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Aimed at fashion-conscious...

Aimed at fashion-conscious young buyers with active lifestyles, the newcomer could lend styling details to the next Freelander, which is due in 2006.

Aimed at sporting hatchbacks...

Aimed at sporting hatchbacks and saloons, the SP Sport FastResponse is designed to provide high resistance to aquaplaning, as well as enhanced grip and sharper steering precision in the wet. The tyre features an asymчmetric tread and has a special silica compound for strong performance on soaking roads, while its construction maximises contact with the tarmac. The 31-strong range incorporates sizes from 185/60 R14 to 205/50 R17.

Alistair DarlingрЂ™s...

Alistair DarlingрЂ™s pre-Budget tax tinkering wonрЂ™t save motorists enough cash for a tank of fuel! WeрЂ™ve done the maths, and the 13-month VAT cut will save the average driver a mere ВЈ35 рЂ“ as the 2p per litre of petrol drop in sales tax has been countered by a 2p rise in fuel duty.

All in all, Mazda has...

All in all, Mazda has stolen a march on the class"s more established contenders with a car which is intelligently designed and great to own.

Although Toyota has...

Although Toyota has been away from the performance coupé market for a long time, that will all change later this year when a new hybrid model arrives. With a price tag of more than ТЈ40,000, it will be out of reach for many, so if youтЂ™re after a rapid coupé, how about its predecessor, the Supra?

Amazingly, it might...

Amazingly, it might not be the record holder for long. A rival firm is working on a motor it says will trump that, at only чЈ1,300. This Alif four-seater is made by Pakistani brand Transmission, and while it is not exactly the height of luxury, it does have some excellent features.

And it was a superb...

And it was a superb weekend for patriotic fans, with fellow Brits James Thompson, Rob Huff and WTCC rookie Colin Turkington all excelling at the Kent circuit.

A new 150bhp 2.0-litre...

A new 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel is expected to be the most popular powerplant, although a 2.4-litre petrol unit will be available, too. Chevrolet is also planning to develop a 120bhp oil-burner, although bosses have decided against fitting it in the Captiva, instead earmarking it for the Lacetti hatch. A powerful range-topping 3.2 V6 Captiva won"t come to the UK, due to the low demand for thirsty off-roaders here.

A new Lion is about...

A new Lion is about to leap into view! In a UK exclusive, Auto Express can bring you these amazing pictures of the all-new Peugeot 208.

A new pony car has bolted...

A new pony car has bolted into view! This is the 2010-model year Ford Mustang. Due to make its worldwide debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show this week, images leaked onto the internet ahead of its official launch.

A new range of city...

A new range of city models is being planned by BMW, and they could be called Isetta after the famous bubble car of the Fifties.

An exclusive spy image...

An exclusive spy image in the current issue of the mag reveals the revised version of the popular Ford workhorse. And it"s clear from the image that the minibus variant is wearing the face of the next-generation Mondeo.

An inside source at...

An inside source at the Italian firm has confirmed that the drop-top will make its world debut at the Frankfurt expo in September. As the Brera was designed from the outset to be a convertible and a coupнѓ©, the Spider has a flat rear deck to house the fabric hood, yet retains its seductive styling.

As well as the new lamps...

As well as the new lamps - which use a curved plastic casing and jewelled inner reflectors - the company"s stylists have also updated the rest of the front end with a jutting grille, complete with silver slats, lower air intakes and integrated foglights.

Auto Express first broke...

Auto Express first broke the news of its plans to develop an all-wheel-drive transmission in issue 881. And in this week"s mag our spies have snapped some stunning shots of the new Leon 4x4.

Auto Express"s spies...

Auto Express"s spies caught both Subaru and Mitsubishi putting their latest rally-bred supersaloons through their paces at Germany"s Nнѓбјrburgring and we"ve printed the sneaky snaps in this week"s mag.

Based on the new Corvette...

Based on the new Corvette Z06, the car has acceleration to rival the most exotic machinery from Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. It uses a supercharged version of the Z06"s 7.0-litre V8, and promises to be the most powerful car General Motors has ever built.

Believe it or not, the...

Believe it or not, the MkI Golf GTI is the car Volkswagen never meant to build! The world’s first hot hatch was actually a secret after-hours project for a small group of engineers at the firm’s Wolfsburg plant in the early Seventies, but bosses loved it. The newcomer combined Italian design with German engineering, and turned the tepid Golf up to gas mark 8!

BMWтЂ™s big news in...

