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1. Focus RS

500 firebreather ready for the off

A British Car-nival...

A British Car-nival could offer a diet of top 24-hour racing, car exhibits, drive-in movies, music and much, much more

A CO2 rating of 140g/km...

A CO2 rating of 140g/km puts the Mondeo ECOnetic in tax Band C тЂ“ the regular 2.0-litre TDCi is in Band F

After gordon brownрЂ™s...

After gordon brownрЂ™s recent budget, the reality is that 99 per cent of motorists now pay more for their road tax than before

Ahead of the debut of...

Ahead of the debut of the next-generation MINI in September this year, the firm’s performance division has been given free rein to produce a stunning sign-off special edition. Called the GP – Grand Prix – the red-hot flagship has been created by John Cooper Works, the firm that already offers official tuning kits for other MINI variants.

Aimed at key rivals...

Aimed at key rivals Audi"s A4 Avant and the Mercedes C-Class estate, the new Beemer load-lugger is 4,520mm long, 1,817mm wide, 1,418mm tall and has a 2,760mm wheelbase.

A legend is back from...

A legend is back from the dead! These are the first official images of the most exclusive Porsche money can buy - the 911 Sport Classic. Due to make its debut at the Frankfurt show this month, this stunning special edition will be strictly limited to 250 examples, but it"s so much more than a bodykit and a lick of paint.

Alfa has taken the decision...

Alfa has taken the decision to make the 169 rear wheel drive - ensuring a more dynamic driving expereince

Already firmly established...

Already firmly established on the Continent as a manufacturer of high-end satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, German firm Becker is now aiming to become a major player in the UK market, too.

And if the trials prove...

And if the trials prove successful, they could signal a gooey end to dangerous, high-speed pursuits. The technology uses gas-propelled tracker darts which are launched from a squad car"s radiator grille to tag the target vehicle. Officers can then back off and watch the crooks" progress on a computer screen.

And if you thought Christmas...

And if you thought Christmas was expensive, your wallet is in for another battering. Shopping experts say the average family splashed out н‚бЈ375 on gifts in December, but the RAC has worked out we spent another н‚бЈ447 on the car at the same time. Yet we"ll do it again this month and every other one! This means the average annual cost of running a vehicle now stands at н‚бЈ5,368, the highest figure for more than a year.

And in many respects...

And in many respects, the Cadillac CTS answers that question. It looks the part, and if you"re the sort of motorist who likes attracting attention to yourself, you"ll turn more heads in this model than all its similarly priced German and British rivals put together.

And that"s why in this...

And that"s why in this magazine, national newspapers and on radio and TV for the last two decades, I"ve been patiently and passionately spelling out the same message to politicians - and others in power - that the ritual of putting the clocks back at the end of October means putting more road users and pedestrians in hospital beds and coffins.

And the deal couldn"t...

And the deal couldn"t have got off to a better start - Chevy will unveil this stylish new SUV, the S3X, at the Paris Motor Show this week. A seven-seater with a cabin layout adapted from the Vauxhall Zafira"s, it will be available in 2.0-litre diesel and as-yet-unknown petrol guise from early 2006.

And while the company...

And while the company is claiming the pricing and specifications listed are only indicative of what customers can expect, it looks pretty comprehensive to us. According to VW, the final specs won"t be confirmed until September"s Paris Motor Show. However, don"t expect them to change much from the figures on the Net - which means the three-door will cost from н‚бЈ19,995, while the five-door will carry a н‚бЈ500 premium.

And while this model...

And while this model has been converted into a van with blacked-out rear windows and no seats in the back, it"s more than simply a commercial Corsa.

Andy Scott is a prime...

Andy Scott is a prime example. He works in product development for the Japanese manufacturer, but leads a double life as race engineer for James Kaye, Synchro"s driver in the Independents" Cup of the Green Flag British Touring Car Championship. He told us: "Sacrifices have to be made. It requires a lot of commitment, and we recruit people at the beginning of each season. But the number of volunteers tails off as it progresses." Most of the enthusiasts have been involved for a number of years, but according to Andy, there are no restrictions on who can and can"t join in. "Some people are pen-pushers at work," he explained. "It"s not so much about ability as a willingness to learn." The team is made up of around 15 people, but there"s none of the luxury trappings often associated with motorsport for them.

Answers below.

A pioneering new scheme...

A pioneering new scheme has been launched to help buyers slash the chances of spending their money on a cloned or clocked second-hand car. Data company mycarcheck.com has teamed up with servicing specialist Nationwide Auto-centres to provide the package.

A road safety website...

A road safety website allows motorists to publicly shame bad drivers. But who can be sure what they are claiming is actually true?

A senior fire officer...

