If a Hummer’s...
If a Hummer’s not tough enough, check out this mean-looking off-roader! The eight-tonne bruiser is a British-built prototype which could eventually see action as the replacement for the US Army’s legendary HUMVEE military vehicle.
Shares Salons
After the Chancellor...
After the Chancellor announced that emission-related tax bills for off-roaders are to increase significantly, both Volkswagen and Jeep have cut the prices of their mud-pluggers.Base 2.5-litre TDI Touaregs benefit from a ÷£1,730 reduction, and now cost ÷£28,600.
Alan Senior, used car...
Alan Senior, used car expert and editorial director of dealer publication Trader Guide, said: "Not so long ago, a Ford Focus estate was worth the same as the hatch, but the gap is showing signs of widening." Buyers wanting a diesel face the biggest price gap. For example, a three-year-old Fiat Stilo MultiWagon 1.9 JTD fetches a ÷£400 premium over the five-door.
Alistair Darlingð€™s...
Alistair Darlingð€™s pre-Budget tax tinkering wonð€™t save motorists enough cash for a tank of fuel! Weð€™ve done the maths, and the 13-month VAT cut will save the average driver a mere £35 ð€“ as the 2p per litre of petrol drop in sales tax has been countered by a 2p rise in fuel duty.
And for the first time...
And for the first time in five years, Ford has been deposed from its position as market leader by Vauxhall. Official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed the blue oval took 15.19 per cent of the UK market. But its Luton-based rival pipped it at the post with 15.33 per cent. The February table shows that with the second-generation model on sale, the Ford Focus remains Britain"s best-seller, with 5,453 cars registered last month. The Vauxhall Astra comes in second, with 4,703 registrations.
And now it has admitted...
And now it has admitted it may cut prices to boost visitor numbers. A spokesman said: "We haven"t reached the aggressive targets we set for the the show. However, we have reversed the downward trend of previous years." The SMMT wanted to attract 600,000 visitors to the 13-day car expo.
And the exclusive images...
And the exclusive images in this week"s mag show that the blue oval"s machine is much more voluptuous round the back than key rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra TwinTop and Renault Mégane CC.
And the firm has done...
And the firm has done it again, this time revealing first official pictures and details of its new executive hatchback.
A raft of updates is...
A raft of updates is helping BMW raise the bar with its top-selling 3-Series ð€“ and it appears one is better than two. Hot 335i versions of the Coupé and Convertible models have lost one of their two turbos in the facelift, although power stays exactly the same.
As if the 200bhp offered...
As if the 200bhp offered by the standard hot hatch unveiled at the Paris Motor Show wasn"t enough for most serious enthusiasts, the JAS Motorsport-tuned racing Type R pumps out a colossal 240bhp.
As part of a major security...
As part of a major security drive, car rental company Avis is pioneering a scheme, with the local police, to help prevent fraudulent rentals occurring at the airport
As you can see, the...
As you can see, the changes will be subtle, with the disguise intended to hide the discreetly remodelled bodywork. At the front, new headlights are fitted, while the bonnet line and bumper have also been reshaped.
A year after Auto Express...
A year after Auto Express handed the firm an award for its efforts at our annual New Car Honours, our spies spotted its first road-legal prototype being put through its paces.
Badged R8 after the...
Badged R8 after the company"s racing models, the supercar is Audi"s answer to Porsche"s 911 and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. It will go on sale in Europe in 2007, starting at around í‚á£70,000.
Based on the platform...
Based on the platform of the forthcoming 157 saloon, which we revealed in issue 824, the car will get an elegant exterior, taking its cues from the stunning Brera concept seen at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. Slim headlamps frame the trademark Alfa grille, while a deep front bumper completes the new front end. Sculpted flanks lead up to the curved rear, which has a low window, similar to the show car.
Bentley"s new flagship...
Bentley"s new flagship is emerging from the shadows! This is the first picture of the Crewe firm"s replacement for the much-loved Arnage, which it is calling the "new grand Bentley".