BMWтЂ™s big news in New York is the X6M SUV. Unveiled as part of a pair with the X5M, the main emphasis at the show seems to be on the X6, with a car on each of the brandтЂ™s two show stands. It boasted particular presence in red, attracting a lot of attention.

Bosses are sceptical...

Bosses are sceptical about the merits of introducing the new model, as the Verso accounted for only six per cent of last year"s Yaris sales in Britain. A Toyota spokesman said: "While the new Yaris line-up is yet to be confirmed, it"s unlikely the Verso will be part of the UK range."

Bosses at the Korean...

Bosses at the Korean brand are putting the finishing touches to the firm’s official approved used car scheme – and we have the exclusive lowdown on what buyers can expect.

Bosses at the marque...

Bosses at the marque revealed that testing of the all-new 101EX Coupé has already begun in earnest, sparking speculation that a production version is almost certain to arrive by 2008.

Bosses wanted to mount...

Bosses wanted to mount a giant, rotating, illuminated version of the company logo, measuring 5.85 metres, on top of the main cone-shaped building at the historic site of Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, Surrey. However, Elmbridge District Council has refused planning permission, stating it would be "visually intrusive in an area of special advertising control" and "detract from the views of the ancient monument".

British motorists spend...

British motorists spend a huge ТЈ6.2million an hour at the pumps! ThatтЂ™s more than any of our closest European neighbours, according to the latest figures. In fact, drivers in Britain have consistently paid more to fill up than those in France, Spain, Italy and Germany since 2000, the study by online comparison site uSwitch.com reveals.

But it might have been...

But it might have been a different story had Petter Solberg’s new Subaru Impreza not suffered a freak engine failure. The Norwegian set a blistering pace on the opening stages, before a rock bounced up into the engine bay and punctured an oil cooler.

But the innovation wasn"t...

But the innovation wasn"t simply driven by stylists and marketing experts who want to retain the MINI"s reputation for quirkiness - it will also make the car easier and quicker to build.

Buyers of MazdaтЂ™s...

Buyers of MazdaтЂ™s next-generation RX-8 really will be having a тЂgasтЂ™! ThatтЂ™s because the firm is planning to offer it with a hydrogen-powered engine, Auto Express can reveal.

Cadillac is set to unleash...

Cadillac is set to unleash its most advanced road car yet... Designed to carry one of the world"s most important men, it"e the firm"s latest generation presidential limousine.

Called the Chevrolet...

Called the Chevrolet Volt, it"s being displayed at this week"s Detroit Motor Show. The machine is the spiritual successor to the EV1 electric car launched by GM in California back in 1996. Unlike that vehicle, however, the Volt can be charged from a standard 240V home socket in three-and-a-half hours, and is said to combine real-world performance with a range of more than 640 miles.

Called the Q5, the newcomer...

Called the Q5, the newcomer is the smaller brother to the Q7. It enters a fresh market sector for Audi, joining other compact SUVs such as Mercчedes" imminent MLK.

Cars are getting greener...

Cars are getting greener, claim industry chiefs. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says more efficient engines have cut CO2 output by five million tonnes in the past 10 years. Average new car emissions have fallen 12 per cent to 167.2 g/km since 1997. “This is despite the fact there are 16.5 per cent more vehicles on the road,” said the SMMT’s Christopher Macgowan.

Check out Land Rover’s...

Check out Land Rover’s latest stunning show car – the LRX black and silver.ч

CLICK HERE FOR THE EXCLUSIVE PICTURES

Could his be the move...

Could his be the move that revolutionises aftersales service in the UK? Mazda has put its money where its mouth is, and given dealers cash to settle owner disputes.

Could this be the future...

Could this be the future of the British supercar. Under development since 2005 weтЂ™ve spied a working prototype of the Concept Climax out testing and it looks every bit as stunning as the original concept.

Devices that play films...

Devices that play films in cars are becoming increasingly popular тЂ“ as long as you have lots of space in the console to mount the screen. Otherwise, it has to go in the rooflining, or on the back of a headrest.

Devon could soon be...

Devon could soon be a word more synonymous with tyre-smoke and torque rather than clotted cream and cows. The Devon GTX, AmericaтЂ™s latest supercar, has been snapped in testing by our spies.

Due on sale in 2009...

Due on sale in 2009, the Panamera will be the manufacturer"s fifth model, and top the range above the 911, Cayenne, Cayman and Boxster. It will offer the most luxurious Porsche experience ever, and have a price tag of around н‚бЈ100,000 to match. The styling will take cues from the 911 at the front, with a slightly lower roofline and dramatically curved glass areas. Bosses have released this early teaser design study to give a hint of what to expect.

