SX4 (Sedan and Hatch) Sep 20078. Toyota Prius (5 door hatch) Jul 20099. Peugeot 407 (Sedan and Wagon) Mar 200610. Suzuki Kizashi (Sedan) Aug 201011. Chrysler 300C (Sedan) Mar 200812. Holden Commodore (Sedan and Sportwagon) Sep 201013. Honda Accord (Sedan) Feb 200814. Honda Odyssey (4 door wagon) Apr 200915. Kia Grand Carnival (4 door wagon) Jun 201016. Mercedes-Benz Viano (4 door wagon) Feb 201017. Audi Q7 (4 door wagon) Jul 200718. Great Wall Motors X240 (4 door wagon)Oct 200919. Mazda CX-7 (4 door wagon) Jul 200720. Mitsubishi Pajero (4 door wagon) Jul 200521. Nissan Pathfinder (4 door wagon) Jul 200522. Peugeot 4007 (4 door wagon) Oct 200923. Ssangyong Kyron (4 door wagon) Apr 200924. Ssangyong Rexton II (4 door wagon) Jul 201025. Suzuki SX4 (5 door hatch) Sep 2007 HSV (All models, Sedan and Sportwagon) Feb 201026. Peugeot 308 CC (2 door cabriolet) Feb 201127. Peugeot 407 (2 door coupe) Mar 200628. Alfa Romeo 159 (Sedan and Wagon) Jan 200929. Audi A8 (Sedan) Sep 201030. Holden Caprice (Sedan) Sep 201031. Honda Legend (Sedan) Aug 200832. Holden Commodore Utility Sep 2010 HSV33. Maloo (Utility) Feb 201034. Fiat Scudo (Van) Apr 200835. Mercedes Benz Vito (Van) Feb 201136. Toyota HiAce (Van) Oct 2007

It's the first full electric car to get the maximum safety score, although a range of petrol-electric hybrids, including the Toyota Camry, which has just moved up in local testing, have managed a five

And each week it seems the fuel price sign goes up faster than a politician's pay packet. Australians use a vast amount of fuel in going about their daily business, be it getting the kids to school, travelling to and from work, or conducting the nation's business.Each year we import an ocean of petrol, diesel and LPG that's equivalent to 63,000 Olympic swimming pools. And we're not alone, as the vast populations of newly mobile countries such as India and China take to the roads in their Tatas, Great Walls and Cherys, the world's thirst for oil seems ever more insatiable.Overlay this with war and unrest in the Middle East, the source of 56 per cent of the world's oil, and the inevitable push-pull dynamics of supply and demand can lean to only one thing: higher fuel prices.Here in Australia motorists have been feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices since January when the latest spike in oil prices first began appearing on service station leader boards.The spiralling petrol prices mean fuelling a family car like a Commodore or Falcon now accounts for 2.6 per cent of average weekly earnings. But you don't have to sit back and take it in the hip pocket. There are ways to drive down your weekly fuel bills. Here are a few of them.DOWNSIZING According to VFACTS industry statistics, this seems the most popular choice. Large cars have gone from the top-selling passenger segment in 2000 with 198,766 to the smallest passenger segment last year with 98,583 and falling at 3.1 per cent.Meanwhile, sales of smaller cars are skyrocketing. In the past 10 years small car sales have almost doubled to 239,191 while light cars have increased about 44 per cent to 137,916. You can buy a small car from as little as $11,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Chinese-made Chery, right up $35,990 for a Citroen DS3.And you won't go without. Some of the cheapest little cars these days come with a swag of safety and creature features from multiple airbags to Bluetooth connectivity.PROS: Save on fuel; do the environment a favour; easier to park; nippier in traffic; little hatches can be cavernous if you fold down the rear seats.CONS: You get cramped on long journeys; they are noisier on the highway; they're bumpier over potholes; you could feel a little silly driving a Smurf car.Our Pick: Hyundai i20 (from $15,490) is set to take over from Getz as the segment leader with Euro styling and a high level of features and safety.Others to Consider: Suzuki Swift (from $15,990), Mazda2 (from $15,790) and Toyota Yaris (from $14,990).DIESEL Like smaller car categories, the growth in diesel-powered vehicles is exponential. Since the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries began collating separate figures for various fuel types in 2005, diesel cars and SUVs have more than doubled to 125,555 last year, which is almost one in every five new passenger cars or SUVs bought today.The reason is that modern diesel engines are not only up to twice as frugal as a petrol vehicle, but they often have lower emissions because they burn less fuel per kilometre and usually have an exhaust system that traps small carbon materials.Modern diesels are also quieter and smoother running. However, diesel engines have higher internal pressures and a complex fuel system so they are more