I recently read that a Japanese company called Genepax had developed an engine that extracts hydrogen from water and via an energy generator that converts, or releases electrons, finally producing electricity to run the car.

Even more arrestingly interesting is the fact that this vehicle requires no battery to store or to provide the electric current and will run for about an hour on just a litre of water.

I’m neither a ‘spring chicken’ nor a physicist and have no real belief in this sort of ‘magic formula’ that may one day power our vehicles when the oil we use today is totally used up. That at least is the reality. Oil, even from Libya, is a finite resource and all reserves will, probably in the lifetime of today’s children, be used up.

I do remember getting most excited at the launch of the ‘A’ Class Mercedes to learn that the space between the two floor-pans was suitable for hydrogen cells in order that this model could be powered by a hydrogen motor.

The hydrogen dream of an emission-free car has become something of a reality with the Honda FCX Clarity and the Mercedes B-Class as described by fellow correspondent IainDooley (pages 4-5).

The electric motor running from the hydrogen produced in the fuel cell is claimed to be three times more fuel-efficient than a conventional vehicle. The Clarity’s acceleration and performance are equivalent to a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a range of 380 km and looking at a poor quality print that came to hand the Clarity is a rather pleasant conventional coupe. Good luck Honda.

Cycling is safe

With the weather in Malta being so warm, I envy people young enough to grab a bike and pedal off to the beach or shops.

There are scary accounts about the dangers of cycling and the uncaring motorist hell-bent on driving cyclists off the road. Poppycock!

If cyclists read the Highway Code and plug along in single file instead of riding three or four abreast, the vast majority will cycle for years without a frightening moment.

Aston goes mini

Some of our readers will have heard of the name ‘Aston Martin’, not Austin Martin. The firm, so named after the Aston Clinton hill climb andLionel Martin, the brains behind the original cars, concentrated on engines of under 1,500 cc until 1936, when they went up a notch to 1998 cc or there about. Until recently Astons had massive engines in large cars, somewhat difficult to park easily in city centres.

So, ever innovative, Astons used a Toyota iQ as the base for a city car, using the 1.33 litre engine that develops a decent 97 bhp, with a modified bonnet and Aston grill with inside leather and plush carpets, comfortable couches and, hey presto, a great town car is born.

A distinctive Aston Martin grill and badge, along with a sportier bonnet and proper wheels all go to make the Cygnet a rather nice second car to own, especially if you are a fan of the marque.

The DBS and DBS V8 from the 70s are the cheapest ‘Classic’ Astons to purchase, however, rust creeps into all the lower sections.

Spares are excellent and good specialist firms helpful, but it’s probably essential to join the exclusive Aston Martin Owners Club before spending large sums from back street traders.

The British media has recently made much of the fact that British drivers will not normally be prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit by 10 per cent-plus and they will not face a fine or lose penalty points if they drive at up to 86 mph in 70 mph limits, providing they accept the option of spending money and undergoing a speed awareness course.

There is in our possession a booklet explaining the positioning and use of speed safetycameras in the UK and it clearly states that councils using these cameras will allow a 10 per cent margin.

It seems that motoring experts in Transport Malta are all qualified engineers with incredible knowledge of the vehicles’ instruments.

They obviously assume all local vehicles, even classics, have absolutely accurate speedometers, and so people must be punished if they exceed the camera limit, not their own vehicles’ registered speed, by even a very small margin.

Car agents’ labour charge

The hourly rate charged for labour by car agents ranges from €20 to €50 and not €55, as I quoted last month.

Any inconvenience is regretted.