A survey of UK drivers by car supermarket Motorpoint has found that 3 out of 4 would buy a vehicle with a stop-start system – a system that automatically stops the engine when the vehicle is idling and starts it again as soon as the clutch is depressed.

For vehicles undertaking extensive urban driving, stop-start systems have been shown to provide fuel savings of 5% – 10%; a very significant benefit, especially for commercial operators.

Although frequent stop-start activity normally increases wear and tear to a vehicle’s starting system and engine, stop-start equipped vehicles are engineered to prevent this problem. A typical stop-start specification includes an uprated alternator and starter battery and built-in safeguards to prevent repeated cold starts or engine overheating.

Currently, Citroen, BMW and MINI offer such a system in their cars and Mercedes-Benz have recently introduced their Eco-Start system on the Sprinter van and Atego lorry. More manufacturers are likely to follow suit – particularly if customer demand continues to grow.