Is diesel/electric Hybrid the way we all want to go given a choice?

If you drive a company car you definitely need to read this to the end...

There's nothing political about what I'm saying here, its merely my own observation on a certain subject because like a lot of people, I lament this lunatic 'war on diesel' that seems to have pervaded the corridors of 'Government' and a few ill-run councils so far.

If you want to be cynical, first, for years everyone gets told to go diesel ( and there's no arguing with the phenomenal economy and low emissions of diesels nowadays) only for a sustained campaign of mis and dis-information to be put out there by a following 'Government' about cleanliness - then, oh what a surprise, this is now used as an excuse to tax everyone more.

Full and mild hybrids do make sense. Lets face it, the technology trickle-down from F1 over the years has been amazing. The most practical seem to be the mild hybrids that 'self charge' and give that bit of assistance when needed. Then there's the full hybrids that can run as a full EV, some of these are self charging and some need a bit of 'plugging in'.

Mercedes Benz have come up with something I personally feel is right on target!

How about the grunt and economy of your beloved diesel combined with a hybrid ability for over 302hp, 700nm of torque, CO2 emissions in the 38 and 42g/km range, AND the ability to hoof along at up to 80mph for a fairly normal commute distance of up to 35 miles as a full EV.*

Heck, whats not to absolutely love about that?

Next question ...... how much?

The new C300de AMG Line Edition 9 Gear auto Estate on a 9+47 10kpa personal lease come is in at ￡449pcm including VAT **and road tax. Not cheap on the face of it, but not mad. Certainly a contender for a high spec family estate that can get around most of these LEZ charges that have appeared and are due to appear like a rash in a city near you soon.

If you are on a company car scheme and are fed up with HMRC ravaging your tax code, read on ......

I deal with a lot of people opting out of company car schemes because the BIK is crippling. Often the employer doesn't offer enough car allowance as an opt-out to allow you to get a similar car (seen a LOT of stingy allowances, as well as some stellar ones) so its Catch-22.

Well, maybe you missed it, but with CO2 emissions in the 38 to 42g/km range, this will reduce the effect of HMRCs grabbing hands, at least in the short to medium term as those emissions are the less than a roller skate!

I'm always happy to advise on personal or company cars, vans and pickups, from the best of the new tech to what might be the most efficient way to finance something through your business.

Mercedes haven't made much of a song and dance about this, so I hope this has been helpful and let you know that there are more options out there than ever before, pick the right one and it could save you a packet.

Have a great day.

John O'Neill

New Vehicles Direct

0800 999 5775

*Credit to Autoexpress

"There’s the C 300 e on the way if you want petrol, but here we’re trying the diesel, which is badged C300de. It mixes the brand’s latest four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 302bhp and a not-inconsiderable 700Nm of torque.

That’s enough, Mercedes claims, for a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph, although perhaps more significantly, the C 300 de can also travel at more than 80mph on electric power alone, and for up to 35 miles without using the combustion engine at all. This helps the car to achieve some pretty stellar efficiency figures, of course, with official CO2 emissions of between 38 and 42g/km"

** Personal Contract hire, solid paint, customer maintained. C300de AMG Line Edition 9G Tronic Estate. You will not won the car. Subject to terms and conditions.

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