Trucks

10535: The miles a Vauxhall...

10535: The miles a Vauxhall VXR8 must travel between Holden"s plant in Melbourne, Australia, where it"s built and Vauxhall"s HQ in Luton, Beds, before it can be delivered to a customer.

800,000: Total amount...

800,000: Total amount of Mazda MX-5s sold since production of the Japanese two-seater began 17 years ago. The MGB roadster managed 387,000 sales over a period of 18 years.

After claiming that...

After claiming that UK buyers would get only the normally aspirated 1.5 and 2.0-litre models at the launch in September, the Japanese manufacturer has had a change of heart.

AFTER months at less...

AFTER months at less than , fuel prices in America are set to rise again. Industry analysts warn a gallon (around ÷£1.72) will become reality again in summer, even without hurricanes in oil-producing Gulf of Mexico.

A host of features in...

A host of features in the new Sebring include this cup-holder which can both heat and cool drinks.

A leading car rental...

A leading car rental firm has reported a drop in the number of its customers prosecuted for speeding – but the number of general road fines has rocketed. National Car Rental, which has 40,000 vehicles in the UK and forwards penalties to the hirer, says the number of traffic fines is twice as high as last year.

American giant General...

American giant General Motors revealed .1billion (í‚á£576m) losses for first quarter of 2005. It is the company"s worst figures since 1992.

An accomplished racing...

An accomplished racing driver, Tiff is well known for his TV appearances on Fifth Gear, motorsport commentary and expert car knowledge. He was also a presenter at the recent Auto Express-backed MPH 05 car show in Birmingham and London.

A new car service and...

A new car service and MoT facility in Southampton could be the future for automotive maintenance. Pure Service offers service work on any make of car using the latest testing equipment (and original equipment parts to keep manufacturer warranties intact) and MoTs while you wait. More unusually the company offers courtesy and chauffeur-driven vehicles to whizz customers into and out of town, plus offers Internet services for waiting customers and Playstations to keep the children amused. More info on 02380 829429.

An increase in length...

An increase in length of 18.7 cm means that the Altea XL benefits from improved luggage volume and extra rear legroom. The new model boasts a boot capacity of 532 litres as opposed to the 409 litres offered by the Altea.

A survey conducted by...

A survey conducted by mail order company Carparts-direct.co.uk suggested 28 per cent of motorists had suffered some kind of vandalism to their vehicle in the last three years. Most suffered scratches to paintwork while parked, a snapped aerial or dented body panel while some suffered major damage causing thousands of pounds worth of repairs. Only 32% of the victims questioned reported the incident to the police.

Audis" smart sat-nav

Audis" smart sat-nav

Available now as standard-fit...

Available now as standard-fit on the C-Class, CLK, CLS and E-Class, the Neck-Pro system works by bringing the restraint up and forward by 40mm. It"s designed to meet the head and catch it if sensors in the rear bumper detect a severe impact.

Badly lit roadsigns...

Badly lit roadsigns at night are destined to become a thing of the past thanks to clever new ‘glow-in-the-dark’ technology.

Bigger than before and...

Bigger than before and with an increased ride height, it’s more compact SUV than crossover estate, and is targeting models such as Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V.

Boffins added devices...

Boffins added devices to the dash of a car on a simulator so that "guinea pig" motorists could always see the speed limit for whichever road they were driving on. The equipment gave an audible warning whenever they went over that mark. According to the results, a constant reminder of the legal boundary encouraged drivers to stay within the law, whereas without it, they often exceeded the limit.

Bugatti has launched...

Bugatti has launched a new range of branded perfumes. But, as with the firm"s stunning cars, the men"s fragrance comes at a price - £2,395 for the Prestige Edition!

Buyers of the base car...

Buyers of the base car can now specify side and curtain airbags, stability control, traction control and rear headrests for ÷£960.

Called the X-Bow (pronounced...

Called the X-Bow (pronounced crossbow), it has been created by Austrian motorcycle firm KTM for wind tunnel testing. And it corresponds in every detail with the final full-size car, which will be unveiled at next month"s Geneva Motor Show.

Called www.bidaprice.com...

Called www.bidaprice.com it puts customers in touch with more than 800 motor dealers across the country. After paying a í‚á£116 fee, the buyer inputs the model they are looking for - then garages bid the best price they can offer on that particular vehicle.

CANADA: A 4ft 10in Calgary...

CANADA: A 4ft 10in Calgary woman passed a test to allow her to drive huge HGVs. Helen Baker said: "My family are all truckers. I want to keep the tradition going."

Can you dig this? Volvo...

Can you dig this? Volvo has buried an XC90 and launched a worldwide treasure hunt to find it – and the first person to unearth the SUV keeps it! The challenge starts at your Volvo dealer, where you can pick up a map which you need before logging on to the firm’s website for the first clue. Every time you solve a puzzle, you’ll get another.

Carawagon offered a...