A senior fire officer has told Auto Express that rescue teams sent to release drivers trapped in cars after accidents are threatened with serious injury or even death. The reason is that they don"t have up-to-date information about how to work with the technology, including modern fuels such as LPG, airbag detonators and complicated electrical networks. All of these can endanger lives if not handled properly.

A shocked Heikki Kovalainen...

A shocked Heikki Kovalainen scored his maiden grand prix victory at the Hungaroring in Hungary on Sunday.

A spokesman for Nissan...

A spokesman for Nissan said bosses will be closely monitoring reactions to the stubby show car. He told Auto Express: "It has been designed with a view to being a production model, and it could go on sale worldwide."

As small as a Smart...

As small as a Smart, but twice as cleverтЂ¦ These are the shots that prove Vauxhall has a few Trixx up its sleeve for city-car drivers.

As well as offering...

As well as offering a sensational first look at the car, these shots confirm the accuracy of our own scoop pictures of the all-new people carrier, first published in issue 818.

As well as premiering...

As well as premiering the new face of the family favourite saloon, the crossover people carrier seen here will soon become a production reality. We published spy shots of a prototype on test last week (issue 846), and the finished version will appear in UK dealers next year. It"ll be the first model to be based on the next-generation Mondeo platform.

As with the smaller...

As with the smaller Golf, the sporty family model has a distinctive chrome grille with discreet R36 badging

As you can see from...

As you can see from these official pictures, the all-new four-wheel-drive model has a controversial look, with black bumpers and extended wheelчarches. The nose gets a deep honeycomb grille, while the cladding extends to the rear, with the plastic creating a lip effect for the back bumper.

As you can see in the...

As you can see in the mag, designers will keep the transition from coupнѓ© to cabriolet simple, retaining the GT"s elegant lines and distinctive rear-end styling. Unlike some rivals, the Alfa won"t have a folding hard-top, as bosses have opted for a conventional electrically operated fabric hood. This will give the car a more compact mechanism, allowing the shape and impressive practicality of the hard-top two-door to be preserved.

As you can see, itтЂ™s...

As you can see, itтЂ™s set to cause a real stir in the SUV market, thanks to its sleek, coupé-like looks. Following on from our spy shots in Issue 970, these images, which were taken near to BMWтЂ™s Munich base, show the car virtually undisguised for the first time.

At the centre of these...

At the centre of these exciting new shows is the Motropolis Live Action Arena, where up to 20,000 people a day will be able to watch breath-taking displays of stunt driving, along with dramatic theatre, at close quarters.

At the very first press...

At the very first press conference of the New York Expo, Mercedes has wowed the crowds with a pair of dramatic world debuts.

Audi has confirmed it...

Audi has confirmed it will launch a new electric flagship sports car in the next few years. Based on the e-tron concept car, revealed at this year"s Frankfurt Motor Show, the production version will launch at the end of 2012 - in a limited production run of 1,000 models.

Audi"s R8 V12 diesel...

Audi"s R8 V12 diesel couldn’t have looked any hotter. Parked in Miami’s baking sun, its Ferrari red paintwork and tinted glass ensured the two-seater easily matched its billing as one million dollars’ worth of hi-tech prototype. To add to the drama, its keepers had hired a heavily armed Florida State Trooper, just to keep an eye on things.

Auto Express can reveal...

Auto Express can reveal Luton based firm Vauxhall will showcase both four-door saloon and five-door hatchback versions of the new Insignia for the first time at the upcoming British International Motor Show.

Auto Express first broke...

Auto Express first broke the news of the firm"s plans to tune up the Colt in issue 818, and the car has now finally arrived. With bulging wheelarches, low side skirts and an Evo-style front bumper and bonnet, the five-door is sure to set pulses racing.

Auto Express has invented...

Auto Express has invented a new sport: caravan off-roading. Actually, we’re joint pioneers. The crazy idea was dreamed up by Jeep, and the US company needed a test pilot. That’s where we came in.

Auto Express predicted...

Auto Express predicted the move in a world exclusive story in September (issue 824). The organisers are already promising to build on the "interactive" elements of the 2004 event, and are talking about test drives, a live-action arena and even drive-in movies and evening concerts.

Based on the aluminium...

Based on the aluminium chassis technology that underpins the recently unveiled XK, the model will be rear-wheel drive and is expected to be powered by a V6 engine coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Based on the outgoing...

Based on the outgoing Toyota RAV4 platform, the off-roader will be bigger than its predecessor and offer a realistic budget alternative to models such as the new Land Rover Freelander and Vauxhall"s Frontera replacement.

Beneath the Nissan Pivo2...

Beneath the Nissan Pivo2 show car’s swivelling cabin and shopping trolley wheels, the three-seater showcases Nissan’s latest battery technology – which will be ready for production in 2010.

BMW ace Andy Priaulx...

BMW ace Andy Priaulx has vowed to recapture his World Touring Car Championship title after losing top spot to SEAT star Yvan Muller.