Bigger, bolder and better...
Bigger, bolder and better value – that will be Renault’s new Laguna! The family car hasn’t only been com÷pletely revised, but it costs on average ÷£300 less than its predecessor.
BMWò€™s big news in...
BMWò€™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 brandò€™s two show stands. It boasted particular presence in red, attracting a lot of attention.
Bosses at Ford have...
Bosses at Ford have released prices for the eagerly awaited new Focus. Starting at ÷£11,495, it is only ÷£250 more expensive than outgoing model, but comes with a host of extra equipment.
British drivers have...
British drivers have been forced to hang on for longer than expected, after Renault boss Carlos Ghosn rejected the new Twingo and told company engineers to make it more cost effective and less like the original hatchback.
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.
But the significance...
But the significance of the picture goes further than simply looking inside the new people carrier. The S-MAX is the first Ford to be based on the platform of the next-generation Mondeo, and the top-selling family hatchback will have a very similar dashboard design to that seen in the mag.
Called the Super÷leggera...
Called the Super÷leggera, this special-edition Gallardo is being given its world debut at this week"s Geneva Motor Show.
Caught cold weather...
Caught cold weather testing, the undisguised prototype displays all the styling cues that set its racy three-door brother apart: sporty side skirts, roof-mounted boot spoiler and 16-inch alloys. Finishing off the look is a ground-hugging spoiler at the front.
Cheap as chips? Well...
Cheap as chips? Well sat-nav units are getting close, as a booming market means that prices are dropping constantly. At only ÷£129, the Maestro 3100 is the latest entry-level unit from Magellan. In fact, it’s so new that this is a pre-production model – and we’re the first magazine to get our hands on it.
Check out the latest...
Check out the latest official shots of what Bugatti hopes will be the worldò€™s fastest four-door.
Clad in a monster bodykit...
Clad in a monster bodykit and painted all black, this development car is so menacing it wouldn"t look out of place on a Batman film set. And the good news for fans is that when the third generation of Porsche"s most exciting 911 arrives here next year, it will be virtually unchanged.
Colin McRae is returning...
Colin McRae is returning to action on home soil. The former World Rally Champion will make a special guest appearance in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Knockhill in Fife over the weekend of 2-3 September.
Copa load of this ‘super’...
Copa load of this ‘super’ Leon – it’s the most powerful car SEAT has ever made!
CRASH-repair methods...
CRASH-repair methods (image) will soon be standardised by specialists at the independent insurance repair centre, Thatcham. It says the guidelines will be easy to follow and cover all aspects of cosmetic and structural repairs.
Credit crisis? Not everyone...
Credit crisis? Not everyone is feeling the pinch! Demand for the fastest, most desirable supercars in the world is going through the roof, claims the latest research.
Deposed world champion...
Deposed world champion Fernando Alonso is lining himself up for a shock return to Renault next year.
Devices that play films...
Devices that play films in cars are becoming increasingly popular ò€“ 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, Americaò€™s latest supercar, has been snapped in testing by our spies.
Digital radio –...
Digital radio – or digital audio broadcasting (DAB), to give it its full name – provides improved sound quality and station choice. Yet while it has taken off in the domestic market, drivers have been slow to tune in to it in their cars.
Engineers left this...
Engineers left this early production version of the Corsa unattended during winter testing, allowing the mag"s spy photographers to peek inside. Despite taping over the logo on the steering wheel, it"s clearly the new baby - and owners of the current generation will recognise the stereo controls.
Executives for the Korean...
Executives for the Korean firm were keen to stress that the bold new crossover vehicle reveals the car maker"s future design direction.
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.
Feast your eyes on Alfa"s...
Feast your eyes on Alfa"s brand new hatch! This is how the sensational 149 - a direct rival to Ford"s Focus - is shaping up.
Finally, the wraps are...
Finally, the wraps are off the new A3… And Auto Express has the first official pictures.
Fingerprint recognition...
Fingerprint recognition used to be the preserve of sci-fi films. Yet with the new GoPal P4425 sat-nav from Medion, you can embrace the technology in your car ò€“ and increase your chances of defeating thieves.
