Ready, steady, Eco!

MAY 21, 2008

There’s something for kids of all ages at the Eden Project this half-term as it opens its doors to The Co-operative Insurance Eden Sexy Green Car Show from May 23-31.

As well as seeing the shiniest, newest eco-friendly models, families visiting this year’s car show can dip in and out of a whole package of activities.

Both parents and children can burn off all that extra energy on Racing Green, the world’s first pedal-powered racetrack – and learn about alternatives to fossil fuels at the same time.

Hooked up to exercise bikes, the giant six-lane track runs on people power alone, so the harder the adults pedal, the faster their child’s remote-controlled car goes. The winner can enjoy their moment of glory on a Formula 1 replica podium – a perfect photo opportunity.

Then there’s the Green Car Trail quiz that takes children deep into the rainforest to discover the fascinating links between exotic plants and the cars they travel in every day.

They’ll learn how cashew nuts are a key ingredient in greener brake pads, that oranges can power cars, and that flax fibres can strengthen body panels. It’s an ideal way to send them on a fast track around the Biomes – with the chance to win a great prize.

Emma-Jayne Rothwell, Eden’s Racing Green Project Manager, said: “While mum and dad are getting into the lean, green machines on display, we’ve laid on a whole range of fun activities for kids – all with an educational twist.

“And if cars aren’t up their street, there are plenty of levers to pull, buttons to press and animations to watch around the site, too.”

Eden and The Co-operative Insurance are building on the success of last year’s first-ever Sexy Green Car Show by having more vehicles on display in 2008 - and by testing their green credentials at what is normally a car-free zone. Among the major manufacturers showing off their latest low-emission cars will be Citroen, Honda, Peugeot, Saab, Fiat, Volkswagen, Seat and Ford.

The launch heralds an exciting time for many of the car manufactures including the launch of a brand new small family car which its makers say will be the most sustainable car on the road. British company Axon Automotive will be launching this yet-to-be-named hatchback at the show.

Other highlights include famous company Lotus, showing for the first time their head-turning Exige 270E Tri-Fuel eco-sports car. The car has a top speed of 158 mph and does 0-60 mph in 3.88 seconds, yet runs on petrol, bioethanol or methanol, and its appearance at Eden will be its British car show debut.

Ford are also raising the stakes with the debut of the most eco-friendly version of their best selling Focus, the ECOnectic. With a 1.6-litre diesel engine, the car produces 115g of CO2 per kilometre and boasts fuel economy of almost 66 miles per gallon. The environmental impact of the car's production is also reduced as its engine is assembled at Ford's wind-powered Dagenham Diesel Centre.

Families get a discounted entry fee to The Co-operative Insurance Sexy Green Car Show, which includes free participation in the kids’ activities.