6:13 PM
Joining the mainstream manufacturers' 'green' brands BlueMotion, Econetic, Greenline and Ecofuel is Proton's new ecoLogic name, which initially is being applied to a pair of dual-fuel models.
Available as either a hatchback or saloon, the GEN-2 ecoLogic can run on either unleaded petrol or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and thanks to the factory fitment of the LPG system the cars are backed up by a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty and free RAC cover for three years.
Though an aftermarket LPG conversion can cost well in excess of £1,000, the ecoLogic GEN-2 retails at the same price as the regular petrol-powered version, so savings are to be had immediately. LPG is currently only 58p per litre and though fuel consumption while running on the fuel is higher, it is estimated that motorists can save 40% on their fuel costs. Over 10,000 miles that's an approximate saving of £500.
Along with reduced costs LPG drivers can boast that they are being much friendlier to the environment, with lower emissions and the production of the fuel is actually a by-product of the extracting and refinement of crude oil.
Differences marking the ecoLogic car out are small. There is an extra (colour-coded) fuel filler for the LPG and the interior features a switch to change the fuel gauge display from petrol to LPG.
The GEN-2 ecoLogic is on sale now.
