Autonovelties

Autonovelties

10 Years Ago:

ABD Road safety spokesman...

ABD Road safety spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie explained: "Whilst this law will give just retribution for those killed by such drivers, it will not make the roads safer. Most who drive in a careless manner simply do not believe they are going to kill somebody so will not adjust their habits. The real and serious problem of drivers not taking care will therefore remain unaddressed. The ABD have for many years called for the police and the judicial system to crack down on careless drivers before they kill using the perfectly adequate existing laws. Sadly, prosecutions for careless driving are not taken seriously by the court system and the police are therefore reluctant to take careless drivers to court. Prosecutions therefore remain extremely rare."

According to research...

According to research from easyMoney.com nearly half of the youngsters buy their own car, with only a quarter relying on a helping hand from their parents.

A clever device that...

A clever device that could stop thousands of drivers misfuelling has won financial backing on the hit BBC TV show DragonsтЂ™ Den. Mike CottonтЂ™s invention replaces the filler neck with a resized one that wonтЂ™t allow the smaller petrol nozzle into a diesel car.

A company spokesman...

A company spokesman said: "It"s something that could happen. If there is enough interest in one, we will probably do it."

After a season of thrills...

After a season of thrills, spills and the occasional near-punch-up between warring drivers, the premier race series in the UK will roar into Donington Park for the final three rounds on Sunday 26 September.

A legend is returning!...

A legend is returning! Volkswagen"s amazing IROC concept car will be called the Scirocco when it goes on sale in two years" time, resurrecting a badge not seen since 1993.

Already a successful...

Already a successful range of luxury and sports models in North America, the Middle and Far East, the Infiniti range will be sold through "a dedicated dealer network" according to Nissan"s official statement, though it seems likely this will be an adjunct to the existing Nissan network, rather than entirely new showrooms.

A luxury sports car...

A luxury sports car looks set to be built in Blackpool under the guidance of William Riley, a descendent of the firm"s founders. He also hopes to revive the MG logo on two high-performance motors based on the X-Power SV. Production is slated to start by the end of the year, with an annual target of 1,800 by 2010. The factory could even use ex-TVR workers, as it was also based in Blackpool.

A map of the UK is stored...

A map of the UK is stored on your handset, and using your mobile"s buttons you navigate to your location, then zoom in. The software dials up the service provider - this costs a few pence - and the latest traffic news is sent to your phone. You only need to press one button for an update, but always pull over first or ask a passenger for help.

And with a useful five-metre...

And with a useful five-metre lead, it should easily reach the nooks and crannies of big MPVs and off-roaders. Unlike cordless rivals, it can be used for up to 30 minutes non-stop. The unit comes complete with brush and crevice tools, so is perfectly suited both to cleaning carpets and getting in between seats and centre consoles.

As you can see, the...

As you can see, the new MINI gets a sporty two-door estate car look, which was revealed first in the form of the Shooting Brake concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005.

At first glance, this...

At first glance, this test model might look like a standard Avant, but compare the ride height with that of the A6 behind the prototype and it"s clear this is no ordinary load-lugger. Following in the tracks of the previous Allroad, the newcomer will have variable-height suspension, offering better ground clearance to go with the uprated quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Audi is celebrating...

Audi is celebrating after its new A4 won Europe’s biggest car award at the Geneva Motor Show. The A4 claimed the Auto 1 title, awarded by the Auto Bild Europe magazines group, which includes Auto Express. The trophy was collected by Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler in front of an audience of 500 VIPs.

Auto Express has revealed...

Auto Express has revealed before that four-wheel-drive models will be part of the firm"s line-up by the end of this year - and the mud-plugger, based on the 156, is right on schedule.

Badged in the US as...

Badged in the US as the Acura RL, our sources within Honda say that the model will revive the Legend name when it arrives in Europe next year. As we revealed last week, the car is powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine developing 300bhp, a unit first seen in the Dual Note concept vehicle from the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show.

Ball boys dive in: The...

Ball boys dive in: The most dangerous job at the show? Two ExCeL staff had to fish special floating golf balls from the Thames after visitors tried chipping on to a floating BMW ‘green’.

Brabus has increased...

Brabus has increased the capacity of the ML500"s 5.0-litre V8 engine to 6.1 litres to up power by 153bhp. With 445bhp on tap, the tuned 4x4 sprints from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and goes on to a 162mph top speed. A Brabus PowerXtra performance kit has also been developed for the ML350 and ML320 CDI, raising outputs to 282bhp and 272bhp respectively.

Brits are the biggest...

Brits are the biggest buyers, accounting for nearly 1,000 sales, but in many markets demand is outstripping supply. "We knew people wanted to enhance their MINI engines, but we didn"t anticipate the extent to which people crave power," said company MD Mike Cooper.

Buying a motor is stressful...

Buying a motor is stressful enough, but imagine if you learned that you had paid for a stolen car. Now you can eliminate this worry by buying a TextCheck Access Card.

Called Around View Monitor...