Carawagon offered a 1971 upgrade to the Range Rover, with two beds in the rear under a sideways-hinged roof. The work cost í‚á£1,000 - half the price of the car.

Chairman Helmut Panke...

Chairman Helmut Panke explained: "BMW will be further expanding with two completely new, independent model series." According to our sources, both will be based on the next-generation X5, itself due for launch in 2007.

Citroen"s answer is...

Citroen"s answer is to bring the C3 in line with the rest of its range, with a bigger, more prominent badge. The double chevron has been incorporated into the front grille. Beneath there"s also a bold lower air intake, while the rear end is finished off by bright new tail-lights.

Click here for the official...

Click here for the official details from the Audi A7"s official Detroit world premiere!

Co-founder Neil Richards-Smith...

Co-founder Neil Richards-Smith said: "Our cover can be car-based or we can offer personal membership. After all, why should someone with a three-year-old model pay the same as someone whose vehicle is 10 years old?" The company does without its own vehicles and technicians, relying instead on more than 4,000 independent operators.

Codenamed the MX Micro...

Codenamed the MX Micro Sport, the newcomer will be aimed directly at the Renaultsport Clio 182 and forthcoming Vauxhall Corsa GSi. The car is powered by the gutsy 150bhp 2.0-litre engine that made its debut in the Mazda 6, and should be capable of reaching a top speed of around 130mph.

Could this be the perfect...

Could this be the perfect partner for the self-parking Passat? It’s a sat-nav unit loaded with crime statistics, so it can tell drivers where it’s safe to leave their car.

Created by paper craftsman...

Created by paper craftsman Sheung Yee, it"s an origami kit that can be built into a life-size working V8 - powered by batteries. "It took a year to design and construct," explained Yee, of Montreal, Canada. "Each part is precisely made."

Cycling groups are calling...

Cycling groups are calling for cars to be fitted with external airbags – but kit makers developing the technology say motorists don’t want to pay for it.

Designed and built in...

Designed and built in the Midlands by the same teams that produced the award-winning Jaguar XK sports GT range in 2006 – the C-XF concept is a precursor to cars that will become recognised for their ground-breaking exterior looks and innovative interiors.

Designer supercars are...

Designer supercars are all the rage! Hot on the heels of the Bugatti Veyron Hermes edition comes this, the Lamborghini LP640 Roadster Versace. Itò€™s a collaboration between Italyò€™s foremost fashion house and its most outrageous car maker.

Design firm Pininfarina...

Design firm Pininfarina has demonstrated just how serious its plan to become an independent car maker is. It used the Geneva show stands to pull the wraps off its new supermini ò€“ the BO concept, now badged BlueCar. This production-ready machine is a development of the study seen at last yearò€™s Paris show. Pininfarina claims it remains on track to launch the all-electric model in 2010 ò€“ at a price of less than Ò£15,000. Developed with support from French investor Bollore, the car uses advanced Lithium Polymer batteries, and has a range of 155 miles.

Don"t be fooled by the...

Don"t be fooled by the disguise – this previous-generation Focus is the latest mule for the scorching new Focus RS, due next spring for around ÷£25,000.

Each gets dark grey...

Each gets dark grey paintwork, revised radiator grilles, side sills and roof rails. Extra chrome detailing, particularly on the wing mirrors and around the front bumper, helps to give the vehicles a more exclusive feel. Inside, Subaru promises every conceivable extra, from satellite navigation to top-line audio equipment.

Each of the three replicas...

Each of the three replicas in the new Urban Collectables range showcases a different inner-city accident. On offer are the mini van insurance scam (top), petrol-bombed Jeep (middle) and joy-ridden two-door hatch (bottom). All are sold in their own cardboard box, complete with graffiti-riddled backgrounds. The Jeep is even lying on its roof!

Ettore Bugatti created...

Ettore Bugatti created the cast aluminium wheel as a way to reduce weight on his 1924 Type 35 grand prix racer. It was a simple and elegant eight-spoke design, and was widely seen on tracks across Europe, as Type 35s claimed more than 1,500 race wins between then and 1930.

Everyone wants a portable...

Everyone wants a portable sat-nav system or MP3 player – including thieves. So make sure you hang on to yours with this neat in-car security box.

First is the TomTom...

First is the TomTom, which has the portable navigation system of the same name as standard. It also has a leather steering wheel and blue interior highlights. Prices start at ÷£9,260 for the 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol model.

Fitted with a standard...

Fitted with a standard six-speed auto box, the SUV returns 20.9mpg and sprints from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds. It delivers a top speed of 153mph. The model also features reshaped bumpers, and will cost í‚á£57,450 when deliveries start in May.

For motorists looking...

For motorists looking to smarten their car up, or possibly boost its image before selling, the thick gel offers protection against the elements and helps prevent fading and cracking.

FRANCE: Cops in Lille...

