After a while, we get into a certain mindset with our cars. This mindset is we don’t mind paying a certain amount based on the type of driving style that we have – and indeed what kind of car we drive. Let me remind you at this point that Top Gear showed very clearly that a Toyota Prius pushed to the limit on a track actually proved to be far less economical that a BMW M3. The reason? The M3 was relatively relaxed flying round the track on the tail of the puny Toyota.
I’m still convinced that unless you’re an eco-warrior or you’re lucky enough to be able to buy a new, economical car, you aren’t likely to go changing your driving style to something that resembles green driving. Remember, this is a very particular skill – and is not one that lends itself to the modern day hussle and bustle.
So what’s the solution then? Frankly, I’m not convinced at all that there is one. In fact, I feel like we’re living in a time of transition. Things are moving in a very different direction than they were, with economy and the environment being all. I, however, won’t go down without a fight. My next car will have a big engine or something 2 litre and turbocharged…
I think that people don’t care about the environment as much as they care about their wallets.
Taxes and fuel prices will eventually prise V8’s out of the hands of all but the hardest of hardcore drivers.
Plus it seems increased taxing of manufacturers and drivers of uneconomical and high emissions vehicles along with funding of more economical and cleaner technologies will be the way forward.
But thanks to all those government bonds and guaranteed loans, we can all afford to by a new car, right?
Hi Ian,
Good point – to that end, it effectively means we’re completely stuck with the more polluting motors we’ve got. In saying that, I’m tempted to go with the V8 option myself if I can get into one! I’ll hold onto it for as long as I can until the government makes it impossible to do so through incredibly unreasonable taxation (ironically, I probably do far less miles than average anyway).
Is driving in an environmentally friendly style a “particular skill”? Roadcraft is simply a matter of anticipation and awareness. It is these skills that help ttraffic flow and so reduce congestion, the real economy destroyer. Equally shedding weight from your car is easy annd why fill up with fuel everytime. it is the supermarkets 5p off promotions that encourage us to squirt every last drop into our cars. We should take a leaf out of the F! teams books
Cool bananas