EverythingтЂ™s all white...

EverythingтЂ™s all white for Vauxhall! Gracing its

Exclusive Ferrari nets huge price

Faster, greener and...

Faster, greener and sleeker... Lexus has revised its flagship V8-powered GS executive car by giving it a new engine – as well as updating the styling across the range.

Finally, the wraps are...

Finally, the wraps are off the new A3… And Auto Express has the first official pictures.

Fire engines carrying...

Fire engines carrying cameras could be used to catch errant motorists, under a proposed partnership between South Yorkчshire Police and the local brigade.

Following on from our...

Following on from our story in Issue 932, which showed a mildly disguised GT-R testing at the Nürburgring in Germany, this week"s mag can now reveal how the newcomer will look. It retains the distinctive headlights of the original Skyline GT-R concept, which made its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. With narrow, pod-style lenses and black frames incorpчorating deep air intakes - which extend to nearly meet the front splitter - the lamps provide the GT-R with a menacчing look.

French firm Citroen...

French firm Citroen has released pictures of its all-new Berlingo Multispace. The practical family runarond has been given a fresh look and revised mechnicals. Company bosses are claiming the newcomer adds saloon car levels of refinement to the existing car"s van-like versatility,

French giant Peugeot...

French giant Peugeot is set to axe its trademark hard-top on a new cabriolet. An insider has revealed that a convertible version of the stunning RC Z is on the way тЂ“ but it will shun a removable metal lid in favour of a lighter fabric roof.

Fruadulent insurance...

Fruadulent insurance claims now top чЈ4million a day, according to the Association of British Insurers. Its recent survey revealed one in 10 adults has cheated on their policy, causing an average rise in premium of чЈ40 a year.

Funky, futuristic, fun...

Funky, futuristic, fun: not words you’d normally associate with German sports cars, which usually put performance and design efficiency above all else.

German firm BMW will...

German firm BMW will return to the American Le Mans series this year. After an absence of seven years, the former champion outfit is joining forces with Rahal Letterman Racing to campaign the M3 GT2.

Get more control over...

Get more control over your vehicleтЂ™s power and efficiency with one of these clever new tuning packages from V-tech.

Get ready for the electric...

Get ready for the electric MINI! The zero emission addition to the supermini line-up is about to hit BritainтЂ™s streets.

Going green has been...

Going green has been the theme of this year’s Detroit Motor Show, and Chrysler is going all out to reduce emissions with three environmentally conscious concept cars.

Government fat cats...

Government fat cats spend ВЈ7.16million a year on chauffeur-driven ministerial cars. And each one costs an average ВЈ73,000 to run рЂ“ thatрЂ™s 15 times more than the average motoristрЂ™s bill!

Green fuel first for UK

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.

He celebrated his 27th...

He celebrated his 27th birthday in style – by winning the inaugural Honda 200 at Mid-Ohio on SundayIt was the in-form New Zealandчer’s third consecutive victory, but Franchitti, once again, limited the damage to a 10-point loss by finishing second. That means the Scot still holds a 24-point lead over Dixon with five races remaining.

Here"s a sports car...

Here"s a sports car thatтЂ™s on a real charge! Among the electric models at the British Motor Show, the Lightning GT was the undoubted star.

Here"s proof that Alfa"s...

Here"s proof that Alfa"s new Giulietta is inching ever closer to the showroom. Eagle-eyed Auto Express reader Paul Davies spied this prototype testing in Livigno, northern Italy recently.

HereтЂ™s PeugeotтЂ™s...

HereтЂ™s PeugeotтЂ™s тЂPrologueтЂ¦тЂ™ to the 3008 SUV!

History is repeating...

History is repeating itself at Lotus. To celebrate 40 years of production at its Norfolk factory, the sportscar manufacturer has resurrected the classic Sprint name.

However, sources in...

However, sources in Japan have told us the rear end is inspired by the home market-only family model, named "Ist". Three and five-door prototypes with disguised bodywork are lapping Germany"s Nнѓбјrburgring circuit, with engineers refining the suspension settings on the new platform underpinning the car.

IF you want to use your...

IF you want to use your phone legally when youтЂ™re driving, you need a hands-free kit. And while there are plenty of devices on the market, the new Visor Go from SuperTooth is one of the least obtrusive options.

Industry analysts say...

Industry analysts say franchised garages are making significant improvements to their used vehicle operations to combat the threat posed by low-cost car supermarkets.