Bosses are refusing...

Bosses are refusing to comment on how the green technology has been adapted for a family saloon, but ensuring the cost of production is kept to an absolute minimum will be a top priority

Bosses at Mercedes are...

Bosses at Mercedes are taking us from B to A! Following the launch of the revised B-Class last week (Issue 1,005), the firm has pulled the wraps off its facelifted A-Class.

Bosses at yesinsurance.co.uk...

Bosses at yesinsurance.co.uk believe drivers who use a detector in their vehicle could be less of a risk than those who don"t, and have joined forces with Road Angel to test the theory.

Bosses have yet to confirm...

Bosses have yet to confirm the name of the Mitsubishi Outlander-based four-wheel drive, but according to a spokesman for the French manufacturer it will get a double-zero tag, as predicted by Auto Express in Issue 872. He told us: "When we introduced this badge on the 1007, it was intended for specialist vehicles. This fits perfectly with that."

Both are versions of...

Both are versions of the forthcoming R-Class, but are actually different lengths. The bottom one is the standard car and has been seen before, but the top car is the all-new stretched wheelbase version. It will make its debut at next week"s Detroit Motor Show.

Brawn GPрЂ™s Jenson...

Brawn GPрЂ™s Jenson Button reigned supreme in Spain, taking his fourth victory in five races. The Briton dominated at the Barcelona circuit, taking a well-deserved win ahead of team mate Rubens Barrichello and Red BullрЂ™s Mark Webber.

Britain’s Jenson...

Britain’s Jenson Button has admitted that winning his first-ever grand prix was easy. The Honda driver took his and the Japanese team’s debut victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix, after coming through from 14th on the grid.

Britain"s love of fast...

Britain"s love of fast Fords is no secret, but the relationship is far from blind. As a nation, we"ve bought more of them than any other country, but we have also been the first to point out when the cars have not been good enough.

But it"s not only the...

But it"s not only the engine that"s special about this car; it features a carbon fibre roof, electronically adjustable suspension and a jet fighter-style head-up display. Set to arrive in the UK late in 2005, a number of exterior changes mark it out from lesser 6-Series models.

But not only are we...

But not only are we revealing exclusive images of the firm"s new model for the first time. We are also giving the world its first taste of the engineering project currently underway to ensure the model is capable of rejuvenating the flagging family sector.

But the problems begin...

But the problems begin when passengers don"t even begin to cover the true cost of their buses, fuel, servicing and repairs, drivers, administrators and multi-millionaire company bosses. Bizarrely though, still they expect priority over me and my car.

But unless you"re determined...

But unless you"re determined to thoroughly depress yourself, I"d also urge you not to dwell on some of the shenanigans that occurred during the February just gone, particularly the end of it. Not content with pushing up the price of driving licences (and virtually everything else motoring-related), the Government is now said to be considering "recalling" from us those documents which entitle us to drive. Apparently, the idea is that because we"re responsible people whose details are in the infamous DVLA computer, we"ll be among the first to have identity cards foisted on us.

But when his car broke...

But when his car broke down and the RAC couldn"t fix it, the trip turned into a nine-hour nightmare that finally ended at 5.30am. And to make matters worse, he had his wife and baby with him.

Called the DBS, the...

Called the DBS, the very special Aston pictured here is based on an uprated version of the DB9, and will go into production. The chassis has been modified with a wider track, while the suspension has been lowered to provide it with the handling and body control it needs to chase the toughest international crime lords.

Called the Roadjet concept...

Called the Roadjet concept, it follows the debut of the TT Shooting Brake show model at the Tokyo event in October. The Roadjet is very close to how the production A4 will be, and has been unveiled to test public reaction.

Called the Skill, it"s...

Called the Skill, it"s been designed by Italian styling house Fioravanti, and will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Using the same folding roof technology as the limited-edition Ferrari Superamerica - the first production model to employ Fioravanti"s drop-top system - the newcomer features a highly complex, but compact, single-piece rotary hood.

Calling all fast Ford...

Calling all fast Ford fans тЂ“ get ready for the ultimate Fiesta. Following our sensational pictures of the ST in Issue 994, Auto Express can now give you the best look yet at an even hotter version тЂ“ the RS.

Caparo fits bill for 200mph cop car

Car giant Volkswagen...

Car giant Volkswagen is getting on its bike to produce this: its first-ever motorcycle.

Christened the F430...

Christened the F430, a name Ferrari trademarked for use across the world in March and April this year, the car will debut a radical new look penned by Pininfarina, under the watchful eye of Ferrari design chief Frank Stephenson. The newcomer is expected to make its public debut early next year at the Detroit Motor Show in January, before going on sale in the summer.

Citroen had spectators...

Citroen had spectators falling over each other to look at the glamorous but green line-up on its motorshow stand - and this year it arrived with no less than five new UK show debuts!