FRANCE: Cops in Lille raced to a smash to find the driver involved was only nine. The boy, along with his eight-year-old accomplice, was caught after crashing through a fence.

German sensation Sebastian...

German sensation Sebastian Vettel has secured the second Toro Rosso seat for the rest of the 2007 season and 2008. The 20-year-old (right) replaced Scott Speed at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix after the American was sacked following a row with the team at the European GP last month.

GLASGOW drivers asked...

GLASGOW drivers asked if they"d like statue of comedian Billy Connolly at mouth of city"s Clyde Tunnel. Online poll currently being run by campaigners.

Green advances arenò€™t...

Green advances arenò€™t reserved for Suzukiò€™s cars and motorcycles.

Have you got something...

Have you got something special lurking behind your garage doors? We want to hear from people who have come up with a novel use for their garage, other than simply storing a car - and the wackier the better! Maybe it looks more like a mini museum, displaying motoring memorabilia. Or it could be the family home cinema, or even a hot tub haven? Perhaps you use it to store some pretty strange things, like cast offs from Madame Tussaud"s museum, or some other collection. Contact julie_sinclair @dennis.co.uk or call 0207 907 6217 with your details.

Having appeared late...

Having appeared late last year the straight-from-a-Bond-film system uses a Far Infrared (FIR) thermal imaging camera to identify heat-emitting objects, such as people, animals or road-side barbeques, up to 300m away. The "lit" images are then projected onto the BMW iDrive screen - a large display panel on the dashboard, under the screen.

Having competed at junior...

Having competed at junior levels in the past, the team is now gearing up for its WRC debut later this year.

Here’s Range Rover...

Here’s Range Rover Sport that sure to grab attention – called the Conqueror it’s only available in striking white paint. The work of German tuning firm Hamann it features a range of upgrades over the standard car including power hikes for 2.7-litre diesel, 4.4-litre petrol V8 or 4.2-litre supercharged cars to 225, 323bhp and 475bhp respectively. The package also includes a bodykit with redesigned bumpers and side sills, wheel arch extensions, a boot spoiler and 23-inch alloys.

Here"s a smart idea...

Here"s a smart idea... the DVLA is to try out a new way of preventing motorists from illegally sitting learners’ tests. It’s planning a trial of ‘smart’ provisional driving licences.

HOLLAND: When Rotterdam...

HOLLAND: When Rotterdam police pulled a car from a canal, they were astonished to find its wipers were still operating, even though it had been submerged for days.

Honda brought us the...

Honda brought us the humanoid robot ò€“ and now the latest Japanese wonder is a futuristic motorised unicycle.

HONDA confirms premium...

HONDA confirms premium Acura brand coming to Europe to rival Toyota"s Lexus. New marque to build mainly sports cars and saloons.

If rumours are to be...

If rumours are to be believed you"re looking at the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster... However our sources have revealed, that it"s an imposter!Ò 

If the Impreza WRX isn"t...

If the Impreza WRX isn"t tough enough for you, Subaru may just have the answer. The Japanese firm has announced the WRX "R205"- boosted to produce 312bhp thanks to a re-mapped ECU and a new exhaust and turbo.

If the latest 670bhp...

If the latest 670bhp V12 SuperVeloce Lamborghini was a little too much for you, don"t worry, there"s a more tame version on the way.

Improved damping and...

Improved damping and bigger brakes are standard, as is the latest-generation ESP stability control. Inside, the centre console gets a new aluminium finish, while SE models feature Peugeot"s integrated sat-nav and phone. Prices start at í‚á£20,300 for the base 2.0-litre HDi. The 2.2 HDi auto is the most expensive oil-burner at í‚á£24,600, while the petrol V6 costs í‚á£29,700. The new car is on sale now, but with only 1,131 607s shifted between January and October this year, it won"t be a common sight.

Industry experts are...

Industry experts are predicting premium increases of up to 20 per cent next year as the business absorbs the increasing burden of high personal injury claims. The estimated 1million uninsured drivers add to the burden.

In past news stories...

In past news stories about the brand saw it producing models that are copycats of other famous makes, including a clone of the Chevrolet Matiz. But the inspiration for this practical, family offering isn"t obvious.

Insiders have revealed...

Insiders have revealed that a new high-flow exhaust, combined with an uprated engine management system and fuel injectors, has increased power to 140bhp. As a result, the unit propels the R3 from 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 133mph.

In these latest photographs...

In these latest photographs, the 4x4"s front end is now fully visible, with Audi"s distinctive four-sided grille on display. When the Q7 goes on sale early next year, it will be available with a range of petrol and diesel engines taken from the A6.

In wind tunnel tests...

In wind tunnel tests, the new model"s 2.6-litre V8 engine, coupled with its aerodynamic styling, created more downforce than its weight. Admittedly, the mathematical formula involved means the car would have to be travelling at its maximum speed of 170mph to achieve the feat, although the calculations do take into account the driver"s weight and a full tank of fuel.

