Only in Britain would...

Only in Britain would a high-profile, ruling politician dare to declare war on cars, drivers and passengers on the eve of the nation"s prestigious and vitally important Motor Show. When America"s big auto exhibition is staged in Detroit, successive mayors of that city - regardless of their political colours - virtually queue up at the door in the biting cold, desperate to show their enthusiastic support for motor industry products and jobs. And it"s a similar story in other big motor show cities, where politicians display solidarity with the vehicle makers which provide employment, the workers who proudly make ever-improving cars, plus the consumers who buy them.

The exclusive shots...

The exclusive shots in this week"s mag clearly show that the daring machine will keep the bold face and sliding doors first exhibited by the concept at the Paris Motor Show in 2002. Aimed at rivals such as the forthcoming Renault MODUS and the acclaimed Honda Jazz, the road-going Sнѓ©same is expected to debut at this year"s Paris Motor Show in September.