Click on the links below...

Click on the links below to read the news, see the latest pictures, and watch the best videos.

Codenamed ED - standing...

Codenamed ED - standing for European Design - it"s the first Kia to be built specifically for drivers in the UK.

CONFIRMED HERE

Copper’s tops with latest Micra

Could this be the next...

Could this be the next big thing for Volkswagen? With the firm riding high on the runaway success of the new Scirocco, these pictures might point the way for an ultra-luxurious two-seat coupé for its line-up.

Could this be the UK’s...

Could this be the UK’s best-selling MPV? Renault certainly hopes so. Behind the scenes, the French company is hard at work putting the finishing touches to the third-generation Scenic – and, ahead of its debut next year, Auto Express can give you the best look yet at the newcomer.

Councils have just found...

Councils have just found a new place to hide cameras – on lollipop sticks! It’s the latest way to catch law-breaking motorists.

Cover coup for Skoda’s loader

Crack sportscar squad...

Crack sportscar squad Aston Martin is hoping to make history again at the 24 hour race in Le Mans this year.

Crash cops face rap on web pics

Created by Nissan’s...

Created by Nissan’s North American division, the Forum is intended to appeal to both drivers and passengers. While its shape isn’t particularly revolutionary, the futuristic MPV body is wrapped around a huge cabin.

Crossover concepts are...

Crossover concepts are the order of the day! Following close behind the Acura ZDX which broke cover yesterday, Hyundai has revealed a coupe-style SUV of its own. Called the Nuvis Concept, Hyundai has taken a leaf out of the BMW X6тЂ™s book by mating imposing SUV dimensions with svelte lines and a luxury finish.

C’mon, let’s...

C’mon, let’s be honest. We can moan as much as we like about how franchised dealers are greedier than Heather Mills McCartney, and indeed they are. But, at the end of the day, it’s our apathy that lets them get away with charging nearly as much per hour for their mechanics’ time as you’d pay to hire a barrister. Or charter a private jet.

Dacia has chosen the...

Dacia has chosen the Barcelona Motor Show to unveil a new sportier looking version of its Sandero, and theyтЂ™ve called it the Stepway. Based on the hatchback of the same name, the latest car from the low-cost Romanian firm has been labelled a more adventurous version of the hatchback which is currently on sale in Europe.

Darling"s reforms will...

Darling"s reforms will gross him an extra чЈ1,000m but how, when most drivers are meant to be paying the same or less road tax?

DAVID Coulthard accused...

DAVID Coulthard accused the race stewards of being heavy-handed, after being dropped to 13th on the starting grid for blocking Renault’s Heikki Kovalainen during qualifying.

Dear Bo Jo

Deep, comfortable seats...

Deep, comfortable seats and class-leading materials will mean it"s a quality place in which to spend time

Design bosses at the...

Design bosses at the Ford-owned company promise that the next generation of Jaguars will shock the motoring world. They are pledging to leave the conservative attributes of current models behind, while remaining true to Jaguar"s heritage. The new design direction will be introduced with the forthcoming XK coupнѓ© - due on sale in the spring - and continue with the revised X-Type, revealed here for the first time.

Designed with the technical...

Designed with the technical support of Italian styling expert Zagato, the model is a road-ready supercar that even Aston"s most famous driver, 007 James Bond, would die another day to get his hands on! We beat him to it to sample the thriller capable of nearly 200mph.

Despite the recent launch...

Despite the recent launch of the second-generation A-Class, the company hopes that the car seen in the mag will break new ground. It will be marketed as a luxury compact MPV, an upmarket alternative to small people carriers from volume manufacturers.

Detroit is home to the...

Detroit is home to the brawny American V8, but the Brits muscled in on this yearтЂ™s show with a V8 bruiser of their own! The long awaited Jaguar XFR, the firmтЂ™s most powerful saloon car ever is finally ready to roar, and weтЂ™ve got exclusive live photos along with all the details that matter.

Detroit is home to the...

Detroit is home to the brawny American V8, but the Brits muscled in on this yearтЂ™s show with a V8 bruiser of their own! The long awaited Jaguar XFR, the firmтЂ™s most powerful saloon car ever is finally ready to roar, and weтЂ™ve got exclusive live photos along with all the details that matter.

Disappointing sales...

Disappointing sales of the 2000 version prompted a cosmetic make-over in 2002, only two years after its introduction. Now the Japanese firm has tweaked its best-seller again, and the updated car is expected to hit showrooms in October.

DonтЂ™t despair if youтЂ™re...

DonтЂ™t despair if youтЂ™re a British Formula One fan missing out on this weekendтЂ™s Silverstone sell-out. Both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will be back in action wowing the crowds at next monthтЂ™s spectacular Goodwood Festival of Speed (3-5 July).