Is the next Rolls-Royce...

Is the next Rolls-Royce just a glorified 7-Series? This new shot of the Ò£175,000 RR4 shows that the firmò€™s cars are edging ever closer to those of its parent company, BMW.

Is this finally the...

Is this finally the revenge of the 4x4? Itò€™s been the social pariah of the showroom stable for years now. But as temperatures plummet, and Britain faces one of the worst winters on record, the Chelsea tractor is suddenly everybodyò€™s daddy!

ITALY: A groom driving...

ITALY: A groom driving his bride was so distracted by a boot tied to the car that he crashed. The pair"s honeymoon was spent in hospital - but the guilty pranksters bought them another holiday.

It had been touted as...

It had been touted as the smart way to drive dream vehicles. But one of the most exclusive supercar clubs in the UK has been forced to call in the administrator.

It’s a Land Rover...

It’s a Land Rover winner all right - but there’s not a car in sight. This desert scene (left) was one of the top choices in an international photography competition sponsored in 2005 by the 4x4 marque.

It"s a double record...

It"s a double record breaker! Not satisfied with being the fastest street-legal saloon, Brabus"s amazing Rocket has raised the bar again with an even higher top speed run.

It"s called the Mastretta...

It"s called the Mastretta MXT, and is the work of Mexican industrial creative company Mastrettadesign.

It"s designed to be...

It"s designed to be more of a soft-roader than a hardcore 4x4 - but there are currently no plans to launch the car in Europe. A Mazda insider explained: "If there"s enough interest, we might see the CX-7 here around 2007."

It"s one of the most...

It"s one of the most eagerly anticipated British-built cars for years, and the wait is nearly over.

It"s the car GM bosses...

It"s the car GM bosses hope will give Hummer sales a much-needed boost, following a downturn in the US. And despite engineers" best attempts to disguise the newcomer as a pick-up, the rear end is geared towards family use.

It"s the car that had...

It"s the car that had the press flocking to see it! Mercedes" "Gullwing" SLS AMG stunned Frankfurt with it"s retro-inspired looks and modern mechanicals - proving that Merc"s performance arm AMG is more than simply a tuner.

It"s the pride and joy...

It"s the pride and joy of enthusiast and mechanical engineer Ron Patrick. "I wanted the wildest street-legal ride possible," he explained. "I don"t know how fast it can go, and probably never will! I built it to thrill me, not kill me - but I can"t resist taking it for the odd "run" up the highway."

It"s the throttle pedal...

It"s the throttle pedal that bites back! Continental has developed an accelerator that warns drivers of hazards on the road by vibrating and pushing against their foot.

Itò€™s another shock...

Itò€™s another shock announcement from Honda, and a massive blow for performance car fans everywhere. Only two weeks after dramatically pulling the plug on its Formula one team, the Japanese car maker has revealed its hotly-anticipated NSX supercar has been canned.

It was a case of misery...

It was a case of misery to millionaire for two pensioners, after they sold their classic car collection following a spate of thefts from their museum. The Sharpe brothers of Rayleigh, Essex - both in their 70s - have bought rare vehicles since the Fifties. But they contacted Christie"s auction house after several of their 200-strong collection were stolen. Among the rarities sold was a 1914 fire engine, a 90-year-old bus and a 1902 Ford. This was valued at í‚á£15,000, but fetched í‚á£140,000! In all, the sale netted the pensioners a cool í‚á£3million.

Last week (Issue 1,031)...

Last week (Issue 1,031), Auto Express brought you the first official teaser shot of the new Porsche Panamera. But now, we have the best look yet at the front-engined saloon ò€“ and itò€™s come from an unlikely source!

McLaren"s F1 team have...

McLaren"s F1 team have escaped punishment from Formula One"s governing body, the FIA. The organisation acknowledged that confidential Ferrari paperwork was in possession of – currently suspended – McLaren chief designer, Mike Coughlan, but felt there was insufficient evidence to suggest or prove that the data had any influence over this years" race results.

Meet the custom Corvette...

Meet the custom Corvette aiming to strike a 999bhp hammer blow!

Mirrors which help lorry...

Mirrors which help lorry drivers spot cyclists are set to be put up at junctions around London. The capitalò€™s mayor, Boris Johnson, has called for ò€˜Trixiò€™ mirrors to be installed across the city after it was revealed that the majority of cyclist deaths involve lorries turning left at traffic lights.

More penalty charge...

More penalty charge notices than ever before were issued in 2003 and reached 7.1million - equivalent to one every five seconds, or more than 19,000 every day. According to the RAC, the top three parking ticket hotspots outside London are Brighton and Hove (161,194 tickets), Birmingham (147,994) and Manchester (123,584).

Motorists who sport...

Motorists who sport the special "watch" have been convicted of drink-driving, and it"s designed to stop them repeating their crime.

NEARLY a third of cars...

