Motorsport

26 YEARS AGO: Surprising...

26 YEARS AGO: Surprising news came from Japan, where bosses at Nissan announced they would be axing the Datsun marque.

According to our sources...

According to our sources, this is what"s happening at MG Rover. Auto Express has learned that although Nanjing Automobile paid a н‚бЈ5million deposit to acquire the firm, the outstanding н‚бЈ50m for the purchase has yet to be received by administrator PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

A Gloucestershire company...

A Gloucestershire company is selling the hatchback, and because it comes from South Africa it"s right-hand drive. The first batch of cars is on its way here now, and Jason Jones of Rangeworthy-based Beetles UK - the man behind the initiative - can"t wait for it to arrive. "VW offered us the chance to sell the Golf as we already import the Type II camper van from Brazil," he said.

Also unveiled this week...

Also unveiled this week is the worldтЂ™s first integrated billing system for motorists using electric car charging posts.

Although many new cars...

Although many new cars are sold with Apple iPod connectivity as standard, those of us who donтЂ™t own the latest wheels can enjoy our MP3 tunes in the car with a Macally FM Port. This FM transmitter enables you to listen to your favourite digital tracks through the standard stereo.

Although this might...

Although this might sound merely worthy, Saab reckons that the public need to be persuaded to give up their petrol engines with sporty performance - so the Hybrid"s vege-powered engine develops 260bhp, in tandem with the 38kW eletric motor.

An auto-dimming rear...

An auto-dimming rear view mirror is essential if you donтЂ™t want to be dazzled by the headlights of cars behind you. Not all vehicles have the devices as standard тЂ“ but now, you can add it to any car with this clip-on AlphaMirror.

And if parts look familiar...

And if parts look familiar, that"s because they are. The flanks in particular build on the firm"s Roomster concept, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003.

And it’s inevitable...

And it’s inevitable that whenever you need to make a roadside repair, it’ll be in a spot that’s pitch black.

And now web users have...

And now web users have a new ally: the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group (VSTAG), an industry forum to combat motor-related fraud.

A number of new mini...

A number of new mini camera devices have been installed in areas where speed traps have been targeted repeatedly by vandals. In one region, West Yorkshire, police say the covert, round-the-clock surveillance is essential.

As we reported recently...

As we reported recently, buyers who place an order for the 187mph supercar now are unlikely to take delivery until 2009 – which has opened the door for customers who have already paid a deposit to make a quick profit.

As we’ve come...

As we’ve come to expect from the top-end producer, it sets a high standard, combining performance with design.

At last, here’s...

At last, here’s a sat-nav that’s right up your street – as it uses real photos of roads! The latest units from NDrive come pre-loaded with aerial pictures of 29 UK cities, helping driv?ers follow directions with real-life pictures of their surroundings.

Audi has announced its...

Audi has announced its next move in the race for lower CO2 emissions. The German manufacturer has taken the wraps off a new 1.6 TDi engine that will be added to the A3 range that produces just 99g/km of CO2.

Believe it or not, there...

Believe it or not, there is an occasion when you can refuse a roadside breath test. That’s when the police don’t have reasonable cause to suspect you have committed a traffic offence, consumed alcohol or been involved in an accident.

BMW has Mercedes" monstrously...

BMW has Mercedes" monstrously powerful S63 AMG in its sights! These are the pictures that prove BMW is ready to launch a incredible M7 version of its flagship luxury saloon.

Bosses at the firm have...

Bosses at the firm have dismissed rumours that the Sassou, which was unveiled at last September"s Frankfurt Motor Show, would replace the current model altogether. Instead, the sporty newcomer will run alongside the Ford Fiesta-based hatch, and could arrive in showrooms as early as next year.

But if you think that...

But if you think that sounds expensive, Auto Express can reveal UK motorists paid н‚бЈ110million-plus in speeding fines last year. The shocking figure is revealed in Britain"s first-ever official guide to where the cameras are sited, free with this issue.

But itтЂ™s not all about...

But itтЂ™s not all about the Up!, or the new BeetleтЂ¦ VW also picked the LA Motor Show to announce its new pick-up, the Amarok.

