cost, the second option is the best. * Mercedes has just announced a price for its 65.7mpg (Combined) E300 BlueTEC Hybrid diesel -- it starts at 39,645. Because it's new to the British market this year, don't expect to secure one any cheaper. Alternatively, go for the 54.4mpg E220 CDI BlueEfficiency at under 30,000 after an easily achievable discount. Better still, the 68.9mpg VW Passat 1.6 TDI Bluemotion is just 20,600 pre-discount, and nearer 19,000 after a bit of haggling. Like the new Merc, the VW is a large car, yet it's only half the price and has the additional bonus of lower annual fuel bills. Refuelling need only occur about once a month thanks to its 1,000-miles-plus range. I've yet to see or drive a hybrid that makes more financial sense than a conventional (and considerably cheaper) diesel. The Merc will, I fear, be the latest in a growing line of hybrids (for three more see page 13) that aren't as sensibly priced or fuel efficient as they should be. * Drivers of privately owned Saabs are being offered free MoT tests at Saab Authorised Service Centres in Britain. There's only one condition: owners have to pay for an oil or annual service, but that's not unreasonable. Fixed-price servicing starts at 129 and only factory-trained technicians are employed.