In exchange for payment...

In exchange for payment, he"ll say he was behind the wheel at the time of the offence. The amazing scam will appeal to drivers who already have nine points, and face a ban if they get more.

In what must be one...

In what must be one of the trickiest highway maintenance projects in the country, repair crews from Northumberland County Council have just started resurfacing the causeway linking the island of Lindisfarne to the mainland.

It hasnтЂ™t even hit...

It hasnтЂ™t even hit UK roads yet, but Ford is already chasing the warm hatch pack with the Fiesta Zetec S.

It looks like Land Rover...

It looks like Land Rover is turning over a new leaf! The 4x4 maker has acknowledged it needs to do more to make its range greener тЂ“ and now the firm has put its money where its muddy mouth is.

It revealed the average...

It revealed the average cost of a family day out to the Birmingham NEC was a staggering н‚бЈ70. Even for a person on their own, the cost was н‚бЈ36.

It’s a Volvo XC90...

It’s a Volvo XC90, but not as we know it! The Swedish manufacturer unveiled a new R-Design package for its big-selling SUV at the Detroit Motor Show – and this is it.

It’s not very...

It’s not very often you can describe a used car costing nearly ?25,000 as a ‘bargain’ – but when it’s the V10 diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg off-roader, it’s fair comment.

It’s the ultimate...

It’s the ultimate fashion accessory! If a standard Veyron is a little too common for you, how about one designed by the exclusive French couture house of Hermès?

It"s happening because...

It"s happening because tough lic-ensing rules designed to protect the environment are driving unscrupulous operators outside the law.

It shares the five-door"s...

It shares the five-door"s discreet styling - including a deeper front bumper and side sills - and should closely match that car"s 6.1-second 0-60mph time. A spokesman for the Luton firm said: "We don"t have the official figures yet, but expect a top speed of 160mph."

It"s M for mighty! Following...

It"s M for mighty! Following in the wheel tracks of the M3 and M5, BMW has set its M Performance arm to work on its off-roaders тЂ“ and the result is two of the fastest, most powerful SUVs ever: the X6 M and X5 M.

It"s not the first time...

It"s not the first time the firm has offered a Fiesta Zetec S, but there has never been a diesel version before. The car goes on sale in the UK in Dec-ember and will be powered by a new 89bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder oil-burner. It will be joined by a 99bhp 1.6 petrol variant, and both models will get an ST- style bodykit including 16-inch alloys.

It sounds like something...

It sounds like something Willy Wonka would dream up. But motorists hoping to buy a Tata Nano will have to enter a lottery to get hold of the worldтЂ™s cheapest car.

ItтЂ™s a classic thatтЂ™s...

ItтЂ™s a classic thatтЂ™s young at heart! A replica of VolvoтЂ™s famous P1800 Coupé тЂ“ the car that featured in the hit Sixties TV series The Saint тЂ“ has been given a modern twist to create the ultimate retro GT. Similar to the Mercedes 300SL we featured in Issue 1,062, the P1800 has been brought bang up to date by Bo Zolland, head of Swedish design firm Vizualtech. And in these first official pictures from the company, we can see the changes close up.

ItтЂ™s a supercar with...

ItтЂ™s a supercar with four doors and a sensible boot! Mitsubishi has confirmed that the most powerful Evo X to date will hit UK showrooms this month, and prepare to be blown away by the FQ-400тЂ™s astonishing turbocharged engine.

ItтЂ™s go for AudiтЂ™s...

ItтЂ™s go for AudiтЂ™s baby SUV! The German firm has announced that it will put the Q3 into production in 2011, giving it a vital rival to MINIтЂ™s upcoming Crossman and the BMW X1.

ItтЂ™s not very spacious...

ItтЂ™s not very spacious in the back, and you may notice more chassis flex, but with punchy, smooth engines, itтЂ™s a great cruiser

Jaguar and Land Rover...

Jaguar and Land Rover both face significant challenges in the years to come

Keeping cool behind...

Keeping cool behind the wheel could soon cost you more. New EU regulations demand that air-conditioning engineers have proven qualifications.

Land Rover has used...

Land Rover has used the British Motor Show to unveil its vision of the future тЂ“ and the eco-friendly technology that will drive it there.

Left exposed in broad...

Left exposed in broad daylight, the new Santa Fe"s sleek lines are a radical departure from the bulbous look of the existing version, and help take the model upmarket. Set to go on sale in the UK next autumn, the 4x4 will be available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. And the VGT - Variable Geometry Turbo - badge on the side of this car reveals it"s the 2.2-litre oil-burner, which is likely to be the top seller.