Called Around View Monitor (AVM), the technology uses four cameras equipped with wide-angle lenses mounted around the car; one in the grille, one on each of the door mirrors and one on top of the back door. The clever "bird"s-eye" set-up enables drivers to navigate the tightest parking bays by merely watching the dashboard-mounted screen as they reverse. The process eliminates the need to swivel your head when manoeuvring.

Called the Edition 10...

Called the Edition 10, the model differs from the standard car with special badging. There’s darker trim around the headlights and tail-lamps, plus a black chrome grille and bonnet vents.

Cats’ eyes are...

Cats’ eyes are facing extinction, thanks to this new hi-tech device. After 40 years lighting our lanes, the reflectors are to be replaced by solar-powered road studs.

Click on the links below...

Click on the links below to read the latest news and see all the pictures from this year"s Barcelona Motor Show.

Combining the 1.7-litre...

Combining the 1.7-litre CDTI engine with electric motors, it can give a 25 per cent improvement in economy over the standard oil-burner, with better performance, too.

Comprising material...

Comprising material made of extremely thin strands of fabric, carbon fibre is mostly made of carbon atoms, hence the name. The microscopic particles are bonded as crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fibre, making it very strong for its size. Several thousand carbon fibres are twisted together to form a yarn, which may be used by itself or woven into a fabric.

Could FerrariтЂ™s plans...

Could FerrariтЂ™s plans to replace the legendary Dino be back on the drawing board?

Could the Vauxhall Zafira...

Could the Vauxhall Zafira VXR finally have a rival? Subaru used the Tokyo Motor Show to unveil a tuned version of its new seven-seat Exiga MPV.

Czech Republic: A coffee...

Czech Republic: A coffee company offered customers the chance to win a VW Golf - and more than three million people entered, bringing the postal system to a halt.

Designed by Aussie Matt...

Designed by Aussie Matt Thomas, a former member of the Stewart Formula One team, the car has been heavily influenced by the likes of the McLaren F1 and Ferrari F40. Matt said: "We have made it as aerodynamic as possible, but wanted it to look like a traditional supercar so that it will appeal to a wide range of people." The machine is still under development, and is expected to go on sale late next year for around н‚бЈ250,000.

Developed with Italian...

Developed with Italian stylist Bertone, the CARousel is a skateboard-style chassis on to which different bodyshells could be bolted. Called a working demonstration tool for engineers rather than a concept, it represents the latest interior design thinking. It"s also a development of the Hy-Wire prototype revealed at Detroit in 2002.

Development of JaguarтЂ™s...

Development of JaguarтЂ™s muscular flagship saloon is bounding along nicely тЂ“ and the XF-R is set to be one of the fastest big cats ever.

Even before the A7 debuts...

Even before the A7 debuts, Audi is set to go one better тЂ“ with the new A8.

Ever wondered what car...

Ever wondered what car logos were like before they grew up? An advertisement agency has produced a range of baby badges, suggesting how the symbols for all our favourite brands looked when they were toddlers!

Exclusive spy shots...

Exclusive spy shots in this week"s mag reveal the new hatchback"s more radical rear end. The high tailgate and narrow light clusters on the edge of the boot give it a chunky look and an enormous luggage area. There will also be more room for passengers in the back compared to the outgoing Laguna.

Factory rethink to meet R8 demand

Fancy being first for...

Fancy being first for an Infiniti FX SUV? With five months to go until the European launch of NissanтЂ™s premium brand, it has created a website on which potential customers can place an order.

Figures from the Vehicle...

Figures from the Vehicle and Operator Standards Agency (VOSA) show more than half of UK testers are over 50 - and that there aren"t enough younger mechanics learning how to do the job when these testers retire. This has led to fears that the cost of the annual roadworthiness exam could double in the coming years.

Finally! The wraps are...

Finally! The wraps are off Renault"s all-new Mégane...

First revealed as a...

First revealed as a concept at the Detroit expo 15 months ago, the car promises to be as fast, light and extreme as the coupнѓ© version on which it is based.

First up is the Portico...

First up is the Portico concept, which was unveiled at last week"s Chicago Motor Show. The company"s stylists claim to have made the large people carrier look nearly as sleek and stylish as a sports car.

Following the Punto-based...

Following the Punto-based X1/99 concept seen at March"s Geneva Motor Show, the new two-door signals Fiat"s intent to corner the sports car market again. Along with its eye-catching body, the coupнѓ© - dubbed the Sportiva Latina - is a launch pad for some advanced electronic systems.

For windows and screens...

For windows and screens there’s the microfibre Glass Cloth. Priced at чЈ1.99, it can be washed when it’s dirty and then reused.

From launch, the groundbreaking...

From launch, the groundbreaking model was offered with 125cc and 250cc powerplants. And now, a bigger, 34bhp 400cc version has joined the range.

German tuning specialist...

German tuning specialist Wolf Concept has put together a package of engine and suspension upgrades that make the blue oval"s fastest Focus even more rapid.

Having achieved a high...

Having achieved a high rating from Euro NCAP for the Kuga, Ford is hoping to score points with drivers – by introducing new adjustable pedals on its cars.

Here’s a kit car...

Here’s a kit car that won’t take over your life. If you’ve always fancied building your own motor, but not the costs that go with it, how about trying this desktop version instead?