Do our eyes deceive...

Do our eyes deceive us, or is this really a Volkswagen Passat GTI? With a macho face featuring huge air intakes, a deep front spoiler and large mesh-covered grilles, this uprated version of the popular saloon certainly looks the sporting part.

Drivers bored with the...

Drivers bored with the way their motor handles will one day be able to change it - and all at the touch of a button. Scientists at the German firm have created the ultimate real-life car simulator, and while the gadgetry behind it is some way off production, it gives a taste of what motoring might be like in the future. Taking a standard A8 limo, engineers have fitted hydraulic actuators, active steering and rear-steering capability to create the Handling Online Research and Simulation Tool (HORST).

Even if you own a brand...

Even if you own a brand new car, the cabin will soon fall victim to everyday dirt and dust. There is a huge choice of products available to keep the grime at bay, and Nielsen’s Interior Trim Cleaner is the latest arrival. So we put it through its paces.

Event organisers have...

Event organisers have unveiled their bold plans for the expo, which will help pull in more than 550,000 visitors. Set to take place from 23 July to 3 August at ExCeL in London’s Docklands, the extravaganza will boast a raft of new interactive attractions.

Ever since the Japanese...

Ever since the Japanese maker took the wraps off the striking Civic Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, excitement about the car"s impending launch has been building. Many thought Honda would never put such a daring-looking model into production, but when the official pictures were released in August, barely a detail had changed.

Everyone thought the...

Everyone thought the Ragster hinted at the next-generation Beetle, but Auto Express has learned the car, driven in issue 842, is on the verge of getting the go-ahead in limited numbers. And it could be on sale by summer 2006.

Every year, the third...

Every year, the third Thursday of November is a very special day for the inhabitants of the little French town of Beaujeu, just north of Lyon. At one minute past midnight, the Nouveau Beaujolais wine is released and the locals can start celebrating their year of labour by drinking the results of their endeavours. It’s a very French thing, but for the last 35 years it’s also been a very British thing. Not, I hasten to add, because we tend to have a rather average appreciation of what is or isn’t a good wine, but simply because back in 1972 Sunday Times journalist Alan Hall decided that it would make a good story to find out who could get a bottle of said plonk into his office the quickest.

Evolution, not revolution...

Evolution, not revolution тЂ“ that has always been PorscheтЂ™s approach with its legendary 911.

Exclusive images in...

Exclusive images in this week"s issue reveal the Speedster two-seater, which is set to become the flagship model. Its innovative roof design and supercharged power will see the car battle it out with rivals such as Toyota"s MR2 and the Mazda MX-5.

EX will spearhead the...

EX will spearhead the launch of NissanтЂ™s Infiniti premium brand in Europe next year

Fabia Sport gets kitted for action

Fans of German super-saloons...

Fans of German super-saloons are about to be in seventh heaven! These

Fans of the MG SV have...

Fans of the MG SV have never had it so good! Even though production of the dramatic coupé ended officially in 2005, buyers can now pick up a brand new version at a knockdown price.

Feast your eyes on Rolls-RoyceтЂ™s...

Feast your eyes on Rolls-RoyceтЂ™s new baby! These are the first official pictures of a smaller, more compact version of the Phantom thatтЂ™s set to go on sale in 2010, gunning for top-end versions of MercedesтЂ™ S-Class and the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

Feast your eyes on the...

Feast your eyes on the fastest and most desirable MINI ever! This is the Speedster тЂ“ a head-turning two-seater drop-top that will combine dramatic looks with sizzling performance. Arriving hot on the heels of the Crossman тЂ“ the firmтЂ™s first 4x4 тЂ“ the stunning roadster will take the famous brand further into uncharted territory.

Feast your eyes on the...

Feast your eyes on the new Clio тЂ“ as RenaultтЂ™s supermini now comes with extra va-va-voom...

FEAST your eyes on the...

FEAST your eyes on the new VW thatтЂ™s taking a swing at the Audi A5 тЂ“ itтЂ™s the Golf coupé! In a surprise unveil, the German firm took the wraps off this two-door concept car, dubbed the New Compact Coupé, at the Detroit Motor Show this week.

Fellow columnist Mike...

Fellow columnist Mike Rutherford"s list of facts the Government should tell us made for gripping reading. But I"d add another: MoT test statistics. These were state secrets 20 years ago, and since then the Government has claimed the information is simply too difficult to dig out. Now, however, there"s a chance that ordinary motorists might just be able to benefit from some of the basic information-gathering they have paid for many times over.

Ferrari is targeting...

Ferrari is targeting winning the constructors’ championship after victory in Japan for Fernando Alonso and Renault virtually handed the Spaniard a second consecutive drivers’ title.

Ferrari"s drivers have...