NEARLY a third of cars examined in checks by motorway service firm Moto had defective tyres. And twenty per cent of drivers tested had eyesight that failed Government standards, too.

Nissan first hinted...

Nissan first hinted that the Almera wouldn"t be replaced by a single car 18 months ago. The first element came with the introduction of the Qashqai (first image) at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004. Next came the Tone concept (second image) at the Paris exhibition last September. The final piece of the jigsaw followed soon after, when bosses unveiled a production version of the Tone at an event in Japan. Confusingly, they badged it the Note, but then said a model for European markets - which would be called the Tone - would come to the UK and be built at the company"s Sunderland plant.

Nissan is set to update...

Nissan is set to update its award-winning Note. The range – which was voted Best Supermini-MPV in Auto Express’s New Car Honours (Issue 971) – will comprise Visia, Acenta and Tekna trims.

Nissan"s 370 has blown...

Nissan"s 370 has blown its top! This is the first picture of the new Roadster version, which has appeared on a teaser site for New York Motor Show.

Official figures for...

Official figures for the car were announced this week, with the base 1.6 Reference at ÷£12,995. That"s ÷£630 more than the standard-sized Altea.

ONE of the world’s...

ONE of the world’s youngest car companies has got a new badge! Chinese maker Geely, which was set up in 1997, has replaced its old logo with this swirling design (below) as part of a competition held to help modernise the firm’s appearance.

Only a week after Peugeot...

Only a week after Peugeot released official shots of its 3008 crossover, a heavily disguised long-wheelbase MPV version has been caught testing. This carò€™s extra length will mean space for seven inside, while thereò€™s a higher roofline and sliding doors for easier access.

Organisers of the July...

Organisers of the July event in London have revealed they"ve been in negotiations with Nanjing Automobile, the Chinese firm that bought the remnants of the Birmingham set-up. And their plan is to get "some sort of presence" at the expo. A show spokesman told us: "We suggested Nanjing have a stand or sketches of a future model, but it didn"t want to do that."

Our findings coincided...

Our findings coincided with Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) boss Christopher Macgowan"s call for owners to study their instructions. "Drivers could avoid accidents by learning about their car"s safety kit," he said. Our table below lists seven lesser-known features.

Our gadget or gimmick...

Our gadget or gimmick test (Issue 957) was fascinating stuff, but occasionally I wonder if manufacturers are having a laugh at our expense with some of the nonsense they cram into cars these days.

Our picture appears...

Our picture appears to show designers in the early stages of shaping a rakish two-door model in clay. A large over-hang suggests a front-wheel drive layout - more than likely from the next Mondeo. The wheelarches are similar to those of the Iosis, and the overall shape resembles the smaller Reflex concept.

Parent company DaimlerChrysler...

Parent company DaimlerChrysler has found that a locking ring within the steering system has not been attached properly, which could result in it failing. Only 1,650 of the 12,000 cars sold since May have been affected – and while the ForTwo isn’t in UK dealers until September, some left-hand-drive models have already found their way into Britain.

Patrick Runal, from...

Patrick Runal, from Finnish anti-viral firm F-Secure, believes vehicles may be at risk of infection by bugs spread via Bluetooth headsets. Once inside a handset, he says, the problem program can spread to any device using a similar operating system.

PETROL prices may be...

PETROL prices may be about to get pumped back up. After a slump in oil prices gave drivers a break from rocketing fuel bills, the OPEC cartel of oil-producing nations agreed a huge production cut to try to force crude values back up.

Previous systems have...

Previous systems have always been fitted to the tyre valve, where heat from the brakes can affect accuracy, and they are prone to damage. But this is only the first step, according to the inventors. "Soon they"ll be able to measure tread depth, and even spot defects," revealed Dieter Wagner of Siemens VDO.

Production in the UK...

Production in the UK would centre around a range of five MG sports cars, and Nanjing has pledged to manufacture 80,000 units annually here within five years. It has said this would create 2,000 jobs in the Midlands.

Proton"s Gen2 has always...

Proton"s Gen2 has always been let down by one thing - its drab beige interior. So now the firm has added a dark grey alternative to the line-up. And if you buy before the end of June, there is the choice to upgrade to full leather at no extra cost.

Renault has revealed...

Renault has revealed prices for its all-new Laguna Coupé range. The entry-level 2.0 dCi 150 starts at Ò£20,995, and comes with 18-inch alloys, eight airbags and dual-zone climate control as standard. The cheapest petrol variant is the 2.0-litre Turbo 205, which weighs in at Ò£22,345 ò€“ thatò€™s Ò£6,805 less than the equivalent BMW 325i SE Coupé.

Roadchef, one of the...

Roadchef, one of the UK"s biggest service area operators, is to be rebranded as Roadchef Costa Coffee. And it has called for a change in the law which regulates roadside selling. At present, sites can"t advertise what food and drink they sell. Roadchef says that if it was able to do so, more people would stop, boosting profits - and safety. Chief executive Martin Grant said: "Life has changed since the Fifties, yet service stations have not. We want to provide the range of choice seen on the high street."