Here’s a machine...

Here’s a machine that could convince car fans to get on their bike – it’s a four-wheeled motorcycle!

Here"s another special...

Here"s another special edition Kia to stir the Soul! This is the Tempest тЂ“ a limited run model which comes in Titanium Silver paintwork with black high-gloss bumpers and door mirrors. It also gets rather nifty black 18-inch alloy wheels too.

Here"s proof that MINI...

Here"s proof that MINI engineers are working flat-out on a new evolution of the JCW Clubman aimed at UK drivers.

Here"s proof that the...

Here"s proof that the launch of the hottest Scirocco ever is edging ever closer! This is one of last Scirocco R development prototypes, spied here undergoing testing at a gloomy and wet Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

Here"s your chance to...

Here"s your chance to prove yourself on the race track, but only computer game wizards need apply! Nissan has teamed up with Sony and its PlayStation 3 console to give two hopefuls the opportunity to race a 350Z in a 24-hour endurance event in Dubai.

Honda third driver Anthony...

Honda third driver Anthony Davidson is near to sealing a deal for a seat alongside Takuma Sato in the Super Aguri squad.

Hot on the heels of...

Hot on the heels of production details about the Speedster - revealed exclusively in last week"s magazine - this is a first look at a stripped-out "CSL" variant. It"s the fastest-ever Cooper S version, and has standard bucket seats, while there are no rear chairs at all.

How about this for a...

How about this for a mean but green machine? It’s Ford’s new alternative fuel land speed record car – the Fusion Hydrogen 999. As the name suggests, it’s powered by a bank of hydrogen fuel cells which, together with an electric motor, produce 770bhp.

How tidy is your cabin?...

How tidy is your cabin? If there’s stuff rattling around in the centre console and door bins, and you can’t find change for a parking meter or a pen when you need it, now is the time to take action.

If the standard version...

If the standard version of CaparoтЂ™s T1 track day supercar isnтЂ™t powerful enough for you, the company has the answer.

if your headlamps don’t...

if your headlamps don’t offer enough power, driving in the dark of winter can be frustrating and tiring – and even dangerous.

Imagine your dream car...

Imagine your dream car. Now draw it! If your sketch is starting to resemble the scribblings of a nine-year-old child – fear not. It’s easier to get your ideas sketched on paper than you might think – especially with our useful step-by-step guide.

Increased demand for...

Increased demand for biofuels has forced a rise in bread prices – to a new high of more than чЈ1 a loaf.

In one of the closest...

In one of the closest contests ever Vauxhall"s Insignia has emerged on top - but only just. With a score of 321 it beat the new Ford Fiesta by one point. The latest car to come from the Luton-based manufacturer received 20 first place votes out of 59 compared to 19 received by the Fiesta.

Insiders at a satellite-navigation...

Insiders at a satellite-navigation software supplier have told us that car buyers will soon be able to tailor the data on sat-nav discs to suit their own preferences. "We can store a huge amount of information on the DVDs, so it"s merely a question of how much the consumer wants to know," our source said.

It also features tuned...

It also features tuned suspension for a sportier drive, and is powered by a 164bhp 2.3-litre petrol engine. Only 500 examples will be made, with hatchbacks costing н‚бЈ19,000 and estates priced at н‚бЈ20,000.

It can be all too easy...

It can be all too easy to lose your motor in a car park, especially if itтЂ™s an unfamiliar location. But the new Backtrack GPS finder from Bushell solves the problem once and for all.

It found that accidents...

It found that accidents rise by up to 50 per cent on frosty days and 40 per cent when the roads are wet. But the average driver only cuts speed by four per cent in these conditions.

It"s a first-ever look...

It"s a first-ever look at the rear ends and cabins of the eagerly anticipated Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo. But there was also a chance to see the three-door versions.

It"s a whole new take...

It"s a whole new take on the teaser shot! BMW has shunned the traditional shady photograph in favour of a short film, to give us a first glimpse at its all-new 5-Series.

It"s been specially...

It"s been specially developed by the firm"s UK arm, and although it"s currently a one-off, insiders say the car could go on sale next year, priced around чЈ40,000.

IT"S over for MG Rover...

IT"S over for MG Rover тЂ“ again. Production lines at the MG Rover plant at Longbridge in the West Midlands have been stopped once more, this time because the famous British brand"s Chinese owners can"t guarantee stability.

It"s the end of the...

It"s the end of the road for the British Motor Show тЂ“ Auto Express has learned that next year"s event has been canned as struggling car makers can"t afford to take space at ExCeL in London"s Docklands.

It"s the news E-Class...

It"s the news E-Class fans have been waiting for! MercedesтЂ™ E Class Coupé is ready to hit the road... And our exclusive images show the CLK replacement will be near identical to the concept that inspired it тЂ“ the Fascination, seen at the Paris Motor Show. The minimal disguise canтЂ™t hide the angular design, with sharp creases down both sides plus a rounder outline than the current carтЂ™s.

ItтЂ™s not long now...