Ferrari"s drivers have said they are going to have to beat McLaren in Hungary this weekend after the Italчian squad failed to close the gap on its rival in the French courts.

Fiat, Lexus face up to recall blow

Fiat"s cute 500 has...

Fiat"s cute 500 has turned over to the dark side! This is the 500 Abarth "esseesse", and it"s the meanest iteration of the 500 ever!

First and foremost...

First and foremost, we want to know how your car performs, if it is reliable or prone to breakdowns, if it"s good to drive - in fact, detail of your ownership experience. But in addition, for 2006 we have given our survey a revamp to reflect the changing face of Britain"s roads, delving deeper into the issues that matter to you.

Following broad condemnation...

Following broad condemnation of the conservative five-door hatchback shape, designers have gone wild with the styling of their high-performance flagship.

Following its unveiling...

Following its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced the latest evolution of its Phaeton luxury saloon will cost from чЈ44,235 when it goes on sale early next year.

Ford, Britain"s market...

Ford, Britain"s market leader (in sales, at least), has already done that. And if you look at the sheer size of the GM empire, do you really see it having any loyalty to Vauxhall"s Luton and Ellesmere Port plants? Or the brand, come to that? And could the same rules apply one day in the future to blue oval-owned Jaguar and Land Rover? Only Bill Ford at world HQ in Dearborn, USA, knows for sure. But I know this: the Eastern bloc has taken over from Britain as the number one location in Europe for big, ambitious companies to set up shop if they"re looking for a friendly pro-car welcome, low-tax Governments and capable, willing workers.

Ford is taking the Mondeo...

Ford is taking the Mondeo to the max, with an all-new coupé version offering Mercedes CLS looks for half the price.

Ford"s next-generation...

Ford"s next-generation Fiesta isn’t the only supermini heading for the limelight. As our spies can reveal, Renault also has plans to shake up the sector – with an all-new evolution of the Clio.

Forget him at your peril!...

Forget him at your peril! Anthony Davidson is the fourth Briton in this year’s Formula One title race – lining up next to Jenson Button, David Coultчhard and fellow rookie Lewis Hamilton.

For many drivers, polishing...

For many drivers, polishing a car is an enjoyable task. But if you donтЂ™t have the inclination, there is a way to protect your bodywork with minimal effort.

For many drivers, polishing...

For many drivers, polishing a car is an enjoyable task. But if you

For the first time in...

For the first time in the history of this column, IтЂ™m shamelessly inventing and promoting a conspiracy theory. It goes like this: the Government is sabotaging the roads and deliberately causing traffic congestion.

For the first time in...

For the first time in 15 years, the 2008 season will feature a grand prix field racing without traction control. The teams are already testing a common Engine Control Unit (ECU) which governing body the FIA hopes will allow it to ensure no squad is providing drivers with aids that prevent them spinning their wheels.

Free of the black disguise...

Free of the black disguise tape which kept prototypes away from prying eyes, the new roadster can be seen in all its glory for the first time. And it proves that those "baby SLR" supercar looks are for real! Building on the success of the current car, the new SLK aims to appeal to enthusiastic drivers with an all-new chassis and more masculine looks. But it will still retain the qualities which made the model a hit, including an improved version of the Varioroof folding metal hard-top.

French giant Peugeot...

French giant Peugeot has unveiled a stellar driver line-up in a bid to win this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.

Fresh proposals for...

Fresh proposals for congestion charging could spark second-hand turmoil for owners of the most polluting cars, according to experts at the used price bible Glass’s Guide.

Fuel prices have finally...

Fuel prices have finally fallen back below the ВЈ1 per litre mark. Supermarket chain Asda announced the good news to cash-strapped motorists, four months after a record rise in pump prices made headlines.

Get ready for a second-hand...

Get ready for a second-hand MINI adventure! The brand’s 150 dealers are hosting a special event this weekend, with the spotlight on the used car line-up. MINI Insurance is offering buyers a 25 per cent policy discount on pre-owned models bought across the weekend.

Get ready for some inside...

Get ready for some inside information! Just hours after the first sumptuous exterior shots, weтЂ™ve found the first interior photo of FerrariтЂ™s new baby тЂ“ the 458 Italia.

Harking back to the...

Harking back to the classic MGB V8 and MGC, the TF-X will be the most powerful model in the TF range. It will also be the fastest MG roadster ever, with nearly 200bhp on tap, the ability to sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds and a top speed of more than 150mph. However, it will be the car"s wild styling that is likely to draw buyers away from rivals such as TVR"s Tamora.

Has MINI Worked another...

Has MINI Worked another marvel? Take a look at the first official pictures of the MINI Cooper S Works – in both hatchback and Clubman form for the first time.

Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures that show Audi is on a real charge when it comes to electric sports cars.

Here is the picture...

Here is the picture that proves the Nissan 370Z is taking the fight to the Porsche Boxster!

