After 12 glorious years...

After 12 glorious years, Ford called time on its groundbreaking Ka in 2008. But fans of the city runabout had plenty to cheer in Issue 1,014, when we revealed the look of its replacement.

Thanks to a series of spy shots that showed the baby undisguised, our exclusive story showed how the newcomer would look inside and out.

We also reported how the range will expand to include a host of exciting new models. These will include a 2+2 convertible developed in conjunction with Fiat, and a sporty ST. As the Ka shares its platform and running gear with the Fiat 500, our sources said that the ST would use the same 1.4-litre turbo engine that appears in the Abarth 500.

At the other end of the scale, we reported that the outgoing carтЂ™s ageing 1.3-litre unit would give way to 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrols and a 1.3-litre diesel.

The Ka officially debuted at the Paris Motor Show, and received a five-star rating when we drove it in October (Issue 1,036).

Coupé-cabrio thriller (Issue 1,013)

A new Ferrari never fails to stir the soul, and the arrival of the California in May gave supercar fans the world over plenty of reason to get excited. Our exclusive images тЂ“ generated using insider information and a series of spy shots тЂ“ revealed the look of FerrariтЂ™s newcomer days ahead of the official unveiling. We reported that the California would be a baby brother to the 599 GTB, and that its front-engined 2+2 layout would bring new buyers to the brand.

Patrols snare bad drivers (Issue 1,011)

Time ran out for bad-mannered drivers in May with the arrival of a new hi-tech lollipop stick (below). We reported that a local authority in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, was becoming so fed-up with drivers failing to stop or hurling abuse at crossing patrols, that it was introducing a lollipop stick containing a pair of video cameras. The device, which costs ТЈ890, can record up to 40 hours of footage and can capture drivers who flout pedestrian crossing laws.

Diesel hot hatch (Issue 1,013)

After launching the R8 and new A4 in 2007, Audi had a relatively quiet start to 2008. However, this changed with the unveiling of the A3 Clubsport тЂ“ a high-performance model for customers who want the ultimate Audi hot hatch. Our story revealed that the firm was looking to boost the A3тЂ™s image, and the diesel-powered 221bhp, four-wheel-drive special would be the perfect machine to do so. But while the dramatic hatch looked virtually ready for production, Audi has yet to announce an official launch date.

Blanket zone under scrutiny (Issue 1,012)

Road safety again proved to be a hot topic in 2008, and our investigation into the effects of the UKтЂ™s first blanket 20mph limit delivered some shock findings. Armed with a speed gun, we went to Portsmouth, Hants, to see how many drivers were sticking to the law. Nearly every motorist was breaking 20mph тЂ“ even a local police patrol cruised through at 32mph!

Study harks back to Seventies star (Issue 1,011)

Fans of BMWтЂ™s famous M1 supercar got a treat when the German giant pulled the wraps off a dramatic concept car that had more than a few echoes of the original. Called the Homage, the one-off special celebrated the M1тЂ™s 30th birthday and was shown at the Concorso dтЂ™Eleganza Villa dтЂ™Este тЂ“ one of the worldтЂ™s most exclusive classic car shows. Sadly for supercar fans around the world, BMW revealed there were no plans for a production version.

Renault reveals all (Issue 1,011)

Only a month after we drove the Mégane concept car, our spies snapped the production version at the French firmтЂ™s headquarters. We revealed striking photographs of the model charged with reviving RenaultтЂ™s flagging fortunes in the compact family car market. The images showed that the three and five-door models would be distinctly different, with the former having a dramatic coupé-style profile. Our scoop also revealed the final look of another secret Renault тЂ“ the Laguna coupé.

City drop-top (Issue 1,014)

Good things came in small packages in 2008, and our news story about the Fiat 500 convertible suggested that next year would also be another successful one for Fiat. The news was announced by styling chief Roberto Giolito, who confirmed the newcomer would have a traditional canvas roof rather than a folding hard-top.

Eco hold-ups (Issue 1,013)

Drivers wanting to go green were dealt a blow in May when we reported that demand was outstripping supply. We contacted dealers to find out the waiting time on a range of green models. Although some only had delays of a month, we were told that a VW Polo Bluemotion had a nine-month wait тЂ“ longer than that of a Rolls-Royce!

Starbucks launches UK filling station (Issue 1,012)

CardiffтЂ™s lazy latte lovers got a treat in May when the UKтЂ™s first drive-through Starbucks coffee shop opened for business. The purpose-built outlet, based on the outskirts of the city, was opened as a pilot exercise by the Seattle-based coffee giant. If it proves a success, Starbucks plans to open more across the UK.