Legendary off-road ability...

Legendary off-road ability, a commanding driving position and a vast, robust cabin give the sense that the Disco can handle anything.

Lewis Hamilton’s...

Lewis Hamilton’s bid to tie up the GP2 title was thwarted at the weekend by championship rival Nelson Piquet Junior. The Brazilian became the first driver in the series’ short history to pick up maximum points at an event – by winning both rounds in Hungary and taking the point awarded for fastest lap.

Log on for a big love-in with Tata

MINI is getting тЂrooflessтЂ™...

MINI is getting тЂrooflessтЂ™ with its Cooper S тЂ“ and these are the best picutures yet of the sporty drop-top. Our spies have managed to spot the flagship тЂSтЂ™ version of the Cooper almost completely undisguised on test in Germany, and it looks like MINI is onto another winner.

Money may be tight right...

Money may be tight right now... but Ferrari fans will be pleased to hear that ownership of the famous badge has come a few steps closer!

More than 1.5 million...

More than 1.5 million cases of this type of misfuelling are reported in the UK each year and Ford and other leading motor manufacturers are concerned about the effect these could have on future warranty claims.

Morgan has just pulled...

Morgan has just pulled the wraps off the Lifecar – a hydrogen-powered vision of the future. The two-seater concept car uses fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into electricity with water being the only by-product.

Motorists entering the...

Motorists entering the capital can expect to face big bills. Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has just announced large increases to the cost of entering the Congestion Charge Zone.

New powers which enable...

New powers which enable local councils to cut the congestion and disruption caused by roadworks have been introduced. The rules mean contractors could be banned from digging up roads during the rush hour. “There’s nothing more annoying than seeing work take place at the most inconvenient times,” said transport minister Rosie Winterton.

Next yearтЂ™s all-new...

Next yearтЂ™s all-new Honda Accord wonтЂ™t only look futuristic тЂ“ it will also feature one of the worldтЂ™s most advanced diesel engines.

Nissan has the need...

Nissan has the need for speed! As well as the Murano GT-C, the firm will also be giving its 350Z coupé a boost, too. And the result will be a machine that should give the Porsche Cayman S something to think about.

Not only does it have...

Not only does it have a radio, plus a CD, DVD and MP3 player, it also includes sat-nav. The double-DIN-sized MAX 973HD features a huge 30GB hard disk with room for up to 4,000 digital tracks, which can be downloaded at a useful eight times the playing speed. No multimedia player is complete without iPod connectivity, and the Clarion offers a flying lead for Apple’s top-selling gadget, plus the ability to play tunes and show both video and photos on the widescreen monitor.

Originally scheduled...

Originally scheduled to debut in France next autumn, the Twingo II has been delayed for a year as Renault tries to make the project profitable in the face of competition from the Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo joint venture.

Pick of the bunch are...

Pick of the bunch are the facelifted Smarts, which hit the showrooms from 2003 onwards.

Playing an iPod through...

Playing an iPod through your car stereo is fast becoming a must for drivers. There are several ways of getting those thousands of files blasting out of the in-car stereo, but none gets closer to the actual player than this latest head unit from Alpine.

Plug-in Saturn 4x4 goes the distance

Porsche has another...

Porsche has another accolade – it’s now the most prestigious premium brand in America, a key market for the German car maker. The marque scooped the New York Luxury Institute honour in a survey which quizzed more than 1,500 high earners.

Prior to the introduction...

Prior to the introduction of charging in August 2002 the RAC Foundation measured traffic speeds of just 2.9mph on several key routes. However, this was at a time when central London was inundated with roadworks and changes had been made to the phasing of several key traffic lights. Now the speeds are up to 7.4 mph as the number of cars entering the zone has dropped by 50,000 a day (38 per cent).

Produced by the Instituto...

Produced by the Instituto Europeo di Design (IED), the roadster is intended to be a spiritual successor to the legendary X1/9 of the Seventies. It has been officially endorsed by Fiat and roof expert Webasto, and has already been dubbed the X1/99.

Removing dirt from those...

Removing dirt from those hard-to-reach parts of your carтЂ™s cabin can be a pain. But with Cyber Clean, you donтЂ™t have to resort to cotton buds or toothbrushes to get into small gaps, as it goes where other cleaners canтЂ™t.

Schuey’s back in the driving seat

Specialist Experian...