First, it erected speed...
First, it erected speed cameras, and then kit to monitor the congestion charge. And now, devices similar to these are being used to patrol London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) – designed to discourage the use of the most polluting vehicles in the capital.
First up is the new...
First up is the new Land Rover Freelander, which has been spied testing with a light disguise for the first time. And for those with a bigger budget, we"ve exclusive details of Mercedes" plans for a baby M-Class, too.
German firm Volkswagen...
German firm Volkswagen has announced prices for the all-new Polo ò€“ and the supermini star will kick off at only Ò£10,035 for the base 1.2-litre S petrol.
Get more control over...
Get more control over your vehicleò€™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 Britainò€™s streets.
Given the success of...
Given the success of the current model, which is now six years old, the designers have been wary of making too many serious styling changes. The result is a more elegant, stretched version of the TT"s shape, which takes inspiration from the 2003 Nuvolari concept and features the company"s familiar chrome grille.
Government fat cats...
Government fat cats spend £7.16million a year on chauffeur-driven ministerial cars. And each one costs an average £73,000 to run ð€“ thatð€™s 15 times more than the average motoristð€™s bill!
Having been beaten to...
Having been beaten to both drivers’ and manufacturers’ crowns by Vauxhall in 2007, the Spanish squad is looking for swift revenge, and its World Touring Car outfit swapped to diesel in the summer with good effect.
Having made its debut...
Having made its debut in the smash-hit James Bond movie, Casino Royale, the stylish family car arrives here in June, and is set to undercut its predecessor by as much as ?300. However, according to Glass’s Guide, there’s bad news for used buyers looking for a top deal, as it will have better residuals than the outgoing machine. That’s because the Mondeo is expected to retain 35 per cent of its value at trade-in time after three years, while the current car holds on to only 29 per cent over the same period. Estate models – which are scheduled to appear in showrooms at the same time as the new saloon and hatchback variants – will perform even more strongly, retaining 36 per cent of their original value.
Hereò€™s a supercar...
Hereò€™s a supercar with real six appeal. This remarkable machine is the C6W ò€“ a six-wheeler thatò€™s designed and built by Italian engineering firm, Covini.
Honda is showing some...
Honda is showing some real insight with its latest model! Billed as the affordable hybrid, Honda aims to undercut the established market leader the Prius, while offering better driving dynamics and outstanding fuel economy. And following the carò€™s second outing at a major motor show in Detroit, Auto Express has all the details.
Hot on the heels of...
Hot on the heels of the brand"s Commander, Compass, Patriot and new Wrangler, the practical truck concept is officially being considered for production. And the great news for British buyers is that if the project goes ahead, it"s more than likely to come here.
If a Hummer’s...
If a Hummer’s not tough enough, check out this mean-looking off-roader! The eight-tonne bruiser is a British-built prototype which could eventually see action as the replacement for the US Army’s legendary HUMVEE military vehicle.
if there’s one...
if there’s one car cleaning gadget that’s really worth investing in, it’s a pressure washer. The ability to blast away grime and rinse off suds with ease makes a real difference, and helps cut down the time you’ll spend valeting.
If thereò€™s one thing...
If thereò€™s one thing the Gallardo LP 550-4 doesnò€™t need, itò€™s an injection of insanity! But that hasnò€™t stopped Lamboò€™s engineers from developing a wild limited edition in honour of its most renowned test driver.
If you thought the last...
If you thought the last Williams formula one to hit the headlines looked good, wait till you catch a glimpse of the new Williams FW31. The British firm has pulled out all the stops to make this the most advanced formula one car they have ever built.
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 profile, the similarities...
In profile, the similarities between this showroom-ready version and the Sixties" classic are obvious. From the characteristic roofline and lengthy bonnet to the traditional front-engine/rear-wheel-drive chassis, the car is a clear statement on the future of Ford"s controversial Living Legends programme, which has already seen the GT and Thunderbird launched.