But organisers of the...

But organisers of the event in Mumbai made a grave mistake, as they chose the wrong colour scheme for the launch car. In India, the only vehicles painted black are hearses!

Capable on motorways...

Capable on motorways and B-roads, while in the urban jungle there"s nothing better

Car makers are letting...

Car makers are letting safety slide when it comes to superminis, crash test experts claim.

Codenamed the Wz, it...

Codenamed the Wz, it is expecч­ted to replace the Korean brand"s Chairman saloon. But its sleek profile and narrow headlamps are far removed from the awkward looks of the firm"s Rodius MPV and Kyron SUV, which are SsangYong"s most familiar products here in the UK. In fact, the Wz"s heavily contoured flanks and smooth bodylines are more reminiscent of the Lexus LS.

Comfortable children...

Comfortable children travel quieter. But keeping a growing family in car seats can be an expensive business.

Congestion charge payment...

Congestion charge payment machines are being axed тЂ“ as London prepares for a major overhaul of its carbon-busting scheme.

Derby city council is...

Derby city council is spending чЈ60,000 on halving the cost of the Pass Plus advanced driving course for newly qualified motorists. Officials have pointed to figures which show the first year on the road is one of the most dangerous for motorists.

Designed by famous Italian...

Designed by famous Italian styling house Bertone, the Roadster Concept will honour the firm"s 95th anniversary at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Design guru Gordon Murray...

Design guru Gordon Murray has released details of his latest project. And itтЂ™s the complete opposite of his most famous work тЂ“ the record-breaking McLaren F1 supercar.

Despite the 4x4"s disguise...

Despite the 4x4"s disguise, there"s no hiding the fact the newcomer is larger than the vehicle it replaces, which will give the Santa Fe more interior space than its main rival, the Land Rover Freelander. In addition to the interior improvements, the next model has better ground clearance than the current car. This, plus a new four-wheel-drive system, should ensure it has decent mud-plugging capability.

Ensuring you get a perfect...

Ensuring you get a perfect finish when waxing a car is down to good preparation тЂ“ such as using a clay bar to remove surface contaminants and old layers of wax. Now, Halfords has joined the valeting experts by offering its own Clay and Detailing Kit with everything you need for the job.

Evolution with every...

Evolution with every revolution тЂ“ thatтЂ™s the bold claim Goodyear is making about its new OptiGrip tyre. The rubber is said to provide consistent performance, even as the tread depth decreases.

Exclusive shots in this...

Exclusive shots in this week"s mag show how the sleek four-door, which is based on the forthcoming V8 coupнѓ©, combines traditional elements such as the distinctive front grille and high-waisted shape, but incorporates two doors on each side.

Exclusive spy images...

Exclusive spy images in this week"s mag reaveal BMW"s new M3 Convertible. Due on sale early in 2008, it"s a drop-top version of the forthcoming M3 Coupé, and has a muscular look and searing pace from a 400bhp 4.0-litre V8.

Feast your eyes on the...

Feast your eyes on the next baby Ferrari! Our spy snappers have snapped some more shots of the upcoming F450. Packing a new 4.5-litre V8 engine, it"s going to replace the F430 in FerrariтЂ™s line up next year.

Featuring a brand new...

Featuring a brand new sleek look, it has been designed with portability in mind, and boasts a 3.5-inch colour anti-glare touchscreen and user-friendly menu. The unit comes with the latest Navteq maps of Britain and Northern Ireland.

Five giant billboards...

Five giant billboards which feature a cardboard version of the 4x4 leaping out have been attacked and the 3D model stolen. A company spokesman said: "We know people want to get their hands on the car, but this is ridiculous. We have 25-30 of these posters around the UK, yet it"s the ones in Birmingham that keep being pinched. Somebody is going to a lot of trouble, because you would need ladders, spanners and more than one person to carry it."

GM Chevrolet Europe...

GM Chevrolet Europe commissioned the hot four-door saloon from Northants firm RML. It"s the outfit that"s masterminding Chevy"s assault on the new World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The car, essentially a roadgoing version of the racer, debuted at the Magny Cours round in France earlier this month.