Specialist Experian has added an environmental section to its data reports, so second-hand buyers can see the ecological credentials of their next vehicle, in addition to finding out if it has been stolen or written-off during its lifetime.

Speed cameras on Britain’s...

Speed cameras on Britain’s busiest motorway are about to go digital.

Speed rap detection...

Speed rap detection specialist Cheetah has launched the second generation of its GPS rear view mirror. Using global positioning satellites, the system alerts you to the presence of safety and traffic light cameras only on your side of the road, minimising the likelihood of false alarms.

Stanford University...

Stanford University unveiled its entrant for the 2007 Urban Challenge, sponsored by the Defense Advanced research Projects Agency (DARPA) on Friday in the form of Junior.

Take a look at Mitsubishi"s...

Take a look at Mitsubishi"s electric future! The firm will be revealing two plug-in concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month тЂ“ and they"ll both go on sale next year.

Take a look at the 1,000mph...

Take a look at the 1,000mph car. Twelve years on from their last record breaking run, Andy Green OBE and Richard Noble OBE are at it again. Auto Express was there back in 1997 supporting the pair, when they famously piloted the Thrust supersonic car (SCC) through the sound barrier onto a world-record speed of 763.053mph. And this time theyтЂ™re looking to go three steps further.

Take a look at the supercars...

Take a look at the supercars of tomorrow. These amazing machines are the work of Iranian designer Emil Baddal.

Take a look at the world"s...

Take a look at the world"s first spy shots of the next-generation Lacetti, which shows how the Ultra WTCC concept has developed into a showroom-ready model. First revealed at last year"s Paris Motor Show, the Ultra marked the start of Chevrolet"s new design era, with the aim of establishing the brand as a mainstream marque.

Take a look at ToyotaтЂ™s...

Take a look at ToyotaтЂ™s vision of the future. Called the FT-EV II (Future Toyota Electric Vehicle II), this clever compact concept is based on the iQ city car but has been specifically designed for short-distance, zero-emissions travel.

Take a look at what...

Take a look at what could one of this year"s must-have SUVs тЂ“ the Infiniti EX37. It"s a smart-looking 4x4 that"s seeking to steal sales from the Lexus RX and Audi Q5 by offering a neat combination of performance, styling and generous equipment.

Taking great care not...

Taking great care not to lose any of the Arnage"s imposing muscle, stylists have concentrated on bringing the huge four-door"s front end up to date. Falling in line with the Continental GT and Azure, the Arnage boasts new twin headlamps and a reshaped bonnet.

That’s the message...

That’s the message from police after week-long safety checks caught nearly 6,000 British drivers who still refuse to buckle themselves in. Traffic officers also found 160 children travelling unrestrained in cars.

THE AA might be better...

THE AA might be better known for fixing breakdowns, but now it has decided to use its expertise to keep your car looking its best as well. The six-piece Essentials Valeting range features wash and wax, trim, tyre, upholstery and wheel cleaners, plus glass polish.

The all-new Scirocco...

The all-new Scirocco was the star of this month’s Geneva Motor Show – and that’s helped turn the spotlight on to older variants.

The all-wheel-drive...

The all-wheel-drive version is said to have caused an engineering nightmare for GM, because the Epsilon platform on which the Vectra is based was originally intended to be driven by the front wheels only. Early prototypes sat very high off the ground, as the car needed to be raised in order to accommodate the rear differential, but the latest version is now said to stand only an inch taller than the normal Vectra.

The Audi R8 is on a...

The Audi R8 is on a diet! Our spies have caught a second R8 V10 Clubsport mule lapping the Nurburgring in Germany, this time finished in stealth-like matte black paint.

The best things in life...

The best things in life are free! Sat-nav manufacturer TomTom has revolutionised the points of interest (POIs) available via its units by teaming up with online maps service Google Maps – and the new data won’t cost drivers a penny.

The big cat is finally...

The big cat is finally out of the bag! Jaguar has released the first pictures and full details of its new XF Diesel S,Т an oilburning flagship that combines class-leading performance with impressive fuel economy.

The car debuted at the...

The car debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and is officially called the Rally Super 2000. It will compete in various national and international championships in the future. Powered by a 2.0-litre powerplant, the four-wheel-drive machine develops around 280bhp.

The car has been freshened...

The car has been freshened in a bid to spice up what is one of the manufacturer"s oldest models. The redesign is similar in scale to that given to the S80 last year, so don"t expect too many significant changes.

The change in that car"s...