Here’s an estate...

Here’s an estate with loads of style – the new Audi A4 Avant! These are the first official pictures of the newcomer, which debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Here’s a new car...

Here’s a new car with a difference – this Audi is a convertible off-roader!

Here’s a top-secret...

Here’s a top-secret Peugeot you’re not supposed to see until late next year! This is the all-new 3008 off-roader, and it promises to be the most car-like SUV yet.

Here’s former...

Here’s former Auto Express Accessory of the Year Smartnav’s latest Touchscreen – bringing the call centre sat-nav system with live traffic information closer to conventional rivals.

Here"s our first official...

Here"s our first official look at the small car that opens a big new chapter for Citroen тЂ“ and whatтЂ™s more, the line-up will be headed by a hot 150bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged version.

Here"s proof that Citroen...

Here"s proof that Citroen is set to come out of its shell when it comes to car design - because the "tin snail" is back!

Here"s proof that Citroen’s...

Here"s proof that Citroen’s creativity is showing no signs of drying up. The C-Cactus is an eco-friendly car that, just like its prickly desert-living namesake, is very low on consumption.

Here"s proof that MINI"s...

Here"s proof that MINI"s beefed up supermini is shaping up! Our exclusive spyshots are the first to show the newcomer performance testing in Germany - and reveal the interior too!

Here"s the car that...

Here"s the car that Honda hopes will finally make hybrids cool! This is the CR-Z рЂ“ which made its world debut in production form at the Detroit Motor Show and will go on sale in the UK in the summer, priced at around ВЈ17,000.

HereтЂ™s proof that...

HereтЂ™s proof that AudiтЂ™s TT has some serious competition! Following our spy shots in Issue 972, these are the first official pictures of PeugeotтЂ™s new coupé тЂ“ the 308 RC Z.Т

HereтЂ™s the picture...

HereтЂ™s the picture that proves PeugeotтЂ™s all-new 408 is purring into production! The undisguised black Lion was caught out in the open by our spies, giving the best indication yet of how the firmтЂ™s Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia rival will look when it hits UK showrooms in 2010.

Honda has given us a...

Honda has given us a glimpse of things to come from its next generation Accord.

How about some vroom...

How about some vroom with a view? The new Vauxhall Astra"s interior has finally been revealed in its entirety, and as expected it"s aiming for the top of the class with mix of upmarket fabrics and ambitious design.

I admit itтЂ™s not a...

I admit itтЂ™s not a hardcore off-roader, but the Patriot is the true successor to the Cherokee of the Nineties and the Jeep of the decade

If Pavlov had experimented...

If Pavlov had experimented with car enthusiasts instead of dogs, it would have been the sight of an original Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang that got us Americans drooling - not a ringing bell. Ivan Pavlov was the Russian psychologist who rang a bell every time he fed his so-called "Pavlov"s Dogs". Eventually, the sound by itself would have the hounds salivating, proving that when the brain becomes conditioned to something, it can produce unconditioned responses. This is exactly what would happen to us Yanks with the Shelby.

If the Conservative...

If the Conservative Party sticks with its car-hostile proposals, it will only alienate the 30 million Brits with licences...and voting cards

If the new Evo X isn"t...

If the new Evo X isn"t exciting enough for you, then this could be the answer. Called the Concept-RA, it features rakish coupe styling, a powerful diesel motor and grippy all-wheel drive chassis.

If you fancy a shopping...

If you fancy a shopping spree at this new mall, donтЂ™t expect to fit all your items in your basket! The shelves arenтЂ™t only stacked with the usual mix of food, clothes and gadgets тЂ“ brand new cars are on offer, too.

If you have a garage...

If you have a garage, it’s obviously the safest place to store your car. But just because your vehicle is out of sight doesn’t mean it’s out of a thief’s mind. The locks on up-and-over doors are notoriously weak, and won’t prove much of a barrier to a determined criminal.

Ignore the badge on...

Ignore the badge on the front of this SUV – you’re looking at Vauxhall’s first hybrid. This is the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, which goes on sale in the US later this year.

I have never had such...

I have never had such a bad day, but been so delighted after. I am very proud to win the BTCC.

I know it"s not the...

I know it"s not the trendiest sort of thing to admit to, but as we"ve been enjoying a few weeks of an exciting World Cup tournament, I don"t mind telling you I have more than a passing interest in cricket. It is, after all, a tough sport that puts individuals under the microscope, yet also demands a good team performance. And that"s a bit like motor racing when you think about it.

In 1986, I travelled...

In 1986, I travelled on a train I didn"t like to a place I didn"t know for the opening of a car factory I just didn"t get. Nissan building a plant in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, made no sense to me back then. However, it has since proved itself to be one of the most efficient in Europe. Wind forward 21 years, and I"m in another unlikely place, witnessing the formal opening of another, even more impressive motor factory. It could and should have been in the UK. But since our leaders are so blatantly anti-car, Europe"s most impressive vehicle production facility is on Slovakian, not British, soil.