Go back to the future...

Go back to the future with Vespa Vintage and GT60 scooters!

Goodyear may no longer...

Goodyear may no longer be in grand prix racing, but its new Eagle F1 Asymmetric tyre uses the latest technology. As the name suggests, the firm has ditched a directional pattern in favour of an asymmetric tread for its flagship rubber. This has allowed the grooves to be optimised for different requirements, such as dry grip or water shifting.

Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures that prove that Chevrolet"s Camaro Cabriolet is still on target for launch next year.

Here’s the first...

Here’s the first glimpse of the ‘new’ TF sports car, which has been freshened up by its Chinese owner, Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC).

How low can we go? That"s...

How low can we go? That"s the question top brass at Hyundai are asking themselves, as they seek to build a similar priced car to Tata"s Nano.

If thereтЂ™s one thing...

If thereтЂ™s one thing the 650bhp Gumpert Apollo didnтЂ™t need it was more power! But that hasnтЂ™t stopped the exotic German manufacturer from building the Apollo Speed shown here тЂ“ with a choice of 700bhp or 800bhp from its twin-turbo Audi-sourced 4.2-litre V8. Polished aerodynamics mean a 0-62mph sprint in 3.0 seconds flat and a top speed of over 225mph.

If you can’t stand...

If you can’t stand the cable clutter of portable systems, but still want to get sat-nav in your car, this latest product from in-car entertainment giant Clarion could be the answer.

If you donтЂ™t have...

If you donтЂ™t have the space to store a high-power pressure washer, but still want to tackle your carтЂ™s grime yourself, you can transform a normal hoseтЂ™s water output with the new Race Glaze Spray Wash Trigger Gun.

If youтЂ™ve seen the...

If youтЂ™ve seen the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, the idea of climbing behind the wheel of an Aston is sure to appeal. And Silverstone circuit has added one of the British manufacturerтЂ™s models to its Driving Experience fleet.

Initially developed...

Initially developed in Norway, the device has subsequently been trialled in France, where tests showed that around 95 per cent of the toxic vapour was eliminated. British environment minister Ben Bradshaw explained: "Petrol fumes from service stations contribute to air pollution and lead to smog in warm weather. Fitting new equipment which can capture these fumes will help to cut risks to public health and the environment."

Instead of 250cc in...

Instead of 250cc in the original, the new GTS has a 125cc powerplant – so most motorists will be able to ride it after only a single day’s Compulsory Basic Training.

Instead of using a single...

Instead of using a single bag to protect the occupant during an accident, this new system has two surface areas which spread the force of the impact more evenly in the event of a crash.

Insurance expert Thatcham...

Insurance expert Thatcham, which sets ratings for the industry, has introduced a standard requiring the devices not to work at distances of more than 10cm from the vehicle. But consultants at security firm SBD tested keys for nine cars - and only the Micra"s was effective. Some still operated from nearly two feet away. This means in extreme cases, thieves could enter and start a vehicle while the owner is loading the boot or filling up with fuel.

Is Citroen about to...

Is Citroen about to resurrect the DS badge? Rumours have been circulating on the internet that the French firm will re-launch the famous name on a range of luxurious models.В 

Is this the car that...

Is this the car that could replace the Toyota MR2? ItтЂ™s a two-seater coupé called the 2000 SR.

Is this the hot Mondeo...

Is this the hot Mondeo that Ford fans are crying out for? It has 266bhp and shows what an official ST version of the family car could be capable of.

It’s a cabrio...

It’s a cabrio, but not as we know it! Drop-top specialist Webasto has lifted the lid on its latest roofless concept: the LigHT (Light Hybrid Top).

It’s official!...

It’s official! British motorists love going topless. Cabrio sales are rising, and figures from supermarket Carcraft prove it.

It’s supplied...

It’s supplied in a heavy-duty case, and features a multi-position ‘D’ handle, and a six-inch backing plate with a Velcro base, making pad swapping simple. Polishing pads come in a variety of grades –from very soft to more abrasive for harsher polishes or mild cutting agents. Disappointingly, though, none was included, and at ?13 each plus the machine price, the package is clearly aimed at real enthusiasts and concours competitors.