Robbie Kerr raised hopes...

Robbie Kerr raised hopes of a long-overdue debut A1 GP triumph by qualifying on the front row at Sentul in Indonesia. But he slipped back to finish the sprint race in third, and retired from the feature race after spinning out of fourth.

Royle Motors has opened...

Royle Motors has opened in the Speke area of Liverpool, not far from the Aigburth district where the actor hails from. It offers MoTs and repairs, and has joined the Good Garage Scheme, which has more than 1,700 members nationwide.

Sales of used off-roaders...

Sales of used off-roaders and MPVs are on the rise, despite concerns about the environment and increased taxation. A study by statistics expert Experian revealed that the end of 2006 saw a dramatic jump in sales.

Second-hand motors purchased...

Second-hand motors purchased from independent dealers prompted more complaints from the public than any other goods or services in 2006. The group took 37,594 calls about used cars – 12,795 more than mobile phones. TVs were the third most complained about items.

Set to be unveiled at...

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Japanese car has an impressive engine line-up to match its sporty looks. The entry-level IS250 will be powered by a 215bhp 2.5-litre direct-injection V6, while the flagship IS350 will have a 315bhp 3.5 V6. The first diesel engine to be offered in the range is a newly developed four-cylinder 2.2-litre direct-injection turbo D-4D unit, with power being sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual. Petrol variants, however, will feature a sequential automatic transmission instead.

Silver might well be...

Silver might well be the most popular car colour now, but experts predict black will be back.

Skoda Motorsport will...

Skoda Motorsport will choose one lucky winner to ride in the Fabia WRC through the shakedown stage on Thursday, 16 September. You"ll be driven through the stage by one of the Skoda World Rally Team"s drivers - Toni Gardemeister, Armin Schwarz or newcomer Jani Paasonen.

Spotted on test alongside...

Spotted on test alongside its compact MPV stablemate, Peugeot’s 308 is still heavily disguised – but this is the first clear shot of the rear.

Spyker’s F1 future...

Spyker’s F1 future is not at risk despite the financial woes of its road car manufacturer owner. But the Dutch sports car maker has confirmed that it is looking to sell some or all of its F1 operation to raise additional funds for its ailing business.

Steering upgrades on...

Steering upgrades on Renaultsport M탩gane Trophy are to be rolled out across entire range from autumn. Scenic will get them too.

Summer has arrived at...

Summer has arrived at last thanks to Ford Europe. In its latest stunt the Blue Oval has transformed its German factory in Cologne into a giant Love Factory. Inspired by the swinging sixties the colourful transformation is an attempt to round up interest and publicity for the forthcoming Fiesta. The massive structure will be visible to anyone flying too and from the city.

Surveys regularly reveal...

Surveys regularly reveal tailgating is one of motorists" biggest worries. Astucia, an Oxford-based company specialising in the hi-tech studs, is behind the plan. A spokesman told us: "We"re in preliminary talks with highways officials about how the technology can be used to stop vehicles travelling too closely together."

Take a look at the rarest...

Take a look at the rarest Abarth 500 ever! Only 10 examples of this Competizione-badged model will be built, each featuring a raft of visual upgrades over the flagship 160bhp Abarth 500 Essesse on which they are based.

The 422 is designed...

The 422 is designed to drastically cut the moisture that builds up in garages and workshops during wet weather, and can remove up to 21 litres a day. Water is collected in the integral container, or it can be piped outside. An auto defrost facility ensures the 422 does not ice up, and a two-speed fan speeds up moisture collection.

The American giant has...

The American giant has teamed up with legendary motorbike builder Harley Davidson to create this special-edition pick-up. Based on the multi-million selling F-150, it packs a potent 450bhp supercharged 5.4-litre V8 from the Saleen supercar. It also features 22-inch alloy wheels and several Harley badges.

The American newcomer’s...

The American newcomer’s popularity as a second-hand purchase has previously been highlighted, and now industry figures have confirmed it.

The award-winning Citroí«n...

The award-winning Citroí«n C4 transforming robot reappears on TV screens from June 5th, this time performing on an ice covered lake. The car-robot speed-skates energetically across the lake, before coming to a stop, showering a cloud of ice over a group of on-lookers.

The car features electronically...

The car features electronically controlled four-wheel drive, which only engages at all corners when it"s needed. Fold-flat seats increase interior practicality and there will be a choice of three engines at launch - a 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol and a pair of 2.2-litre D-4D oil-burners, which produce 136bhp and 177bhp respectively. A spokesman for the Japanese firm told us: "There"s no confirmation of a three-door model yet."

The company specialises...

The company specialises in 24-carat gold plating, so you’ll be able to touch up your alloy wheels, badges, grille, bumpers or interior trim – and you can be as subtle or extravagant as you wish.