In a radical deal involving...

In a radical deal involving Chinese car maker Nanjing, HFI Auto?motive and Healey Auto?motive Consultants, plans have been drawn up to relaunch the Healey brand, further develop the MG marque and resurrect Austin Healey.

In a shock move, SEAT...

In a shock move, SEAT has announced it will abandon the BTCC at the end of the year. After winning the title in 2006 and the Team prize in 2007, the Spanish squad has decided to call time on the British tin-top series, ending five years of involvement.

In a surprise unveil, VW took the

In issue 800, we revealed...

In issue 800, we revealed how the styling has been entrusted to an un-named British designer. Despite the secrecy, Auto Express has learned that the new Galaxy, as with the C-MAX, is a one-box shape. Ford is promising that as well as being more sophisticated than its predecessor, the next-generation full-size MPV will also set new standards in innovation.

Insiders say that the...

Insiders say that the next-generation Coupнѓ© will feature more of an upright stance than its predecessor, the 406, as well as a truncated tail and the 407 saloon"s trademark front overhang.

In true James Bond style...

In true James Bond style, some top-secret files have been liberated тЂ“ and these are the spectacular results. This is Aston MartinтЂ™s ultra-exclusive supercoupé, the One-77, revealed for the first time thanks to images you werenтЂ™t meant to see. At least not yet anyway!

I’m not normally...

I’m not normally one for nostalgia. I don’t look back with rose-tinted glasses as a rule. But this week, it’s a bit different. Love or hate Auto Express, no one can deny that this magazine really did change the face of motoring journalism when it was launched nearly 20 years ago.

Is it a saloon or a...

Is it a saloon or a hatchback? Simple: the new Skoda Superb is both!

Is this the unfairest...

Is this the unfairest motoring tax ever? Levies on owning and driving a car have existed for a century. But parking on private land has traditionally been entirely free.

It features some of...

It features some of the most futuristic cars on the planet, but the Tokyo Motor Show played host to a BMW that looked to the past for its inspiration.

It hasnтЂ™t even hit...

It hasnтЂ™t even hit the stands at Paris yet, but already the Lamborghini Estoque has leaked!

It is expected that...

It is expected that the transaction will be finalised next month at which point the real challenge for the iconic Swedish brand will just be beginning.

It looks as though motorists...

It looks as though motorists are finally winning the fuel bill war!

It looks like Vauxhall...

It looks like Vauxhall is ready to load up on performance. This teaser image is the first glimpse of what is set to become the scorching VXR8 estate.

It may be dark, but...

It may be dark, but how"s this for a Fab night out? Skoda"s all-new Fabia has made its first public outing - and our undercover spies were there to capture the moment on film.

I took part in a BBC...

I took part in a BBC Watchdog programme with these people. I listened to their over-simplistic arguments and witnessed their bullying tactics, and concluded if they"re really interested in the fact that there"s limited road space, they"d be asking why a bus occupies so much of that valuable space whether it"s full or - more often than not - half empty.

It provides James Bond...

It provides James Bond with a company car and has a long history of stunning models, but Aston Martin looks to have surpassed itself with this: the forthcoming DBS.

It’s a question...

It’s a question that I, and many motorists across the UK, ask on a regular basis: “When are they going to build that b****y bypass?” When I moved to Petersfield, Hampshire, in 1990, I had two regular routes to take me to work: the A3 to London and the A34 to Birmingham. Each had one interruption to a continuous dual-carriageway – Hindhead and Newbury respectively. Both had bypasses planned for completion by the end of last century, but only the Newbury one made it.

It’s the best-looking...

It’s the best-looking Kia ever! Auto Express was first to break the news of the Korean firm’s plans to build a sports car back in November 2004, and here it is.

It’s the machine...

It’s the machine that hot hatch fans have been waiting for... so say hello to the new Ford Focus ST!

It"s a hat-trick for...

It"s a hat-trick for Land Rover тЂ“ as the 4x4 maker has revised three of its biggest sellers!

It"s a real shame that...

It"s a real shame that the favourite for next year’s championship has just retired. And no, I’m not going to start looking at Michael Schumacher through scarlet-tinted spectacles. He did some bad things during his career, and although he was a fantastic driver, he was a far from great sportsman. What he was brilliant at was never knowing when he was beaten. And he proved that for the umpteenth time on Sunday.

It"s a tough little...

It"s a tough little customer, that new Fiat 500. Tough enough to be awarded the top five-star crash test rating! Euro NCAP has given the Italian city car the highest possible score in its latest round of assessments.

It"s a very early "buon...

It"s a very early "buon giorno" to the Alfa