The change in that car"s styling reportedly led the firm"s Italian importer to break out in tears when he saw the ungainly headlamps and reprofiled rear, but this week"s Auto Express magazine"s pictures show that the revised version won"t make the same mistakes.

The Cobra strikes again!...

The Cobra strikes again! Meet the Venom V8 тЂ“ a stunning spiritual successor to the Shelby Cobra from the Sixties.

The crooks respond to...

The crooks respond to classified ads in the specialist press, and pay for vehicles with high-quality forged bankers" draft cheques. By the time the forgery is spotted - usually days later - the seller has handed over the keys and paperwork. The car is either exported or quickly sold on again.

The dramatic styling...

The dramatic styling will be accompanied by a wide range of modern engines and sophisticated technology. But the main feature is the strong curve down the flanks, leading from the low bonnet line to a high bootlid. This is a toned-down variation of the CLS four-door"s design. The new car is built around the underpinnings of the latest SLK, so the rigid chassis should give an impressive mix of ride and handling, while raising the C-Class"s status as a sporting saloon.

The Eighties were full...

The Eighties were full of brash hot hatches, but in the Nineties there was one clear champion: the Clio Williams.

The firm"s next Prius...

The firm"s next Prius will be so efficient it will be the first production car capable of returning more than 110mpg. The newcomer is being developed to try to improve European sales. While the car has been a success in the US, it has met a mixed reaction on this side of the Atlantic, due to the popularity of diesel models.

The French firms certainly...

The French firms certainly made the most of their Parisian home ground! And none more so than Peugeot, which showcased what will be the next 408 in the form of the menacing RC HYmotion4.

The German DTM championship...

The German DTM championship is ready to blast off after Mercedes announced its 2008 line-up.

The German firm has...

The German firm has announced a bespoke personalisation scheme for its entire range of cars. Called Exclusive, this offers “virtually infinite customisation possibilities”. “It opens up the palette, with more than 30,000 ready-prepared colours,” explained a spokesman. “But there’s also the option of one-off mixes as long as a suitable sample is supplied.”

The in-car stereo giant...

The in-car stereo giant has listened to its consumer research and reduced the number of controls as well as widening the range of sounds the DUB278RMP can play.

The Intelligent Speed...

The Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA) scheme is claimed to be in development solely for public transport vehicles, such as buses and taxis, but opponents are highly concerned that it could eventually be implemented on private vehicles too.

The Italian giant is...

The Italian giant is no stranger to all-wheel-drive vehicles - company founder Ferrucio Lamborghini started out building tractors - but its next new model won"t necessarily be a racer. Enthusiasts of the brand might have expected a four-seater to rival the Ferrari Scaglietti, but it looks as though a luxury off-roader is on track instead.

The Japanese brand is...

The Japanese brand is revising its official used vehicle programme to provide motorists with an even better package on pre-owned machines.

The main styling changes...

The main styling changes centre on the nose, with a pair of redesigned headlights accentuating the lines of the bonnet. These run into a fresh, slimmer bumper with a revamped and simplified grille section.

The Materia will be...

The Materia will be based on the Japanese firm"s D Compact Wagon, which was a concept at this year"s Geneva Motor Show. A spokesman for the company told us: "It"s quirky looking and will certainly polarise opinion. We see it as quite a niche model."

The new executive machine...

The new executive machine follows the S-Class"s styling, and features a bold face with a broad grille, plus dramatic triangular headlights for a look which is far more striking than the current car"s. The rest of the saloon is also expected to be inspired by the S-Class, with the design taking cues from the CLS four-door coupé, too.

These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the newcomer, and this production-ready model is set to take a bow at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Its steeply raked windscreen and unique front and rear light arrangements mark a new design direction for the Japanese firm - one hinted at by the CZ Tarmac concept revealed at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show.

These are the first...

These are the first official shots of the new 207 CC. And comчpany bosses hope it will go straight to the top of the coupé-cabriolet class.

These images - which...

These images - which show the five-door and Sport Tourer estate - have given away the look of the whole Laguna range. But while Renault may not have done a great job at keeping the car"s appearance a secret before its unveiling, the firm"s designers have done far better at updating its looks.

The sleek crossover-style...

The sleek crossover-style SUV is clearly inspired by the Japanese company"s coupнѓ©, and the striking front end features RX-8-style headlights. There is also the trademark five-point Mazda grille and logo. Pro-nounced wheelarches give the tall-riding machine a chunky stance, too.

The supercar is gunning...

The supercar is gunning for Ferrari"s F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo, but with an asking price in the region of чЈ75,000, the M15 should undercut both of its rivals by around чЈ45,000.