ItтЂ™s not long now before we get to feast our eyes on the new Rolls Royce RR4 at the Geneva ShowтЂ¦ But that hasnтЂ™t stopped our spies from hunting down a close-to-production prototype and bagging the best interior shots yet!

JCB"s Dieselmax has...

JCB"s Dieselmax has already won the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Dewar Trophy for its 350mph sprint across the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, US, last year (Newsweek, Issue 952). And the firm has a new eco-friendly plan in the pipeline - with top brass using the awards ceremony last week to announce it.

Joerg Winterberg, 60...

Joerg Winterberg, 60, of Berlin, Germany, moaned to Ferrari that his limited-edition supercar was "only" capable of 174mph, and not the 185mph figure claimed in the sales brochure. "I could have bought a Porsche for much less and still had the same performance. I want my money back," he said. However, the Italian manufacturer has refused to give in to the disappointed owner"s demands.

Keen to avoid a repeat...

Keen to avoid a repeat of the current model"s lacklustre sales, Vauxhall has made the new car far more stylish, and will offer it with seven seats, four-wheel drive and even a hybrid drivetrain. As the image in the currentч mag shows, with a streamlined coupé-like shape, large alloy wheels and panoramic glass roof, it will be a distinctive executive express.

Korean specialist Kumho...

Korean specialist Kumho has developed new road and track rubber, called the Ecsta MX-C, which produces clouds of red smoke when spun. The amazing invention has been wowing US motorsport audiences, and is now available here.

Looks like Audi is attempting...

Looks like Audi is attempting to get N"Sync with younger customers! This amazing spyshot has been leaked onto Facebook by an unknown user showing what"s believed to be the first undisguised image of the production-ready Audi A1.

More than 30,000 cabriolets...

More than 30,000 cabriolets have been bought so far this year, and it"s still not summer. But what makes the figures even more bizarre is that, according to weather experts at the Met Office, there"s an average of 30 per cent more rain and 20 per cent less sunshine this year than in the first three months of 2003.

More than five million...

More than five million Transits have been sold since its launch in 1965, with nearly 1.5 million put to work in the UK. Designed and built in Britain, the latest model is the most visually striking yet. Buyers will have the choice of seven all-new engines, including six diesels - developed in conjunction with PSA Peugeot Citroen. There"s a more comfortable interior, improved controls and extra safety kit, including Electronic Stability Protection, anti-lock brakes and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Nissan"s new supersized...

Nissan"s new supersized Qashqai may come with two extra seats, but theyрЂ™ll cost buyers nearly ВЈ1,000 each.

Now you can remove bacteria...

Now you can remove bacteria from your car with Pureair air-con cleaner. It comes in a 250ml pressurised can and contains an ingredient called biocide, a form of disinfectant, which leaves your car germ-free in 15 minutes.

One of the smallest...

One of the smallest cars on the road is about to make a big impact on the UK market. A new version of SmartтЂ™s ForTwo emits 88g/km of CO2 тЂ“ the lowest output of any production model on sale.

Online gaming has just...

Online gaming has just got a whole lot more interesting! A new racing simulator has been launched that not only lets you compete with up to seven other online opponents, but allows you to lay stakes and win real money.

Only a few months after...

Only a few months after H&H Classic Car Auctions slashed its rates to just 2.5 per cent for vendors, rival operator British Car Auctions has followed suit. The company’s Classic and Historic Division now charges sellers the same commission rate.

Over half (55 per cent)...

Over half (55 per cent) of the British driving population currently has a prescription for glasses or contact lenses which they should wear when driving. But the research findings reveal that almost one in five (18 per cent) have driven without wearing their prescription glasses or contact lenses, equating to over three million drivers. Most worrying is that almost a fifth of these (17 per cent), over half a million drivers, confess to doing so once every few days.

Owners of the tiny machines...

Owners of the tiny machines are causing havoc across Britain, and local councils have received hundreds of complaints about them. Now, tearaway teens who ride illegally could soon find the brakes being put on their activities.

PERSONALISED number...

PERSONALISED number plates that spell exact words could soon be up for grabs if a new bill goes through parliament.

Pictured at night outside...

Pictured at night outside the cinema, it"s a first look at the illuminated four-ring badge. Director Alex Poroyas is an Audi owner and was inspired by the Nuvolari concept from the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.

Plans to switch off...

Plans to switch off AM/FM analogue transmission from 2015, and replace it with the crackle-free alternative, were outlined in the Digital Britain report. New radios already have to be DAB capable by the end of 2013 in France. But some UK firms are worried the digital technology wonтЂ™t

Porsche may be hard...

Porsche may be hard at work developing an entirely new Boxster тЂ“ but the current car is going out in style! This is a Speedster version, which gets a dramatic new look with a pair of roll hoops at the rear, just like the classic 911 Speedster of the Eighties and Nineties.

Power is from a 240bhp...

Power is from a 240bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox it gives a 0-60mph sprint time of 7.2 seconds. That"s quicker than the GSi variant of the outgoing car.

Previous variants have...

Previous variants have only come in saloon or estate guises, but the newcomer features a sleek roofline and practical tailgate. It"s called the Concept Sportback, and insiders at the company say it gives an accurate view of the forthcoming Lancer"s styling. The machine seen here will make its debut in the metal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Priced н‚бЈ1,800 and...