In this week"s issue...
In this week"s issue we have the first picture of the cabin. While the outside clearly borrows from the Frankfurt Motor Show car, it"s harder to spot the similarities inside.
It gets a distinctive...
It gets a distinctive design with a smaller grille and restyled lights. They bring the five-door into line with the firm"s new Cee"d family car.
It hasn"t got its own...
It hasn"t got its own body just yet, because bosses at the firm sent the designers back to the drawing board to come up with a new look. In fact, the styling was supposed to follow that of the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept, which made its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January. But its design wasn"t well received.
It is inspired by the...
It is inspired by the X-Treme, a mini sport utility concept which we brought you exclusive first pictures of at lastí‚á December"s Bologna Motor Show.
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 back to the...
It’s back to the future for Skoda’s original Octavia. The car, first launched in 1998, is set to return to full production as a discount model. It will provide a value-for-money alternative to challengers from the likes of Kia, Hyundai and future rival Dacia.
It’s official...
It’s official – Chrysler is going green! To shake off its gas-guzzling image, the American brand has gone back to the drawing board to come up with three new eco-friendly concepts. And here they are...
It"s a far cry from...
It"s a far cry from the 2002 event, when a row broke out about the event"s marketing strategy, which a government minister claimed was sexist.
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 ò€“ and the result is two of the fastest, most powerful SUVs ever: the X6 M and X5 M.
It"s only just been...
It"s only just been revealed to the public... but the new McLaren has already blown its top! Auto Express has learned that the Surrey-based company is planning to produce a Spider version of its MP4-12C supercar. And here is an exclusive look at how the stunning drop-top will look.
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 worldò€™s cheapest car.
It"s the first model...
It"s the first model to come from the firm"s new design centre in California. Its boss Joel Piaskowski said: "Hyundai"s growth has been due to its ability to offer great value. We are taking that to a new design level, and this shows what a next-generation sports car from us could be."
It traditionally puts...
It traditionally puts miles per gallon before beauty ò€“ but if Toyotaò€™s Prius looks a little too placid for your taste, then Japanese tuner Tommy Kaira could have the answer.
Itò€™s a fascinating...
Itò€™s a fascinating discovery! Our sources have revealed that Mercedes is readying a production version of the Fascination Concept, first seen at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
Itò€™s a Porsche double...
Itò€™s a Porsche double whammy! Thanks to images leaked on the Internet, after appearing on the German companyò€™s own website, Auto Express can show you the facelifted versions of the Cayman and Boxster.
itò€™s longer than a...
itò€™s longer than a BMW 5-Series but easier to park than a MINI... The new Mitsubishi Galant can manoeuvre itself into the tightest spaces thanks to hi-tech sensors.
Jaguar and Land Rover...
Jaguar and Land Rover both face significant challenges in the years to come
Kan-yoo believe it?...
Kan-yoo believe it? Renault has built a Kangoo with three doors! Auto Express can exclusively reveal the facelifted version of the budget MPV, complete with a new addition to the family.
Make way for the the...
Make way for the the Puma! GM"s latest take on low emission motoring will make its debut at this weekò€™s New York Auto Show, and will be able to travel up to 35 miles on a single charge from the lithium-ion batteries.
Mazda"s engineers have...
Mazda"s engineers have borrowed the design from the RX-8 coup탩 to provide easy access to the rear of the new SUV, while practicality will be boosted further by the use of fold-flat rear seats.
Mercedes" all-new supercar...
Mercedes" all-new supercar is winging in! This
Modesty obviously isn’t...
Modesty obviously isn’t the best policy at SsangYong – the Korean firm has boldly named its latest model the World Zenith!
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.
Nearly exactly the same...
Nearly exactly the same size as the current model and seen in the mag weight testing, the car will replace the current one towards the end of next year.
New Government statistics...
New Government statistics show a drop of two per cent in the 12 months ending December 2006, compared to the previous year. Total casualties were also down five per cent during the same period.
Next yearò€™s all-new...
