Gas guzzlers 'go green'

Women's car insurance customers with a green conscience may be pleased to hear traditionally gas guzzling 4X4s have had an eco-friendly makeover, according to a motoring expert.

Vehicle valuation service HPI suggests improvements to the engines of so-called Chelsea tractors mean they produce far less pollution than their older counterparts.

With used car prices in this sector beginning to rise, the firm suggests buyers are better off investing now than later.

Martin Keighley, the organisation's valuations expert, said the 4X4 market has been "slated" by eco campaigners in recent months.

"However, prior to this demonisation, the 4x4 provided a reliable and bold-looking alternative to the people carrier, catering for both families and the style conscious alike," he noted.

Mr Keighley suggested that with the advent of new, greener models, car owners can now purchase one of the vehicles without it weighing on their conscience.

"As a result, demand for this sector is rising along with values, so buyers looking to own one shouldn’t leave it very long," he added.

HPI recommends the BMW X6, Land Rover Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport as models that will retain their value.

In terms of monthly depreciation, the firm advises customers the Land Rover is the best performer overall, although it admitted 4X4s can lose their value faster than other types of car.

Female car insurance customers interested in making a new purchase can buy the Discovery 4 for around £31,995, with the standard specification offering a new LR-TDV6 3.0 Advanced Sequential Turbo Diesel engine.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group