The tiny Toyota iQ has...

The tiny Toyota iQ has broken cover. This is the first official picture of the Japanese firmтЂ™s new baby thatтЂ™s set to make its public debut at next monthтЂ™s Geneva show. Billed as the тЂpremiumтЂ™ city car, it will feature a host of hi-tech features and a luxurious interior.

The Toyota will be slightly...

The Toyota will be slightly larger than the current car and offered in two bodystyles. The five-door pictured in the mag has features of the Corolla about it, while the three-door will get an even more radical look to appeal to a younger market. There is even the possibility of a Peugeot 1007-style sliding door.

The VW can sprint from...

The VW can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 184mph

This is the car Cadillac...

This is the car Cadillac reckons is a match for the BMW M5. Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, the 550bhp CTS-V aims to combine serious performance with plenty of luxury.

This is the car that’s...

This is the car that’s gunning for Land Rover’s mighty Defender. The famous Solihull off-roader has long been favoured by the British armed forces. But that could be about to change now that military bosses have given Santana’s range of off-roaders the green light, clearing the way for them to go head-to-head with rivals.After undergoing a series of gruelling tests, the forces’ Specialist and Utility Vehicles team has, for the first time, added the Spanish line-up to its panel of suitable vehicles. That opens the door to large military contracts and, as a result, puts the utilitarian four-wheel-drive in direct competition with the British-born Defender.

This is the Mercedes...

This is the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, the most powerful car ever to wear the three-pointed star.

This satellite navigation...

This satellite navigation system is a real wideboy! The latest unit from Geosat is called the 5 blu, and the name gives a clue to the size of its screen – a full five inches – and its Bluetooth capability.

This special truck straddles...

This special truck straddles concrete blocks and drives at up to 10mph. Underneath is a machine which moves the blocks across one lane. And the great thing is traffic can keep flowing. The barrier is strong enough to stop vehicles crossing into oncoming traffic, but has special joints so it can be moved out of the way swiftly.

This weekend’s...

This weekend’s HiQ British Touring Car Championship round at Rockingham will pay tribute to David Leslie and Richard Lloyd, who lost their lives in an air crash near Biggin Hill in Kent last month.

Top that!Exclusive images...

Top that!Exclusive images in this week"s mag reveal the roadgoing version of Peugeot"s 207 CC, and our spy photographer had to be quick to capture its new roof. Just moments after spotting the undisguised cabrio, its driver hastily retracted the clever folding metal hard-top, before making tracks.

Toyota has pulled the...

Toyota has pulled the covers from its all new Formula One car, set to take to the track this year.

Underneath the skin...

Underneath the skin lies the basis for a model likely to be called the V3. It’s essentially BMW’s answer to sporty people carriers such as Ford’s S-MAX, and the firm hopes it will succeed where other prestige offerings like Mercedes’ B-Class have failed. Based on platform architecture shared with the 3-Series and the X3 SUV, the V3 will provide more versatility for families than any BMW before – but with the same style and driver appeal.

Used vehicle inspection...

Used vehicle inspection experts at the RAC say the majority of faults found by its engineers are relatively easy to spot – if you have the confidence to watch out for the basics yourself.

Using an in-ear hands-free...

Using an in-ear hands-free kit isnтЂ™t for everyone, as its size and weight can prove uncomfortable. But there are no such problems with the super-light UFO from Bluetrek. Weighing in at eight grams, it is all too easy to forget it is even on your ear!

Victory in Silverstone’s...

Victory in Silverstone’s 1,000km British Empire Trophy sportscar race made it five wins from five starts for the French team. The victorious 908 HDi FAP prototype – shared by Frenchman Nicolas Minassian and Ferrari’s Spanish test driver Marc Gene – covered the distance in just under six hours.

Warning! Car robbers...

Warning! Car robbers could soon be on your wavelength. Scientists in Belgium claim to have unlocked the code to millions of keyless entry devices used to open vehicles.

Watch out Audi тЂ“ BMW...

Watch out Audi тЂ“ BMW is going quattro! The German company is set to bring all-wheel-drive versions of its 5 and 7-Series models to the UK for the first time.

We learned of the newcomer...

We learned of the newcomer during an exclusive interview with VW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder. The car, set to go on sale in early 2006, has been created purely for keen drivers. He told us: "There are plans for variations of the Golf model, maybe with up to 230bhp and a lighter weight. Ostensibly, however, there will only be one GTI - it"s a car in its own right, and not a trim level."