The Dream Car Ride Experience...

The Dream Car Ride Experience takes place the weekend of June 17th and 18th at the museum in Haynes, Somerset and will feature a Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Countach, Lotus Elise, Caterham Super 7, Jaguar E-type V12, a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 and a rally car.

The duo had apparently...

The duo had apparently been dicing over track space at the Níƒá¼rburgring in Germany, where the two coup탩s are currently being developed. According to our eyewitness, both the Lexus LF-A and Nissan GT-R are extremely quick, and in the hands of the experienced engineers have been setting ever faster laps. As the pair headed for a corner, neither driver would settle for second place, and they nearly made contact. Both machines are tipped to appear at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

The firm, which was...

The firm, which was formed in 1886, originally made only a few hundred spark plugs a year. Today, that figure is around 300million, built mainly at the Bamberg plant in Germany.

The folding hard-top...

The folding hard-top model gets the fresh nose, revised bumpers and new lights of the rest of the Mégane range, along with a mix of a CD player, air-conditioning and alloy wheels.

The Ford ace took maximum...

The Ford ace took maximum advantage when arch-rival Sebastien Loeb made a rare mistake. The triple world champion seemed on target for his fourth consecutive victory, but spun and irreparably damaged his Citroen while holding a comfortable lead on the final morning. “Fortunately we had our luck when Seb crashed,” said the 39-year-old Finn. “I kept the pressure on him, and it’s nice to see he doesn’t drive like a machine all the time! It’s good to be leading the championship again.”

The GTO isn’t...

The GTO isn’t the only Italian supercar to get a makeover – Lambor÷­ghini’s Gallardo has also been reworked. The Embolado Superleggera is inspired by the smallest Lambo, but features more aggressive styling and shorter bodywork to trim weight. Its minimal overhangs and flat surfaces show how a Gallardo successor could look.

The hi-tech kit puts...

The hi-tech kit puts security back into the hands - literally - of the car"s owner. Unless the gadget scans a finger which matches a print in its memory, the engine won"t start.

The idea is that the...

The idea is that the technology would be used to monitor flows and tell drivers of problems - so they could then choose alternative routes.

The Italian car designer...

The Italian car designer wasn"t given the car from the firm, he created it himself. Our exclusive images reveal the GG50, a one-off supercar based on a 612 Scaglietti and built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the design studio.

The Japanese manufacturer...

The Japanese manufacturer already offers a large range of financial services such as credit cards and loans in its homeland, but it"s now looking to extend this into other countries. The company, which overtook Ford as the second-largest car company in the world at the end of last year, is poised to set up the Toyota Financial Savings Bank in America. And if the move is successful, other banks could be established around the globe.

The MINI Concept Tokyo...

The MINI Concept Tokyo is based on the Traveller, and shares that car"s estate roofline and vertically split twin rear doors. And, despite its practical configuration, there are plenty of sporty styling cues - including Cooper S-inspired twin tailpipes and an air intake on the bonnet. There is also an array of gadgets, including a pair of chairs and a table built into the roof, and a "Sports Utility Box" fitted over the open rear side windows. The luxurious cabin has studded leather seats with a floating design to give the impression of space.

The new bridge has appeared...

The new bridge has appeared over the M6 in Lancashire, and replaces a 40-year-old farm access bridge at Mount Pleasant near Garstang. Although only for farm and equestrian centre access, the new ÷£2 million bridge can carry vehicles weighing up to 40 tonnes.

The Nismo 370Z isn"t...

The Nismo 370Z isn"t the only new Nissan that"s hotting up! Auto Express spies have also learned that a stunning new÷  GT-R is also being readied fort launch that should prove once and for all that the Japanese firm has joined the elite supercar club!

The number of private...

The number of private used purchases hit a 15-year low last year, with only 2.89 million second-hand motors changing hands. That’s a drop of 60,000 vehicles on the previous 12 months, or 38.8 per cent of all used sales.

The picture of who goes...

The picture of who goes where for 2008 in F1 has become clearer with the Scuderia Toro Rosso squad revealing it has signed ChampCar title holder Sebastien Bourdais. The Frenchman, who has tested for the outfit already this year, said: “It has been a long time coming, but here we are. I would like to thank everyone at Red Bull for giving me this opportunity.” He will line up alongside new boy Sebastian Vettel. Bourdais celebrated by winning the weekend’s ChampCar race at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. He increased his lead in the championship as he bids for a fourth successive title.

The pictures in this...

The pictures in this week"s issue show the facelifted left-hand-drive variant, which has been treated to a restyled front end and new interior trim inspired by the model which has superseded the Seicento in the UK - the Panda.

The previous record...

The previous record was 85.3p in 2000, when drivers blockaded roads to protest at the soaring costs and government plans to raise taxes on fuel.

Thereð€™s no chance...

