Exclusive pictures in...
Exclusive pictures in this week"s mag are based on information from within the company, and provide the first glimpse of a car that will aim to tempt image-conscious buyers away from established favourites, such as Audi"s A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. As Volvo"s first small hatchback since the conservative 440 was dropped back in 1997, the V30 would be joined by a sporty three-door variant, which is expected to be called the S30.
Itching to buy a new...
Itching to buy a new car? Then maybe the Ford Focus C-MAX will rub you up the right way. It"s the first model to win a prestigious award for using materials that don"t trigger allergies.
The independent science lab at the TUV in Germany - the equivalent of the UK"s Transport Research Laboratory - carried out patch tests, such as the one in the picture above. All materials likely to have direct and prolonged skin contact, such as upholstery and seatbelts, were checked. Blue oval designers avoided plastics, rubbers or fabrics containing latex and nickel because they can provoke allergic reactions. In addition, the car"s air filter stops pollen, helping asthmatics and hay fever sufferers. Ford said all future models would be tested to TUV criteria.