Priced н‚бЈ1,800 and н‚бЈ2,000 respectively, they get lower side skirts for a more sporty, ground-hugging profile, plus new bumpers and a black mesh grille. Unique to the X-Type estate is a tailgate spoiler claimed to improve airflow. The S-Type boasts a less pronounced version on the bootlid. Both cars get chrome exhaust pipes, and there are matching bezels around the bigger saloon"s front foglights. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are included, too. The packages are available on diesel and petrol cars.

Proceedings commence...

Proceedings commence at 11am with the Duke of Marlborough presenting prizes at 3pm. This will be followed by a Parade taking place around the lake and across the bridge.

Production of the stylish...

Production of the stylish family car has now begun at the blue oval"s Genk factory in Belgium. Incredibly, the four-door saloon, five-door hatch and load-lugging estate variants are all built on the same busy production line - alongside the Ford S-MAX people carrier and Galaxy MPV.

Pronounced Cinque Terre...

Pronounced Cinque Terre, it"s named after a famous area of rocky coastline in northern Italy. A Fiat UK spokesman said: "This is a concept for the Geneva Motor Show, and is a 4x4 version of the Idea. At the moment, there are no plans for the vehicle to go into production."

Protecting your car’s...

Protecting your car’s bodywork from stone chips is a good way to preserve its value. RhinoProtect uses a transparent self-adhesive film to preserve vulnerable edges of your car’s bodywork, and the firm has just announced a whole new range of models it can be applied to.

Racing a four-wheel-drive...

Racing a four-wheel-drive Toyota Auris, Prost kept his cool and made the most of 10-time champ Yvan Muller’s absence to win the opening round staged high up in France’s Val Thorens ski resort.

Removing trim from your...

Removing trim from your car usually requires a specialist set of bits тЂ“ like this new package from Laser Tools. With 15 parts of various sizes and a quick chuck and socket adaptor, it should be all youтЂ™ll ever need.

Renault has chosen Moscow...

Renault has chosen Moscow to take the covers off its new Renault Clio Symbol. The simple saloon was unveiled into a Russian market that has already taken to the current Logan - currently the best-selling car in the country bar the Ford Focus.

Renault"s electric dreams...

Renault"s electric dreams are becoming a reality! Just as Auto Express predicted, when we drove all of Renault"s electric concepts last month, the Twizy, Zoe and Kangoo concepts have all been confirmed for production.

Research carried out...

Research carried out by the Departчment for Transport found that charges could lead to more accidents, because drivers would use minor roads to avoid them. Another risk is that motorists will travel before dawn and after dusk to cut their commuting costs.

Sales of new cars rocketed...

Sales of new cars rocketed by 32 per cent in October тЂ“ 2009тЂ™s best month yet.

Set to be one of the...

Set to be one of the star attractions at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, this is the Maserati GranTurismo S, a flagship that shifts the super-coupe’s emphasis from style to performance.

Sharing its underpinnings...

Sharing its underpinnings with the all-new S-Class, it promises to be a far more dynamic sports coupé than its grand touring predecessor.

She"s already proved...

She"s already proved sheтЂ™s got the X Factor тЂ“ and now, pop star Cheryl Cole has followed her number one chart success by being named as the UKтЂ™s most-wanted car passenger.

She was stunned when...

She was stunned when a letter arrived from the local council suggesting the move would aid motorists pulling out of a blind corner next to her boozer. It also asked her to take down any notices in the window, as they blocked the view, too.

Singer Benny Lee Thornton...

Singer Benny Lee Thornton penned the tracks, and police chiefs were so impressed they are looking to use them in seminars and educational sessions. Thornton, from Scunthorpe, North Lincs, told us: "I don"t drink and drive, but it"s constantly in your face on TV, so I thought I"d do something about it in my own way."

So when one appeared...

So when one appeared on auction website eBay it caught our eye, and when we realised what state it was in - slightly "restyled" at the front - we were even more intrigued. The starting bid was н‚бЈ130,000, and the seller said the car had a mere 353 miles on the clock and was waiting for a new owner in Florida. But then the plot thickened - the Enzo mysteriously disappeared off the Internet before the end of the auction. It"s not clear whether it was sold privately, or Ferrari was unhappy and stepped in to get the sale stopped.

Starting on April 1st...

Starting on April 1st, and running for 3 months, the scheme allows car hunters to take a car for 72 hours to find out if it really works in their day-to-day driving. Included in the offer are the Corsa, Meriva, Tigra, Astra, Astra Sport Hatch, Zafira and Vectra.

Stop-start technology...

Stop-start technology will be launched on Suzuki cars from next year. Bosses have confirmed the eco-friendly innovation will appear on the all-new Swift, due in summer 2010, and the facelifted Splash.

TataтЂ™s latest offering...

TataтЂ™s latest offering is creating a buzz at the Bologna motorshow! ThatтЂ™s because the Indian firmтЂ™s new Indica EV is an all-electric plug in vehicle.

Tenders have been received...