It"s an e-WOLF in sheep"s...

It"s an e-WOLF in sheep"s clothing! These are the first official renderings of the all-electric e2 supercar, slated to go on sale in 2011 - and battery-powered cars don"t get any more potent than this.

It"s believed that production...

It"s believed that production of both roadster and coupé versions of the sports car is about to be halted. The two-seater is built for Chrysler by Karmann, which has a deal to make 30,000 annually. However, with sales on a downward spiral last year, Chrysler doesn"t need that many in 2006, and is in "production and associated compensation" discussions with the German firm.

It"s cash for scrap!...

It"s cash for scrap! The Government has hinted it will give the green light to a revolutionary scheme that will see owners get чЈ2,000 off the price of a new car if they agree to scrap their old one.ч 

It"s no secret that...

It"s no secret that the Korean company is aiming to shift upmarket with a raft of new models. But top brass at the firm are now considering the launch of a new luxury offshoot, just as Toyota has done with its Lexus-badged cars.

It"s not only the MiTo...

It"s not only the MiTo thatтЂ™s been hotting up тЂ“ the GT is, too.

It"s official –...

It"s official – Bristol has been named the slowest city in Britain, with an average speed of only 16.8mph!

It"s the news every...

It"s the news every supercar fan was desperate to hear: the Lexus LFA is going into production! Although Honda has canned plans for a new NSX, the wraps will be taken off the LFA at OctoberтЂ™s Tokyo Motor Show.

ItтЂ™s offical, GM has...

ItтЂ™s offical, GM has agreed to sell Saab to Swedish supercar makers Koenigsegg! But here are the photos that prove Saab is sticking to what it does best. The camouflage is slowly coming off and these are the best pictures yet of its new flagship, the 9-5, ahead of its debut at Frankfurt in September.

It works like this...

It works like this: you register with the website, and describe what you want, down to the smallest detail (that means specc"ing your car very carefully!) and then set a time limit for the bargain-hunters to do their best. The haggler who posts the lowest price before the deadline gets 20% of the saving (compared to the best price you"ve found already).

Joining the similarly...

Joining the similarly micro-sized G-Wiz, the Sakura Battery Co. vehicle is a 2-seater designed solely for environmentally-friendly city life. Constructed from a stainless steel chassis, it is less than 9 feet long, 5 foot wide, has front-opening rear-hinged doors, and claims to have enough storage space in the back to carry a bike, if you decide that battery power isn"t green enough for you.

Just days before the...

Just days before the start of the Concours dтЂ™Elegance show in Pebble Beach, California, Auto Express has lifted the lid on PininfarinaтЂ™s latest creation тЂ“ the Hyperion.

Just look at Rachel...

Just look at Rachel Emmons from Montana: she had the US icon"s galloping stallion logo tattooed on her leg before her new model even arrived! It was a brave decision, as the 35-year-old ordered the Mineral Gray motor without even seeing it.

Lamp posts and signs...

Lamp posts and signs could soon be used to help reduce congestion on UK roads. Exeter-based technology firm LastMile has developed a new solar-powered transceiver, which can be fitted into road furniture and used to beam traffic information into cars. It is working on the project with Qinetiq – the company which carries out weapons testing for the Ministry of Defence.

McLaren have become...

McLaren have become the third F1 manufacturer to unveil their 2009 Formula One challenger, following Ferrari and Toyota.

Mercedes might be looking...

Mercedes might be looking to fill a niche with its CLT shooting brake, but Vauxhall is aiming to capture the mass market with its Insignia Sports Tourer estate!

Most obvious are the...

Most obvious are the Multipla"s exterior changes, including vivid Racing Yellow paintwork and a Zender bodykit. Styling extras consist of a new front bumper, side skirts, bigger wheelarches and a rear spoiler. The revamp is finished off by 17-inch five-spoke alloys for increased grip and sharper looks.

Motorists who flee the...

Motorists who flee the scene after damaging street furniture are being tracked down and forced to pay up.