Next yearò€™s all-new Honda Accord wonò€™t only look futuristic ò€“ it will also feature one of the worldò€™s most advanced diesel engines.
Now, scientists are...
Now, scientists are set to step up a gear again with the launch of several ideas for the future of airbag safety. Some vehicles already have as many as 10 bags on-board to protect against front and side impacts, but experts say there"s far more to come.
On sale in the UK this...
On sale in the UK this week, the SE+ is fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, a sporty spoiler at the back and body-coloured skirts. The extras complement the Civic’s angular looks, and create a similar effect to the Type R’s beefy bodykit.
Power to the diesel!...
Power to the diesel! That’s the message from Mercedes, as bosses prepare to follow Audi into the high-performance oil-burning market.
Prototypes are already...
Prototypes are already being tested by engineers in Belgium and Germany, and although the blue oval is reluctant to give any indication of a launch date, it"s thought the new model could be in dealerships by the end of 2006.
Race fans get ready...
Race fans get ready, as Formula One 2009 prepares for blast off! With new cars and rules, it could be the most thrilling season for decades.
Size matters. Sony’s...
Size matters. Sony’s latest sat-nav has the largest display we’ve tried, at 4.8 inches. The NV-U93T provides an easy-to-see widescreen view, while the slim design means it isn’t too heavy.
Slated for production...
Slated for production towards the end of 2006, the newcomer will bring higher levels of luxury to the company"s off-roaders. With a 3.6-litre V6 engine developing around 200bhp under the bonnet, the US-designed model also introduces the manufacturer"s new all-wheel-drive system known as 4Go.
So, how exactly does...
So, how exactly does the new powerplant work? The fact that GM engineers have been working for the past 10 years to perfect the Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition technology suggests there is no easy answer.
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.
Stevens has been hired...
Stevens has been hired by puppeteer Gerry Anderson, who developed the Sixties TV series, as well as other classics including Thunderbirds, Stingray, Joe 90 and Fireball XL5. The McLaren F1 designer"s brief is to produce a new car that will appear in a remake of the show.
Swedish car maker Volvo...
Swedish car maker Volvo is heading into Chinese hands, after owner Ford announced that Geely is in pole position to buy the struggling manufacturer.
Take a look at the best...
Take a look at the best picture yet of Ford’s Focus RS! Just a few months after bosses gave the new hot hatch the green light (Issue 992), we caught this striking prototype testing in Germany.
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.
Taking the stage at...
Taking the stage at this month"s Shanghai Motor Show was a new four-door version of the Aveo small family car. Codenamed T250, it won"t go on sale in the UK - but three and five-door hatchback variants will arrive here late next year. Aveo is the name given to the Kalos in overseas markets, and we"ve discovered it"s likely to feature in British showrooms, too. A company insider told us: "We said when we transformed the brand from Daewoo we would carry over existing model names, but as cars are replaced we would move to Chevrolet ones.
Talk about setting yourself...
Talk about setting yourself up for a fall! Honda has gone skydiving to create the UKò€™s first live TV advert.
Test drivers are evaluating...
Test drivers are evaluating a final flagship for the hatchback range, badged the R36. Powered by the 3.6-litre V6 that debuted in the Passat, the car will offer between 280 and 300bhp. Due on sale early next year, it will hit the road 12 months ahead of the March 2008 debut of the new-look Golf. Prices are still being kept under wraps, although it"s expected the newcomer will cost at least ÷£1,500 more than the current R32, weighing in at ÷£26,000.
Thanks to the exclusive...
Thanks to the exclusive spy shots in this week"s mag, Auto Express can reveal how the newcomer will look. With its handsome lines, it should be one of the German manufacturer"s most popular models when it goes on sale in 2007.
The 1.8-litre VVT-i...
The 1.8-litre VVT-i engine is found in models across the line-up, but can suffer from excessive oil burning from as few as 50,000-60,000 miles, according to main dealers. The problem is being blamed on the piston ring design, and Toyota says that any unit consuming more than one litre of oil every 1,000 miles will be looked at and, full service history permitting, rectified.
