A hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class looks set to be revealed later this year.

A 3.5 litre V6 engine combined with an electric motor will produce 300 bhp, with a fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon. It will reach 60mph in 7.5 seconds and is expected to cost around  £70,000.Meanwhile a diesel version will be powered by a 2.2 litre four cylinder engine and Mercedes’ Bluetec technology. It is reported to be capable of returning 40 miles per gallon. The award winning Bluetec system significantly reduces the nitrogen oxide emissions of diesel engines and will allow the cars to comply with all upcoming European emissions standards. Lexus recently produced a hybrid model in the shape of the LS600h and the S-Class is intended to rival it in the luxury hybrid market. Both versions are expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September, eventually arriving as 2009 models.

Figures released by the Department for Transport have shown that casualties on

Despite the positive figures, though, the

Top of the table was

The report points to improved speed management as the key factor, stating that on average a 1% reduction in the mean speed of traffic leads to a 4% reduction in deaths. The

Professor Richard Allsop, Chairman of the Road Safety PIN which produced the report, said: “The PIN rankings show that some countries are good in one area, others in another.

Vauxhall is to release an SRi edition of the Corsa in September.The model will be available in three-door and five-door versions and is expected to cost around £13,500 with a petrol engine or £14,200 for the diesel edition. The 1.6 litre petrol engine will produce 148bhp, taking the Corsa SRi to 60mph in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 130mph. The diesel version will feature a 1.7 litre engine and will have a top speed of 121mph, reaching 60mph in 9.3 seconds.

Vauxhall has made the car sportier by lowering the chassis and adding front and tailgate spoilers. Other additions include 17 inch alloy wheels, chrome sports exhaust pipe and sports seats.Orders will be taken from June 23. Meanwhile Vauxhall are offering incentives for customers who scrap their ‘old bangers’ in exchange for their most fuel-efficient models. £1000 will be offered in order to reduce the number of heavily polluting vehicles on the roads. 

The low emissions cars included in the scheme are the Corsa 1.0 and 1.3 CDTi, Meriva 1.4 and 1.3 CDTi, Astra 1.4 and 1.3 CDTi, and Zafira 1.6 and 1.9 CDTi 120bhp.