Thereð€™s no chance of the Land Rover Defender getting a lukewarm reception when it enters the Chinese market for the first time with this pair of special editions!  

There"s no better vote...

There"s no better vote of confidence than signing a three year contract extension. This announcement has ended speculation that reigning world champion and McLaren driver Fernando Alonso was to be signed by the Prancing Horse team - and replace Massa.

There was a blast from...

There was a blast from the past at this week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA) in Las Vegas. Pontiac revealed a concept that looked like a vintage racer.

These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the re-born four-seater’s cabin, which has just had its official launch in China. Now built by Nanjing MG, the new model retains many of the parts familiar to drivers of the MG ZT.

The show is open now...

The show is open now, running until May 28th with all areas free to enter. Now in its 10th year, the show attracted a quarter of a million visitors last year.

They might not have...

They might not have the thrilling performance or garish looks of the VXR, but Corsa Club and SXi models come with something equally special.

This concept, called...

This concept, called the iChange, claims to be the only car in the world that adapts to the number of passengers on board.

This is Dante - the...

This is Dante - the car"s launch mascot destined to appear in the Italian company"s marketing campaign.

This is the Austrian...

This is the Austrian manufacturer"s new X-Bow, caught testing on the track before its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

This is the best idea...

This is the best idea yet of how a performance version of Mazda’s new 6 will look. The firm revealed the GT-M at the Tokyo Motor Show, and its shape hints at the next 6 MPS’s styling.

This new hi-tech G-Wiz...

This new hi-tech G-Wiz has nearly twice the range of the original electric city car ò€“ and costs nearly double the price!

This week, the McLaren...

This week, the McLaren driver was mobbed at a book signing in London, and had to be smuggled into the National Television Awards via an underground car park. However, he isn’t feted by everyone.

To get your bodywork...

To get your bodywork sparkling, take a look at the latest products cleaning giant CarPlan has added to its Triplewax range.

UK car sales are blooming...

UK car sales are blooming, and Abarth is boasting the biggest rise ò€“ with more than a 1,000 per cent increase in registrations this year compared to last! Thanks to the extended Scrappage Scheme and the new 59-plate, buyers are pouring into showrooms, the Society of Manufacturers and Traders says.

Under the bonnet, the...

Under the bonnet, the car has the same 1.6-litre diesel as in the other two variants. But engineers have dropped power by 8bhp to 110bhp, in favour of more miserly economy and lower emissions. Citroen believes this could appeal to business users and high-mileage private owners.

USA: Prisoners in a...

USA: Prisoners in a Kansas jail have been cleaning up... with a car washing business. Locals have been queuing round the block for the ÷£5 con job.

Vauxhall and Ford have...

Vauxhall and Ford have had the same two models in the top 10 chart at either end of the 10-year period - the griffin"s Astra and Corsa and the blue oval"s Fiesta and Mondeo. French firm Renault has also enjoyed consistent success with its Clio. But it was Ford"s Escort, and its successor, the Focus, that took top spot in both eras.

Volvo’s Freelander...

Volvo’s Freelander rival is the star attraction on the Volvo stand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

We"ve charted the progress...

We"ve charted the progress of VW"s compact off-roader ever since the stunning Concept A, a rakish SUV coupé, debuted at this year"s Geneva Motor Show.

We wish to clarify that...

We wish to clarify that our driving school was completely unconnected to (and should therefore not be confused with) either the Easylearn Driving School run by Kevin Watson of Consett, Co Durham, or the Easy Learn School of Motoring run by Matthew Warburton of Retford, Nottinghamshire (or indeed any other driving schools with a similar name).

What"s the performance...

What"s the performance car badge to watch out for in 2007? That"ll be VXR8. While Vauxhall is yet to officially announce the name of its new V8-powered sports model, Auto Express has learned that the firm"s replacement for the Monaro coupé will be called the VXR8.

When the model arrives...

When the model arrives in June, the base FQ-300 will cost í‚á£27,999, with the FQ-320 and 340 priced at í‚á£29,999 and í‚á£32,999 respectively. Styling changes include revamped bumpers front and back, plus fresh Enkei alloys. Air-con and four airbags remain standard. Variable valve timing will give the IX improved refinement, economy and performance.

When the motor show...

When the motor show comes to town, Detroit really starts to live up to its Motor City nickname. Ford is naturally big news at the US expo, and this year’s press conference was just as spectacular as ever.

While plaudits for the...

While plaudits for the consistency of the legendary Honda Civic are commonplace, the Rover"s poisition at the top of the list may cause a few raised eyebrows.

Wondering how we can...

Wondering how we can be so sure about the C-Cactusò€™ imminent arrival? Well, these grainy images are the key. They show a production-ready prototype designers are currently working on at the firmò€™s French HQ.

You can switch the mobile...

You can switch the mobile Navigator between cars, while its heavy traffic avoidance system should reroute you around congestion. It features the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system with updated Microsoft Office software, and includes a range of entertainment programmes.