The AA Motoring Trust...
The AA Motoring Trust and RAC Foundation hit out after it was revealed the Department for Transport and its agencies spent a staggering í‚á£5million hiring extra lawyers to deal with an increase in claims last year. "I"d like to have seen the money going on a new bypass instead of legal costs for public inquiries and land disputes," said Paul Watters of the AA Motoring Trust. And Edmund King from the RAC added: "If planning procedures were streamlined, we"d get a better transport network in place faster and for less expense."
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 current Focus is...
The current Focus is still a force to be reckoned with in terms of driver appeal, but its cabin has begun to look dated, especially when compared to cutting-edge competition such as the Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. Ford"s designers have risen to the challenge and created an interior that is luxurious, ergonomic and very well trimmed. Taking its styling inspiration from the cabin of the C-MAX mini-MPV - itself based on the chassis of the next-generation Focus - the blue oval"s family favourite will also get enough hi-tech wizardry to please even the most dedicated gadget fan.
The distinctive emblem...
The distinctive emblem already adorns the world"s fastest production model, the 252mph Veyron. However, it has an í‚á£830,000 price tag, while the new machine is expected to sell for í‚á£90,000.
The fastest Ford Focus...
The fastest Ford Focus is ready to earn its stripes – and Auto Express has the first official pictures of the scorching new ST.
The firm"s chief executive...
The firm"s chief executive, Wolfgang Bernhard, confirmed the car has been given the green light during a dealer conference in America. Salesmen were even shown a top-secret picture of the model, which will sit between the Passat saloon and the flagship Phaeton.
The firm"s new Aerokit...
The firm"s new Aerokit styling package not only gives the coupé a more aggressive look, it also improves the car"s airflow. Changes are substantial - at the front there are individual lips below each air intake, while the rear gets a spoiler clearly influenced by the 911 GT3. More pronounced side skirts complete the look. Designed in a wind tunnel by the company"s motorsport engineers at Weissach in Germany, the new components reduce aerodynamic lift over both axles, meaning the Cayman will feel even more planted at high speeds.
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 five-door hatchback...
The five-door hatchback, which will replace the slow-selling Almera, is part of an innovative new range. It has been designed to boost the appeal of the company"s traditionally conservative small family car line-up. And by 2009, it will have been joined by an SUV based on the Qashqai concept as well as a small sports coup탩.
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 Government is proposing...
The Government is proposing that one region outside of London will carry out a major road toll trial - and that could open the pay-as-you-go floodgates for other areas.
The huge car"s sleek...
The huge car"s sleek profile, pillarless doors and low roofline are all totally up-to-date features. Immediately recognisable as a Bentley, the coupé harks back to the firm"s glorious racing history, and under its big bonnet the story"s the same.
The mag"s shots show...
The mag"s shots show the topless version of the latest 911, but there"s more to them than meets the eye. Not only have we caught the canvas hood, but the mag"s picture of the black car reveals the optional hard-top which will be offered to buyers who want to keep that bit warmer in winter.
The MiTo is getting...
The MiTo is getting mightier! This wild two-tone version of Alfa Romeo"s new supermini made its debut at the Essen Motor Show ò€“ and it"s the closest thing yet to the forthcoming GTA hot hatch.
The newcomer, badged...
The newcomer, badged Trophy in line with the special-edition M탩gane announced at the Geneva Motor Show, is currently being developed at the Renaultsport factory in Dieppe, France. That"s where it will eventually be built in a limited production run of 500 cars.
The news came as company...
The news came as company boss Peter Augustsson unveiled the 9-7X - itself a crossover - at the New York Motor Show (image). We"ve had an exclusive sneak preview of the design sketches of the newcomer, and although we can"t publish them, there"s nothing to stop us telling you about the car.
The new supercar will...
The new supercar will slot in between the F430 and the flagship 612 Scaglietti. While the mag"s snappers have caught test mules on the road before (issue 829), a new picture in this week"s issue shows the production version under a thin sheet on the back of a trailer. They"ve also captured a more heavily disguised model out on a test drive.