Tenders have been received from Birmingham"s NEC, plus Earls Court and the ExCeL centre, both in London. Proposals from Silverstone, Northamptonshire, and the Goodwood race circuit in West Sussex never materialised. So the trio of contenders will pitch their ideas to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which puts on the exhibition, later this month.

That stops the head...

That stops the head whipping back-wards - a movement which can cause painful and lengthy neck injuries. The fast reaction is possible as the headrests are wired to the collision sensors which trigger the car"s airbags.

The 197bhp Type R won...

The 197bhp Type R won the title of Best Sporting Car in Auto Express"s New Car Honours in 2003, and with more than 35,000 finding homes worldwide, the model has proved a big hit.

The accolade meant the...

The accolade meant the 350Z was entered into the prestigious European Auto 1 competition for new cars. Paul Willcox, marketing director at Nissan UK, collected the trophy. He said: "Since the launch of the 350Z the response has been phenomenal, and the car has consistently received positive reviews. To accept this award means a great deal to Nissan, as it reflects the opinions of Auto Express readers."

The add-on lamps work...

The add-on lamps work in two modes: one for cornering and the other for driving in foggy conditions. The 90mm unit - which uses powerful H7 halogen bulbs normally found in headlights - is activated by a sensor while cornering at less than 20mph or when you operate the indicators at higher speeds. The lamp illuminates up to 70 degrees left or right. Unlike its predecessor, the new system is used only on dipped headlights - the original worked solely with full beam. The latest version also features swivelling rather than fixed bulbs, so the two lamps can also be employed as foglights. When the unit is in this mode, however, cornering vision is limited to 45 degrees rather than 70.

The Asian firm"s Landwind...

The Asian firm"s Landwind off-roader bears a startling similarity to the Vauxhall - and it"s already on sale in Europe. In a statement, the US giant said: "The Landwind has no connection whatsoever with GM, and its resemblance to the Frontera is a matter our legal team is looking at."

The Audi TT is now more...

The Audi TT is now more affordable than ever! A new entry-level version fitted with a 1.8 TFSI engine will undercut the current cheapest model by чЈ2,000. But it’s no slouch, as the turbocharged, direct-injection unit delivers 158bhp, propelling the front-wheel-drive TT to 140mph, and from 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds.

The automotive world...

The automotive world is in shock after one of the most influential men in sports car design was killed in a road accident.

The award from the IIHS...

The award from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) recognises vehicles offering the best protection in front, side and rear crashes based on ratings in extensive crash tests.

The bike is back! As...

The bike is back! As the cost of owning a car rises, increasing numbers of motorists are swapping four wheels for two, according to research by

The car was revealed...

The car was revealed as a concept at last month"s Frankfurt Motor Show, and first versions are tipped to go on sale early next year. Powered by a 200bhp 2.0-litre engine, the Clio lacks the outright punch of VW"s Golf GTI and the Vauxhall Astra VXR, but Renault says the new RS"s blend of light weight and outright grip means it should deliver a seven second 0-60mph time and 150mph top speed.

The Cobra spits again!...

The Cobra spits again! Troubled sports car maker AC has bounced back to build a new version of its Sixties roadster.

The course costs guilty...

The course costs guilty motorists чЈ60, and so far the speeders have coughed up чЈ250,000 worth of funding to Avon and Somerset schools since last autumn, thanks to the Operation Taboo initiative.

The device, made by...

The device, made by specialist sound system giant Harman/Kardon, is called the Drive+Play, and it comes in three parts. There"s a "brain" that"s hidden under the dashboard which connects the car"s stereo to the iPod, a display unit and a compact control stick.

The FCX concept, displayed...

The FCX concept, displayed on the firm"s Paris stand alongside the Civic Type R, has one of the world"s most technically advanced fuel cells. And a production version based on the FCX will be made available in the UK, according to chief executive Takeo Fukui.

The flagship 245bhp...

The flagship 245bhp 3.0-litre flat-six unit offers different power modes for drivers to select on the move. Hit the dash-mounted buttons and the engine will shift between "Intelligent", "Sport" or "Sport Sharp" - economy, normal and sport settings.

The Ford Mondeo rival...

The Ford Mondeo rival will come in an estate bodystyle only, and will sell on its practicality. Fiat says it"s on average 10cm taller than rivals, allowing the seats to be set higher and with more space between the front and rear rows. This should give the Croma impressive interior room.

The future of American...

The future of American car giant GM has been thrown back into question,

The German company can...

The German company can still use its other badge, which shows the creature standing on all four legs. A spokesman for ELIA told us: "As a very small enterprise we are honoured that such a well renowned firm as Ferrari sees us as a rival. We did want to fight the case, but a long legal battle could ruin our business, so we had to back down."

The Honda FCX and other...

The Honda FCX and other prototypes prove the hydrogen-powered technology is feasible. But mass production can’t begin until manufacturers have found a way to stop the new power supplies from heating up to a scorching 1,000 degrees Celsius. Now, University of California scientists have made a cool discovery.

The iCN720 includes...