Nissan’s new coupé...

Nissan’s new coupé is coming out of the shadows! Auto Express can now reveal even more of the successor to the 350Z – the 370Z.

Not content with the...

Not content with the hatchback and Golf Plus variants, VW is now revealing this new Estate. The wraps come off the load-lugger at last week"s Geneva Show, and it will hit UK dealers in the summer. It features subtle changes up front, with an R32-style chrome grille and deep air intakes, providing the practical VW with a smart new look.

One thing which will...

One thing which will set the IS500 apart will be economy. Engineers are focused on developing a motor which not only produces massive muscle, but also uses very little fuel when cruising.

Our spies have snapped...

Our spies have snapped a prototype of the updated BMW 1-series and despite BMWрЂ™s trademark hypnotic paint job the new model clearly reveals its shape.

Planning a winter break...

Planning a winter break or ski trip? The new Excellence roof box from Thule could be a stylish solution to your luggage problems.

Plato still leads the...

Plato still leads the series as the tin-top teams arrive at Croft in North Yorkshire for the next round, but in recent races the SEAT star has seen his early season advantage eroded by Vauxhall’s hard-charging Italian ace.

Reports suggest Vauxhall"s...

Reports suggest Vauxhall"s parent form Opel is on the verge of asking the German governmenr for a ВЈ3 billion bail out.

Revealed in issue 875...

Revealed in issue 875, the car is a thinly disguised production model set to go on sale next summer. It"s expected to be powered by a 3.0-litre engine - and even the stylish exterior finish might find its way on to the options list.

Rivals such as the Ford...

Rivals such as the Ford Focus ST and Vauxhall Astra VXR had better watch out, as the old timer has some new tricks up its sleeve. Key to its appeal is a boost in power, taking the T-FSI unit up from 197bhp to 228bhp.

Sadly, British buyers...

Sadly, British buyers won"t benefit as the car will be on sale only in Japan. A spokesman for Toyota UK said: "This is a model for the home market. At the moment, there are no plans to bring it to Europe, and it"s not related to the city car we"re developing with PSA Peugeot Citroen. That isn"t likely to appear until the Geneva Motor Show in February."

Safety cameras are big...

Safety cameras are big business in the UK тЂ“ and the devices you can buy to beat them even more so. Keeping up-to-date can be time-consuming, unless you have one of Coyote SystemsтЂ™ locators. Every time itтЂ™s switched on, it downloads the latest information.

Safety experts are dismayed...

Safety experts are dismayed that last December"s law banning hand-helds hasn"t proved more effective. "The message has not got through that using them reduces safety," said a spokeswoman for the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents. "People have to learn it"s unacceptable to risk lives just to make a call."

Scooped at a customer...

Scooped at a customer clinic, the 9-6X was a product of General Motors" tie-up with Subaru, and based on the Japanese firm"s Tribeca off-roader.

SEAT reverses decision...

SEAT reverses decision to axe seatbelt reminder system from Leon. Feature was set to be deleted in cost-saving exercise, according to firm.

Slimline sat-navs are...

Slimline sat-navs are all the rage these days, and GarminтЂ™s new Nüvi 205T is the latest little wonder. Yet while itтЂ™s small, the feature count is anything but тЂ“ thereтЂ™s even a picture viewer function.

So if your vehicle is...

So if your vehicle is stolen, you want to ensure staff at the local workshop aren"t using it as a runabout or are simply look-ing for peace of mind, the set-up lets you check its position via the Internet or a mobile phone.

Spot the difference!...

Spot the difference! Does the glitzy three-door SUV pictured above seem familiar? ThatтЂ™s because itтЂ™s SEATтЂ™s Tribu concept, first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. However, the monochrome design sketch on the right is how the final production version of the Tribu soft-roader will look!

Staff at the feline...

Staff at the feline firm"s factory in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, are seen here celebrating the arrival of the very first new XK off the production line. Workers watched as the silver XK Coupé was handed over to the Jaguar Heritage Trust, which will keep it in a collection that includes the first and last E-Types, too.

TAKE a look at Citroen"s...