The obvious choice would...
The obvious choice would be the 5.0-litre V10 TDI made by parent firm VW and used in the Touareg off-roader. With 715Nm of torque - more pulling power than any engine previously fitted to a Bentley - it would seem ideal.
The off-roader has already...
The off-roader has already proved a hit in both the US and Japanese markets, and it"s now going to be introduced across Europe in an attempt to take sales from the new BMW X3 and Lexus RX300.
The pictures show that...
The pictures show that the small five-door has quality leather trim, new plastics and a logical switchgear layout.
There is never enough...
There is never enough room in the car when you’re going on holiday, but the boffins at Rackinabag believe the new XRack is the answer to your luggage-carrying woes.
There"s good news for...
There"s good news for Saab fans on the horizon. The firmò€™s BMW 5-Series-rivalling 9-5 is set to make a comeback, nearly 12 years after its first release.
These are the first...
These are the first official pictures of the car, bringing 1,660 litres of cargo-carrying practicality to the range. That"s 10 litres more than the BMW 5-Series Touring, but still some way behind Mercedes" E-Class Estate, which has 1,950.
The Seventies off-road...
The Seventies off-road favourite joins classics such as the Frog and Vanessa’s Lunchbox, which have been relaunched in recent years.
The sleek crossover-style...
The sleek crossover-style SUV is clearly inspired by the Japanese company"s coup탩, 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.
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 what we call...
This is what we call a recruitment drive! The US Air Force has teamed up with Galpin Auto Sports, famous for their involvement in the hit MTV series "Pimp my Ride", to create two heavily modofied muscle cars in a bid to attract more youngsters into its ranks.
This month"s New York...
This month"s New York Motor Show sees the international debut of a new, long-wheelbase version of Chrysler"s executive bruiser. Engineers have added an extra six inches to the 300C"s already sizeable frame, to create a Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8-rivalling amount of interior space.
Thousands of faulty...
Thousands of faulty logbooks have been stolen from the DVLA and "several hundred" are already in circulation being used to sell cloned cars, says the red-faced Government agency responsible for driver data.
Three new family cars...
Three new family cars have been given a glowing report by independ÷ent crash test body Euro NCAP. It’s just awarded five-star ratings to the Mercedes C-Class, Renault Laguna and Volvo V70. The top marks were handed out for good adult occupant protection – where each model scored 36 points.÷
Three out of five who...
Three out of five who drive away in vehicles sporting this month’s new 08-plate will opt for less polluting models than their last one, according to a survey by car supermarket group Motorpoint.
Three typically unpredictable...
Three typically unpredictable tin-top thrillers produced three different winners in North Yorkshire, and saw Italian star Fabrizio Giovanardi slash Jason Plato"s series lead to a mere two points after 12 of 30 rounds.
Three wheels are better...
Three wheels are better than two for motorists looking to beat the jams. Piaggio’s new MP3 is aimed at drivers who are worried about swapping their car for a scooter, as its clever two-wheeled front end gives unheard-of stability and security compared to a conventional machine.
Trade price specialist...
Trade price specialist Glass’s Guide and classifieds giant Auto Trader teamed up to assess the average prices of 200,000 pre-owned vehicles in November and December last year. The most expensive place to buy a car is the south-east of England, with an average asking price of ?10,400. That’s 14 per cent higher than the north-east, which recorded an average of ?8,900.
Travellers at the ferry...
Travellers at the ferry port in Calais were treated to quite a spectre-cal this week! The Rolls-Royce Ghost has been spotted waiting patiently in line, but without camouflage and in production-ready trim for the first time. Looking almost identical to the 200EX concept shown at Geneva, the only clear differences are new alloys, the headlight assembly and small interior trim changes.
Unhappy Ford Focus CC...
Unhappy Ford Focus CC owners are swapping their coupé-cabrios for the facelifted version which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.
Unveiled at last week"s...
