SEAT UNVEILS ITS FIRST SUV:Seat has revealed images of its first SUV - the Altea Freetrack. Based on the concept vehicle shown at the Geneva motor show, the new mid-size SUV is based on the Altea XL and comes with a proper four-wheel-drive system - the same system used by sister company Skoda in its Octavia Scout.
The Freetrack has 40mm of extra ground clearance, which should mean it will be capable of dealing with more than just a gravel path. Engine options will feature a 2-litre 197bhp TFSI turbocharged petrol engine or a 168bhp 2-litre turbodiesel. The new SUV will go on sale later this summer.
NEW SYSTEM FOR TOLLS:
A new system that allows motorists to use and pay for all toll roads using a single windscreen-mounted electronic tag has been launched, writes Daniel Attwood.
The launch of eTrip comes midway through a trial of interoperability by the National Roads Authority (NRA), which will end within a fortnight.
Interoperability means that motorists can use a single electronic tag fixed to the inside of their vehicle's windscreen on all Irish toll roads including the M50 West-link, East-link, Dublin Port Tunnel and tolls on the M4, M1 and M8. Motorists who subscribe to eTrip can expect to pay about 50 cent per month to cover administrative costs and an additional 50 cent if they decide to rent the tag rather than purchase one for €30.
AN IMPERIAL CONCEPT:
Chrysler may give the green light to a production version of its Imperial concept car.
Various media reports claim a decision is imminent on the future of the Imperial and it will act as the flagship for the brand under new ownership.
'LOW EMISSIONS' AD BROKE RULES:
An advert for a 4x4 car broke advertising rules by claiming the vehicle had "low emissions", the British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled.
The headline on a Lexus ad for its RX hybrid said: "High performance. Low emissions. Zero guilt".
Further description claimed it had "category-leading low CO2 emissions" at 192g/km.
The ASA ruled that the advert implied the car's emission rate was low compared to all other cars, not just other SUVs.