TAKE a look at Citroen"s first plug-in baby. This is the C-ZERO тЂ“ a fully fledged zero emission electric car that will reach Citroen showrooms next year.

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.

Team boss David Richards...

Team boss David Richards is investigating stepping up from the GT1 class by making a prototype-style car to take on Audi and Peugeot. Richards said: “It was an honest and open fight with Corvette, and we plan to be back next year. We still have goals to achieve, and an outright win must be on the cards.”

That"s because the cost...

That"s because the cost on a new car can be up to four times that of the equivalent unit for the previous model.

The AA has hit out following...

The AA has hit out following a rise in the number of call-outs its patrols have attended where the cause of the problem was water damage - due to owners cleaning engines with a pressure washer.

the call centre-based...

the call centre-based Smartnav system has been brought in line with the rest of the portable sat-nav market тЂ“ as it now comes with a colour touchscreen.

The car"s the work of...

The car"s the work of London-based tuner Autodelta. The firm has a reputation for pushing the Alfa"s 3.2-litre V6 engine to the max and has previously increased the capacity to 3.7 litres. But for this new model, Autoч­delta has now added a supercharger. The result is the astonishing 405bhp GT 3.7 Super, which can sprint from 0-60mph in only 4.9 seconds. However, this extra power doesn"t come cheap - the engine upgrade alone is чЈ13,500.

The company confirmed...

The company confirmed the change of direction after it supplied us with this official picture of the 350C being put through its paces in Saudi Arabia. It"s hoped the new development scheme will improve TVR"s record on mechanical reliability. Head of marketing Phil James told us: "We think the improvements in quality and durability will be warmly welcomed."

The controversial plan...

The controversial plan involves setting up a "freight interchange" on the outskirts of the town, where all lorries will stop to deliver goods. A fleet of electric vehicles will then take cargo on the final leg of its journey, to local shops and businesses. The aim is to create a steady stream of eco-friendly motors travelling throughout the day, in place of the early-morning goods vehicle rush.

The corporate design...

The corporate design features a curved steel roof and large glass facade. Visitors enter the showrooms by walking through the middle of a giant "H" which straddles the door. However, up to 20 American outlets - 10 per cent of the entire network - have had the eye-catching design rejected by local residents.

The entry-level 2.2-litre...

The entry-level 2.2-litre 320i replaces the 318i, and is priced at н‚бЈ21,090, a н‚бЈ140 increase over the outgoing model. The 320d is expected to be the most popular variant, and will cost н‚бЈ22,890 as opposed to н‚бЈ22,750 for the current car. Top of the range at launch will be the firm"s 258bhp 330i.

The error is part of...

The error is part of the mock exam included on the н‚бЈ30 pre-test tutorial, The Complete Official Learner Driver Pack. In the real thing, novices can only make five mistakes on the 35-question multiple-choice paper.

The firm has come up...

The firm has come up with a split-screen design for its new C620 – and it promises to make drivers’ lives easier.

The firm"s 207 supermini...

The firm"s 207 supermini arrives in the UK in May - but instead of dropping the outgoing 206 range, it plans to put facelifted versions in showrooms in a bid to win bargain-basement sales.

The iDA-X001 has been...

The iDA-X001 has been manufactured with the help of engineers from Apple – the company behind the huge-selling iPod – and is desч­igned around the entire range of MP3 players.

The latest DfT figures...

The latest DfT figures show that while half of all drivers are still exceeding the limit, the number of accidents in which "excessive speed" is a factor is less than 5 percent. By comparison, only 2 percent of motorists drive while intoxicated, but drink is a factor in nearly 25 percent of road traffic accidents.

The lid has been lifted...

The lid has been lifted on BMWтЂ™s next 6-Series. And Auto Express has exclusive pictures of the German car makers 2010/2011 soft-top. But whatтЂ™s more surprising is the coupe is yet to break cover.

The line-up includes...

The line-up includes a host of fresh features, incorporating powerful new diesel engines and the option of four-wheel drive. The 9-3 gets a striking chrome grille and swept-back headlamps, while a revamped bumper design also helps set the new car apart from its predecessor. Under the bonnet, buyers will be able to specify a 178bhp 1.9-litre TTiD diesel engine for the first time.