expensive to build than a petrol engine. Some car companies charge up to $10,000 more for a diesel variant, although most charge around an extra $2000.Expensive diesels are often the result of low production volumes and highly technological designs and machining costs. To reap the economic benefits you have to drive big kilometres each year and hold on to the vehicle longer.An extreme example is the Holden CD Cruze auto diesel that costs $4000 more than the petrol model. Based on RACQ's fuel running costs of 9.36c/km for the petrol and 8.41c/km for the diesel, you would have to drive 25,000km for 16 years to recoup the extra cost.PROS: Fuel economy is anywhere between 10-50 per cent better than a petrol equivalent; more torque means quicker acceleration and easier driving around town; better towing capacity; marginally better resale value; lower CO2 emissions per kilometre; diesel engines often last longer because of the more robust engineering.CONS: Fewer diesel pumps on servo forecourts means queuing at the servo; oily bowser pumps leave your hands smelly and dirty; the engines still clatter at idle and sound raucous at full revs; it takes a long time to reap the economic benefits; servicing charges can also be more expensive because of the more expensive oils required and the complicated fuel systems.Our Pick: Fiesta ECOnetic (from $24,990) is a hybrid beater even in stop-start commuting, yet it's a delight to drive.Others to Consider: Hyundai i30 (from $23,090), VW Golf (from $29,990), Subaru Forester (from $35,990).LPG It's almost worth it to convert your petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG just to get the $1500 Federal government subsidy. But you better be quick because the conversion rebate drops to $1250 from July 1 and decreases $250 annually. All rebates and subsidies are only for private vehicles.Conversions cost an average of $2800 for pre-2006 vehicles, but about $4000 for newer vehicles because of emissions regulations. If you buy a vehicle factory fitted for LPG before its first registration, you get a $2000 rebate from the Feds.However, choices of new vehicles with factory fitted LPG systems are limited. Ford has a new LPG Falcon coming in July and has factory-fitted systems for some of its utes. Holden has an Autogas dual-fuel injection system for its Commodore and will have a mono-fuel LPG Commodore later this year.Toyota has a direct injection LPG system for its 2.7-litre HiAce vans and Mitsubishi has an aftermarket sequential multi-port direct-injection system for its Challenger, Express Van, Pajero, Triton and the now defunct 380.PROS: Much cheaper fuel (about 60c compared with $140+ for ULP); government subsidies make conversion attractive; LPG prices are fairly static so you don't have to fill up on a Tuesday morning when servo prices are cheapest; lower emissions.CONS: Limited choice of new dual-fuel vehicles; only suitable for large vehicles; you lose boot space; even though they are safe they can develop minor smelly leaks; they add about 75kg (about the weight of two large suitcases) to the rear of the car effecting handling; it can be difficult finding servos with LPG in rural areas.HYBRID These are vehicles with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines paired with an electric motor or motors. The drivetrain and associated battery pack for the electric motor is more complex so therefore more costly. Like diesels, you need to do big kays before the savings at the bowser recoup the extra purchase price.For example, a Toyota Prius costs about $2500 more than a Corolla Ultima. Using RACQ's running costs, the fuel savings will take 4 years at 15,000km a year (or 2.5 years at 25,000km/year) to recoup the extra purchase price.Most hybrids switch off totally every time you stop and run on electric power only when you are driving slowly, so they are most economical in heavy traffic. The benefits are marginal on country roads and highways, although when both drive units are operating under heavy acceleration such as when overtaking, they do offer a tangible boost to acceleration.Despite the fact the technology has been around for 10 years, Hybrids are still relatively new. Today, there are 10 hybrid models on the market, but only the Toyota Prius, Camry, Honda Insight and Civic are affordable.Hybrids tend to be bought mainly by governments and big business to emphasise their green credentials. Taxi companies also like hybrids because of their fuel efficiency in urban environments. If you're open to the idea of a used vehicle, then a second-hand Prius or similar is a reasonable option.PROS: Cheaper to run in traffic; feel and be seen to be environmentally conscious; extra power under heavy acceleration; almost silent