Cars in Britain will carry colour-coded labels warning potential buyers of their impact on climate change under measures to be launched this week.
Four-wheel drives will suffer the ignominy of having to display red stickers, while small, fuel-efficient models will sport labels in shades of green.
Car makers and retailers spent last year obstructing progress on the scheme - to be unveiled by the Transport Secretary Alistair Darling - amid industry concern that it could precipitate stricter restrictions on exhaust emissions and undermine the profitable SUV sector.
Darling believes that the labels, inspired by stickers which reveal emission ratings of fridges and washing machines, will encourage people to buy less harmful vehicles. The stickers are based on emissions of carbon dioxide, the gas which scientists have identified as the main cause of man-made climate change.
"The labels will send a clear message to motorists that they can make a real difference by choosing clean fuel-efficient cars," Darling said .
A petrol-driven car which emits less than 100g of carbon dioxide per kilometre travelled, such as a Honda Insight, will carry a dark green label advertising its environmental virtues.
The average new petrol car, such as a Ford Mondeo 1.8 SCi Ghia, currently emits 172 grams a kilometre and will display an orange label. The most environmentally harmful models, such as a BMW 520i SE, will be given an F rating which earns a scarlet label.
Although the scheme is voluntary, all major car-makers have signed up to the measures with showrooms introducing the labels for used as well as new vehicles.
The introduction pre-empts the arrival of one of the most polluting vehicles yet seen in Britain. Standing over nine feet high and weighing five Mini Coopers, the 7300 CXT makes the not inconsiderable Hummer H2 resemble a Honda Civic.
In the three months since its US launch, the huge vehicle has become a hit among the rich and famous with TV hosts Jay Leno and Nick Lachey among those who have taken the vehicle for a test drive.
Its Illinois-based maker, International Truck and Engine, has admitted fielding calls from interested buyers in Britain and says the company is keen to create a dealership to sell the model in Britain.
"The SUV craze began with TV personalities being photographed in them," said Sian Berry of the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s. "We hope British celebrities have more sense than their American colleagues and steer clear of these climate-monsters." ... - Guardian News Service
HOW GREEN IS YOUR CAR?
The new British measures will categorise cars according to the number of grams of carbon dioxide emitted per kilometre (g/km).
BAND A - under 100 g/km
Honda Insight (80g/km)
BAND B - 101 to 120
Toyota Prius (104)
BAND C - 121 to 150
Fiat Panda 1.1 Active (135)
BAND D - 151 to 165
Citroën Xsara 1.4i Forte (159)
BAND E - 166 to 185
Ford Mondeo 1.8 SCi Ghia (179)
Rover 45 1.4 (168)
BAND F - over 185
Lamborghini Murcielago (500)
BMW 520i SE (219).