Having cruelly lost...
Having cruelly lost the title to Sam Hornish Jr on a tie breaker in 2006, the Englishman is determined not to miss out – and he dominated the opening round of this year’s series, staged on Saturday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Taking on prestige rivals...
Taking on prestige rivals such as the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 Sportback, the newcomer will make its debut towards the end of 2008. It is likely to be badged C50, and is effectively a C30 with two rear doors – as our picture shows.
It will have the same wheelbase as the three-door, so there won’t be much more room inside. However, improved back access and versatility will appeal to families, while the extended rear overhang will provide a little more load space. At the front, a modified bumper and grille will further differentiate the C50. The engine range will be carried over from the C30, with an entry-level 100bhp 1.6-litre petrol and a range-topping 217bhp 2.5 five-cylinder turbo T5. Set to go on sale in early 2009, costing around ?500 more than its stablemate, the car could pave the way for other C30 variants, including a convertible and estate.