Tilting car news - Tilting car's a clever choice - 2006

This is a Clever car, and not just because that's its name.

The Clever, or Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport, is a traffic-busting design that could be zipping through city streets by 2008, according to its makers.

Taking its slinky-hipped design cues from motorcycles, the Clever also has a full roll cage, which BMW is currently assessing in Germany.

The metal skeleton, which will have full bodywork when the Clever reaches production, tilts in a similar way to a motorcycle.

The twin rear wheels stay upright, while hydraulics help the body lean for optimum handling and grip as the driver steers normally.

Those who have tried the prototype say it handles well, which is handy for a car that can manage 60mph.

Power comes from an engine run on compressed natural gas, which is more environmentally friendly than petrol.

The 1m wide Clever is being developed by the University of Bath with funding from the European Union.

Ben Drew, research officer at the university, said: "The idea is to marry the small size and efficiency of a motorcycle with the comfort and safety of a car."

Competition for the Clever is already building, with the Carver One already on sale in the UK from Prodrive.

Using a 660cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Carver can reach 115mph and manages 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds.

A Carver One will set you back £27,654.