The iCN720 includes mapping of the UK and Ireland, and while the more expensive 750 includes the whole of Europe, both have built-in cameras. So not only can you snap that great view or quaint village, but you will also be able to return, as both units remember the exact spot the picture was taken from. Using the NavPix menu, all you have to do is select a picture stored on the 4GB hard drive and a route will be calculated for your return.

The luxury brand was...

The luxury brand was the top-ranking car maker in a cross-sector study designed to measure factors such as professionalism, competence, staff friendliness and the handling of complaints. The poll was dominated by German manufacturers; second place in the standings went to Mercedes, while BMW/MINI took the third podium spot.

The mag"s spies caught...

The mag"s spies caught the all-new city car on test in Germany - and the pictures reveal the current upright look will be consigned to the history books.

The main message was...

The main message was that poor road manners lead to most incidents - a huge percentage of the surveyed motorists cited this.

The most recent in a...

The most recent in a long line of start dates for the scheme - which replaces handwritten certificates with a computerised form (image) - was November. But a spokeswoman for co-ordinator the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) admitted the first garages won"t get vital computer equipment on time.

The new-look Mercedes...

The new-look Mercedes E-Class cabrio has been exposed, and this is the best picture yet of what the finished article will look like.

The newcomer is expected...

The newcomer is expected to be built on a unique platform, and will also introduce the Czech firm"s fresh family face. While it will be slightly bigger than its rival - parent company VW"s Golf Plus - the Roomster will still only offer five seats.

The new models - right-hand-drive...

The new models - right-hand-drive versions of the 1-Series and 3-Series - were heading from North Lincolnshire to Bracknell, Berkshire. First to spot them was Matt Austin, of Broughton, North Lincs. He snapped this picture at the same hotel where 15-year-old Harry Cadwallader spied the 6-Series cabrio featured in issue 775.

The news came at the...

The news came at the Detroit Motor Show from Nick Reilly, former boss at Vauxhall and now president and chief executive of GM Daewoo in South Korea. That"s where the Antara is being built, ahead of its autumn launch in the UK.

The new Swift, which...

The new Swift, which echoes the styling of the Concept S first seen at the 2002 Paris expo, has been designed with ambitious European sales targets in mind. As a result, it"s one of the company"s most stylish models ever, with fresh, contemporary lines and a more upmarket cabin finish.

The next raging bull...

The next raging bull is ready to charge! This close-up photo reveals the tailpipes, carbon fibre diffuser and honeycomb grille of a new Lamborghini. And the only information to accompany the shot is the tagline: тЂњItтЂ™s not just a new Lamborghini. ItтЂ™s a new world.тЂќ

The one-off six-wheeler...

The one-off six-wheeler, which measures a whopping six metres in length, conveniently seats six as well. Built by a specialist firm in Los Angeles, it comes with all the usual gadgets you"d associate with a limo, including a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, air-con, full black leather and a telephone in the rear to let passengers speak with the driver. The highlight however, has to be the two-person whirlpool in the back.

The Prius is growing up.

There’s a new...

There’s a new sponsor for BTCC – and it’s set to keep all the competitors" cars in top condition!

There"s a new rival...

There"s a new rival to the London black cab! Mercedes has teamed up with a fresh distributor to produce a taxi based on its Vito van.

ThereтЂ™s a new тЂњMountainтЂќ...

ThereтЂ™s a new тЂњMountainтЂќ to climb for fans of American 4x4 specialist Jeep тЂ“ and a blast from the past too, with this special тЂњIslanderтЂќ edition.

The Royal Society for...

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) believes long-distance travellers are becoming over-reliant on sat-nav, Gatso detectors, adaptive cruise control and stability programmes. It wants employers to ensure every worker is trained on the various systems.

The Saab 9-5 has been...

The Saab 9-5 has been commended as the safest car on Swedish roads by Folksam, the Swedish insurance and accident investigation authority. This latest safety acclaim follows the Saab 9-5"s 5-Star EuroNCAP rating last year, as well as being named by Thatcham as the benchmark in terms of seat design for safety and anti-whiplash injuries.

The second Swedish supercar...

The second Swedish supercar after the awesome Koeniggsegg is due to launch this autumn. It"s got all the things you"d expect of a supercar - gorgeous looks, a painted carbonfibre body, a 6-speed gearbox, and a chassis seemingly made from feathers and balsa wood, seeing as the whole car weighs a paltry 525kgs.

The show will have over...

The show will have over a thousand classic cars on display as well as classic car dealers and trade stands. One of last year"s most popular areas, the "autojumble" will also return with the largest indoor collection of new and used car parts, auto memorabilia, books and manuals, toys, models and rare motoring collectors items.

The stunning coupé...

The stunning coupé won"t be built for sale, yet the forthcoming 9-5 will share the Aero X"s look, four-wheel-drive technology, bio-ethanol turbocharged engine and twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox.

The Transport Research...

The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) surveyed 80,000 vehicles on the M3, M4 and M5, plus the A14 and A4, using special laser equipment (right). The Berkshire-based group found many HGVs were 4.9 metres tall, meaning they"re dangerously close to the standard height for motorway and road bridges, which is 5.03 metres.

They"ve covered up everything...