The Michelin Guide has...

The Michelin Guide has built its reputation on providing the lowdown on the best restaurants and hotels. Now, all the latest, exclusive information is available at your fingertips in the new range of ViaMichelin sat-navs.

The mighty Mercedes...

The mighty Mercedes SLR McLaren is set to hit the track. These pictures show the new GT racing version undergoing testing at the famous Nurburgring, Germany.

The Mobile Wear Bluetooth...

The Mobile Wear Bluetooth timepiece from Abacus is certainly easy to carry around – but is it any good?

The model was actually...

The model was actually on the stand of Indian manufacturer TATA - the firm which builds the hatchback and the CityRover. Called the Indigo Advent, it"s based on the estate version of the Indica, labelled Indigo SW, which is expected to be available in Britain by the middle of next year.

The new car, whose name...

The new car, whose name Auto Express revealed in Issue 846, will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will be the first model to use the next-generation Mondeo platform.

The newcomer boasts...

The newcomer boasts a 110bhp 1.6-litre 16v engine, plus a bodykit to match. There"s a redesigned nose with a deeper bumper, wider air intake and new foglight surrounds. The car also has side skirts, flared wheelarches, body-coloured rubbing strips and 16-inch "Leopard" alloys.

The newcomers are designed...

The newcomers are designed to give extra grip in bad weather conditions to models with wide, low-profile tyres on up to 18-inch rims.

The new model is expected...

The new model is expected to hit showrooms late next year, and could make its debut in roadgoing form at the Tokyo expo this autumn. It is likely to deliver 450bhp, and is set to give the Porsche 911 a run for its money, thanks to a range of hi-tech features, including a seven-speed automated manual transmission.

The news from Ford came...

The news from Ford came as the bio-ethanol Focus was launched in the UK. It"s priced н‚бЈ14,095, although sales are expected to be "modest" because there are only five places in the country where you can fill up - and they"re all in Somerset, near to the biofuel project the blue oval is involved with. Locally grown wheat will be used to power the 40 Flexi-fuel cars being run by companies based in the area. "This is only the start," said a Ford spokesman. "In Sweden, for example, 80 per cent of Focuses sold are bioethanol, so we know people accept it. It"s about getting the infrastructure in place."

The new theft-resistant...

The new theft-resistant registrations are designed to crack down on vehicle cloning and curb the rising number of cases where stolen reg plates are being used to evade parking tickets and speeding fines. Police figures show that more than 33,000 sets of plates were taken from vehicles in 2004. Motorists will be expected to cover the cost of the new technology, as the theft-proof versions are likely to be twice the current price of standard ones at around чЈ20 a pair.

The Parrot SK4000 is...

The Parrot SK4000 is a wireless hands-free mobile phone and music kit for motorcyclists – and the maker claims it’s a world first.

The pre-Geneva teasers...

The pre-Geneva teasers are coming thick and fast now тЂ“ but none are more intriguing than this! Ultra-exotic Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has released this mean and moody shot of a brand new concept called the Quant.

The Sedici goes on sale...

The Sedici goes on sale April 22 at a base price of чЈ12,495 and is Fiat"s first ever SUV. Designed by Italian favourite Giorgetto Giugiaro, it has been engineered in conjunction with Suzuki.

The Spaniard (image)...

The Spaniard (image) was back to his brilliant best to score his third win of the year at the Nurburgring, and he is now targeting further success on Sunday.

The special edition...

The special edition was unveiled at this week"s Tokyo Motor Show, complete with a striking orange paint job and retro plastic wheel covers.

The Subaru Legacy is...

The Subaru Legacy is growing тЂ“ and here is the picture that proves it! This is the firmтЂ™s all-new model (pictured), which made its debut at the New York Motor Show this week.

The supermini is set...

The supermini is set to take on a similar style to its big brother, and will benefit from the full GTI treatment. VW"s trademark grille is given a black finish, while the supermini gets a similar wheel design to the Golf. However, the Polo will be far less extreme than its Vauxhall rival.