Unveiled at last week"s Los Angeles Motor Show, the HCD10 Hellion is the firm"s most rugged 4x4 yet. With pumped-up wheelarches and small windows, the all-wheel-drive three-door has a military appearance that"s sure to appeal to hardcore off-road fans. The model, created by the firm"s US styling studio Hyundai California Design, is said to be inspired by a hard-shell backpack, and is intended for similarly extreme use. Insiders have told us the front-end design is particularly significant, and is likely to appear on future Hyundai SUV models.
Unveiled at this week"s...
Unveiled at this week"s Geneva Motor Show, the car uses the 1.8-litre turbo engine from the standard 225bhp TT, yet the ECU has been modified to up the output to 240bhp. The new arrival offers 320Nm of torque, and with a 75kg reduction in weight, it covers 0-60mph in only 5.9 seconds, and has a 155mph top speed.
Vive la revolution!...
Vive la revolution! Citroen has pulled the wraps off the supermini of tomorrow ò€“ the Revolte.
Watch out MX-5 ò€“ Nissan...
Watch out MX-5 ò€“ Nissan is getting ready to give the 370Z a baby brother! Auto Express has learned that the Japanese manufacturer is planning a new small sports car to rival the popular Mazda roadster.
We captured the moment...
We captured the moment, and it"s good news - the Alfa Romeo Brera GTA is go! Bosses at the Italian firm let the cat out of the bag at an internal meeting, when a head-on image of the stunning new performance flagship was flashed up alongside the famous GTA logo during a presentation.
We lifted the lid on...
We lifted the lid on plans for a drop-top version of the coup탩 a year ago in issue 687, but the firm has remained tight-lipped - until now. The car appeared last week at the Detroit Motor Show, and a spokesman for Chrysler"s UK division told us: "We can confirm that it is going into production and should arrive here mid-summer."
When an Auto Express...
When an Auto Express reader spotted this Honda in a motorway ser÷vice station, it stood out because of its scrappy taped-up wheelarches.
While all navigation...
While all navigation units promise to get you to your destination, TomTom’s 930T guarantees to do so via the quickest route – and it’s set to shake up the market.
While Gatsos can be...
While Gatsos can be used 24 hours a day, there has been a problem with mobile units at night - but the new pink technology has solved this. Steve Callaghan, from the Cumbria Road Casualty Reduction Partnership, explained: "Cameras haven"t been used at night due to the problems with the flash distracting drivers, but the pink bulb of this new device overcomes that.
While the prototype...
While the prototype has been proclaimed by some to be a test mule for BMW"s future sporting flagship, Auto Express has uncovered the truth. Following an investigation that spanned four countries and pooled the knowledge of the world"s most respected spy photographers, we can reveal that engineers are testing the chassis of the new Porsche Panamera.
With its roof-mounted...
With its roof-mounted spare wheel, side-box toolkits and sliding load bay, the MINI, called Concept Geneva, has been designed to act as a support vehicle for the Monte Carlo Rally. To commemorate the original Mini Cooper"s victory on the event in 1964, it"s painted red and white, with rally logos on the bonnet and side-boxes.
With the car due to...
With the car due to be launched later this year, engineers are in the final phases of testing - and our spies caught the new hatchback virtually undisguised cornering at high speed.
With this in mind, tool...
With this in mind, tool giant Laser has launched its new Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge. And we put it to the test to see how it performs.
YOU CAN now personalise...
YOU CAN now personalise your car horn – and not only with the honk of the Dukes of Hazzard’s General Lee. The latest www.horntones.com gadget stores digital music files to play on demand.
Young drivers are being...
Young drivers are being told to Terminate their calls! A UK car insurance provider is calling for British legislation to follow the trend set by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to ban young drivers from making any calls from behind the wheel.
You’ll need the...
You’ll need the skill of Sherlock Holmes to track one down, and nerves of steel to actually buy... but don’t ignore a car written off by experts at Trader Guide as a used lemon.
You wait ages for one...
You wait ages for one SLS Roadster ò€“ then several turn up at once!