They"ve covered up everything except the grille and lights - and those are the very bits which spill the beans on the next Coupнѓ©. Auto Express"s exclusive picture shows it will take its front-end design cues from the new luxury Quattroporte saloon.

This all-new roadster...

This all-new roadster reveals Volkswagen is taking the fight to the Lotus Elise! Fresh from launching its Scirocco, the firm will unveil a new sports car at NovemberтЂ™s Los Angeles Auto Show.

This could be the family...

This could be the family car that breaks the mould - that’s according to young American car designer Mallory McMorrow. The 21-year old won a competition to style a Mazda3 for 2017.

THIS has to be the cheapest...

THIS has to be the cheapest way to get behind the wheel of a Smart ForTwo! As part of a marketing campaign in its home country, the German firm has produced special glasses which let wearers ‘see’ what drivers of the small city car do.

This isч Alfa Romeo"s...

This isч Alfa Romeo"s new LF, and although it"s only a concept, it could eventually replace the Brera Spyder.

This leaked picture...

This leaked picture shows the Nismo 370Z тЂ“ an even hotter version of the new sports car. ItтЂ™s powered by the same 3.7-litre V6 as found in the Infiniti G37 coupé, and features a sporty bodykit and rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. However, the revisions arenтЂ™t simply skin deep. Nismo is NissanтЂ™s official tuning arm, so there will be plenty of changes under the surface, too. The rear-wheel-drive model should get more power, with the 0-60mph sprint time slashed to around five seconds, while lowered and stiffened suspension sharpens the handling.

To celebrate the car"s...

To celebrate the car"s run of victories in the American Le Mans racing series, a special version of the coupé has been created. Called the Z06 Ron Fellows edition, it"s named after the Canadian driver who has scored multiчple ALMS wins. The model comes in white with red stripes on the wings that bear his autograph. Under the skin is the 505bhp V8 from the standard Z06, which takes the car from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.

to keep all your spanners...

to keep all your spanners together, you usually need a big, heavy toolbox тЂ“ but KamasaтЂ™s new 50 Piece Spanner set comes with its own storage wallet.

To mark the 50th anniversary...

To mark the 50th anniversary of the HiQ British Touring Car Championship, Auto Express is backing the sporting spectacular for the fifth consecutive season. An epic 2007 series drew more than 300,000 live spectators, as the 10-round championship went right down to the wire.

Topping the bill is...

Topping the bill is the blood-red Dodge SRT10 concept, seen here alongside the Viper ACR тЂ“ with which it shares an engine.

UK doesn"t have enough...

UK doesn"t have enough affordable, safe parking says RAC Foundation. Survey found third of people given up and gone home through lack of town centre spaces. And 45 per cent don"t feel safe walking through car parks at night.

Unlike the company’s...

Unlike the company’s successful Lite model, this has a built-in 40mm display which uses organic LED technology and is claimed to produce a clearer image, even in bright sunlight.

Visitors to the London...

Visitors to the London Motorsport Show at ExCel will have the opportunity to put their driving skills to the test on an indoor kart track. Visitor lap times will be judged against times set by professionals.

Volvo has extended its...

Volvo has extended its sporty R-Design range to include the XC60 compact off-roader. The styling pack is already available on the C30, S40, V50, S80, V70 and XC90 models, but with the XC60 the Swedish term has taken the sporty theme a little further.

VOLVO is recalling 217,000...

VOLVO is recalling 217,000 XC90 off-roaders worldwide to replace steering ball joint. Around 34,000 S40 and V50 models being called in for possible fuel line leak.

VWрЂ™s new performance...

VWрЂ™s new performance diesel Golf isnрЂ™t just a frugal alternative to the GTI рЂ“ itрЂ™s cheaper than the hot hatch favourite, too.

We compared the cost...

We compared the cost of rubber on both the entry-level and top-of-the-range versions of the UK"s most popular models with that of the previous generations.

WeтЂ™ve heard of the...

WeтЂ™ve heard of the credit crunch тЂ“ now hereтЂ™s the price crunch! Lexus is offering its revamped IS saloon for up to ТЈ1,000 less than the outgoing model. Even better news is that the new BMW 3-Series rival, which benefits from a number of upgrades inside and out, packs even more equipment despite the reduced tag.

When the rest of the...

When the rest of the country has ground to a halt, you can carry on regardless with the extra grip offered by the new kits from online retailer Car Parts Direct.

When we tried Furniture...

When we tried Furniture ClinicтЂ™s Leather Ultra Clean in our Issue 882 test, it didnтЂ™t do too well. Now, itтЂ™s back тЂ“ and has been much improved.

While left-hand-drive...

While left-hand-drive versions will benefit from the introduction of the acclaimed 2.7-litre V6 diesel engine used by the Jaguar S-Type, customers in the UK will miss out. A Peugeot spokesman told Auto Express: "As 607 volumes in this country are so small, the company has decided not to develop the V6 diesel unit for right-hand-drive models."

While other manufacturers...

While other manufacturers were struggling in 2008, Ferrari posted record profits of ТЈ305 million, so it can afford to keep the new models coming! And hereтЂ™s the most eagerly anticipated of the bunch, the replacement for the F430, codenamed the F142.