The technology - the...

The technology - the work of Cambridge University scientist Rana El Kaliouby - debuted five years ago on Toyota"s Pod concept. That car"s body changes colour to match driver behaviour, red for harsh braking and blue if the fuel runs out.

The tiny beacons were...

The tiny beacons were installed less than a year ago on a three-mile stretch of the A12 near Witham in Essex. The theory was they would reduce the accident risk because they"d be permanently illuminated.

The trophy is Mazda"s...

The trophy is Mazda"s first win on home soil for 23 years - the manufacturer last took the important prize in 1983 with the Capella saloon. At a ceremony in Tokyo last week, the MX-5 roadster was crowned the best car of 2005 by select local journalists, including Auto Express"s Japanese editor, Peter Lyon. The newcomer beat its rivals after being awarded 447 points out of a maximum of 600.

The very latest edition...

The very latest edition of the 911 family is here! These are the first official pictures of the 911 Targa, and as you can see, it"s got a touch of glass.

The Worcestershire specialist...

The Worcestershire specialist, famed for carving its chassis out of wood, has updated the nose of its flagship. And the result bears a strong resemblance to the Aeromax, a one-off, fixed-roof car made for a wealthy customer and seen at last year"s Geneva Motor Show.

The wraps are off PorscheтЂ™s...

The wraps are off PorscheтЂ™s new Cayman! Only two months after the launch of the performance- focused Sport S, our spies have captured the next version of the car carrying out final tests тЂ“ completely undisguised!

This type of lamp has...

This type of lamp has been proven to reduce accidents, but unless your car was fitted with them at the factory, your only option has been to drive on dipped beam. And that increases fuel consumption, because the vehicle’s alternator has to work harder.

Tight Euro IV emissions...

Tight Euro IV emissions laws are behind the move, and it looks as though the curtains will finally be closed on the old 122bhp 2.5-litre Td5 powerplant. Instead, the Solihull-based manufacturer is almost certainly planning to adopt a fresh diesel unit, possibly from parent company Ford"s commercial vehicle line-up.

Top portable sat-nav...

Top portable sat-nav developer TomTom has unveiled the rest of its range to support the flagship Go930T we tested recently (Issue 1,012).

UNLOADING new cars from...

UNLOADING new cars from a transporter is nerve wracking - but the most feared model for reversing on to the road isn"t what you"d think.

Unveiled at the Bologna...

Unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy, the Panda Tanker features only three doors. And although the overall shape has remained unchanged, the two rear doors have been replaced by solid panels to free up some extra load space in the practical cabin.

Voice recognition can...

Voice recognition can be a difficult art to master, usually requiring time-consuming training to work correctly. However, with the Parrot Minikit Slim hands-free kit you can speak easy, as it is claimed to identify nearly all commands straight out of the box.

Volvo"s C30 has been...

Volvo"s C30 has been handed a mid-life update with exterior tweaks and a new, greener engine.

We have now taken the...

We have now taken the wheel of the four-door A4 for the first time, and it’s clear the new German model has a lot to offer – watch the video first drive here.

"We"re simply helping...

"We"re simply helping operators to protect their business," argued McKerney, managing director of ParkingEye, based in Preston, Lancashire. "Anybody who does not have a valid ticket is effectively stealing, whether it"s a council facility or a commercial one."

We"ve already taken...

We"ve already taken the wraps off the new Megane – and now, we can bring you spy shots of it testing on the road for the first time.

While Audi has cancelled...

While Audi has cancelled plans to build a diesel R8, the good news is itтЂ™s definitely going ahead with a drop-top Spyder model.

While this little pink...

While this little pink stick doesnтЂ™t look like much, it claims to keep your glass and mirrors water, steam and glare-free. The new Formula Anti Glare is easy to use тЂ“ just rub on and buff off тЂ“ although for best results ours needed a couple of applications.

Working away at stubborn...

Working away at stubborn marks on your car can be hard going тЂ“ but the Sonic Scrubber Pro Detailer takes over for you. The powered tool now comes with new heads and a rack to keep everything in place.