running when on electric only power.CONS: Higher purchase price; the number of models is limited but you can choose from a small Prius to a large Porsche Cayenne SUV; some look odd like the Prius and Insight.Our Pick: Toyota Prius (from $39,900) and the Honda Insight (from $29,990) at least look like futuristic hybrids, so your neighbours will know you are trying to be green.Others to consider: Honda Civic (from $34,490), Toyota Camry (from $36,990)ELECTRIC CARSThe only production electric cars in Australia are the Tesla Roadster at $241,938 and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV which is available only on a lease of $1740 a month for three years for a total of $62,640. Then the car goes back to Mitsubishi. When it arrives it is expected to cost $70,000.However, prices will come crashing down in the next few years as more and more EVs become available in Australia. The first of these will be the Nissan Leaf and Holden Volt next year.The Volt is expected to cost less than $40,000 and Nissan is saying the Leaf will cost about the same to run as a Tiida, even though initial outlay will probably be close to the Volt. While tailpipe emissions are zero, most electricity in Australia comes from burning dirty coal, so the environmental advantage is reduced.Some critics say there is no advantage. Current limitations of battery technology mean range is also limited to about 160km according to the car companies, but in real life it's less, especially if you have a lead foot.PROS: Very cheap to run; no tailpipe emissions; almost silent running; aerodynamic body shapes.CONS: Expensive to buy - that's if you can find one to buy; silent running can be dangerous for pedestrians; battery disposal is an environmental issue; range is limited; long re-charging time (up to eight hours); most EVs are designed to look futuristic but just end up looking like golf carts.DRIVE ECONOMICALLYOf all the things you can do to drive down your fuel bill, this is the most pragmatic as it's the simplest and most affordable. It can be expensive to swap your trusted and much-loved family car or SUV for something smaller or with an alternative powertrain.Trade-in prices on family cars are down according to the Motor Trades Association and if you buy a new car, you are up for dealer delivery charges, stamp duty and registration. It may be cheaper to hang on to your vehicle, but modify your driving behaviour for more economical running.There are many simple things you can do: Plan trips better and make fewer trips; jettison excess weight from the car; correctly inflate your tyres and get your car serviced more frequently.Most importantly you can vary your driving behaviour by slowing down, changing up the gears sooner, avoiding heavy breaking and staying away from peak-hour traffic. You may have heard these all before, but here are five radical ideas to reducing your fuel expense burden that you may not have heard.1. Cool idea: Turning off the airconditioning will provide a slight increase in fuel economy. However, when travelling on the highway, it is more fuel efficient to have the windows up and aircon switched on than having the windows down creating aerodynamic drag. Don't leave the aircon off for long periods as bacteria will build up in the system.2. Light is right: So throw out not only the unnecessary baggage such as your golf clubs, but maybe also the spare tyre. It can weigh 15-20kg in the average car. The US Department of Energy quotes fuel use as 1-2 per cent for every 45.5kg, so that's at least 0.5 per cent saved. Conversely, NRMA tests show that loading a vehicle to its rated maximum increases fuel consumption 24 per cent. While you might be able to get away without a spare tyre around town, we recommend you always carry it on long trips, especially in the country.3. Turned off: Switch off the engine at long traffic light stops. Modern fuel-injected cars start quickly without the need for any throttle. Car makers with stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine every time the car is stopped quote fuel savings in traffic of 4-5 per cent.4. Just cruising: Use cruise control more frequently. Most cruise control systems actually put the car's engine into an economy mode and will run more efficiently than most drivers can drive as it accelerates more evenly. It is best used on the open road and not hilly terrain or stop-start conditions. While we could not find any official figures, some sources claim fuel savings up to 14 per cent.5. Re-tyre: the next time you buy tyres, choose from the new range of "eco" tyres with low rolling resistance. A California Energy Commission study estimated low-rolling resistance tyres could save 1.5-4.5 per cent on fuel consumption.