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Against all the odds...

Against all the odds, the Channel Islander clinched the 2007 crown for BMW in Macau, but only after the pacesetting SEAT Leon TDI of main rival Yvan Muller was forced out with a fuel pump failure.

A gaping hole above...

A gaping hole above the grille is evident in the mag"s pictures and it"s there to feed air into the supercharger, which is mated to the 4.2-litre V8 to raise power to around 400bhp. This will enable the car to sprint from 0-60mph in five seconds and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Amid the glitz and glamour...

Amid the glitz and glamour of an unveiling that featured pop star Alesha Dixon performing her latest song, Ford revealed the price of the Fiesta рЂ“ and the range will start at ВЈ8,695 for the Studio model, some ВЈ155 less than the previous generation entry-level car.

And as we predicted...

And as we predicted, it will use the same 197bhp FSI direct-injection petrol engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

And it was a superb...

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

And with the technology...

And with the technology already in place, it would enable the Government to rapidly introduce UK-wide tolls, as detailed in a leaked ministerial letter last week.

A new loyalty scheme...

A new loyalty scheme has been launched that lets drivers earn points for every litre of fuel they purchase. To promote the Shell Drivers Club Card, the firm is giving away a total of 100,000 points daily – equivalent to чЈ500 worth of petrol, or 5,000 air miles.

A raft of updates is...

A raft of updates is helping BMW raise the bar with its top-selling 3-Series рЂ“ 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.

A spokesman for the...

A spokesman for the firm explained: "This reptile is a relatively small but very nimble athlete. Also, it"s a specialised hunter with strength and agility, quick reflexes and clear target orientation - a concept that not only acknowledges this new Porsche, but also the brand as a whole." But after giving us this PR blurb, he added: "Anyway, we couldn"t call it the Boxster Coupнѓ©. The Boxster name is an amalgamation of boxer, relating to the flat-six engine, and roadster - referring to the folding roof which this car clearly doesn"t have."

A spokesman for the...

A spokesman for the trade bible said: “Drivers are being drawn to the potential financial benefits of running an older car, spurred on by fellow enthusiasts online.”

As we revealed in issue...

As we revealed in issue 856, up to 10,000 vehicles are being stored as the legal wrangles continue over who owns what following the collapse of the Birmingham-based company.

At first glance, the...

At first glance, the car in our spy shot looks like a Honda Accord Tourer on tiptoes. But on closer inspection, tell-tale signs show itтЂ™s designed for the rough stuff.

Auto Express can lift...

Auto Express can lift the lid on the Arnage Drophead Coupнѓ©, which is aimed at Rolls-Royce"s forthcoming Phantom cabriolet. It was revealed at this week"s Los Angeles Auto Show, and fills the hole left by the recent retirement of the Bentley Azure soft-top.

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.

Because of the way the...

Because of the way the statistics are analysed, each of the following groups has a 100-car league table. These are the top three for each category.

Bigger, bolder and better...

Bigger, bolder and better value – that will be Renault’s new Laguna! The family car hasn’t only been comч­pletely revised, but it costs on average чЈ300 less than its predecessor.

Big on style, space...

Big on style, space and equipment, but small on price. ThatрЂ™s the new Citroen C5 Tourer, which has made its debut in the UK.

Bosses are sceptical...

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

Bosses wanted to mount...

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

Business as usual тЂ“...

Business as usual тЂ“ thatтЂ™s the situation at Swedish firm Saab, despite the shock collapse of a planned sale to supercar maker Koenigsegg. Our spies caught this estate version of the new 9-5, which is due in UK dealers next year.

But despite its apparent...

But despite its apparent popularity, sources at VW admit that the practical machine nearly never happened. At the original launch of the Golf MkV, the maker"s bosses announced that, regardless of demand, the MkIV estate would not be replaced. Instead, said VW execuч­tives, they would concentrate on the crossover Golf Plus, new Touran and Tiguan models.

Called the Coupé...

Called the Coupé Concept, the stylish BMW 3-Series rival debuted at the Detroit Motor Show, and shows how the forthcoming G35 coupé will look.

Called the Q5, the newcomer...

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

Car makers are quick...

Car makers are quick to boast about their eco-friendly credentials. But which brand really has cleaned up its act this year, and which hasn’t?

Car seats are important...

Car seats are important, but often what is comfortable for one person is not for another. To ease the pain, Halfords has released its 12V Back Massage Cushion.

Clever front suspension...

Clever front suspension allows lean angles of up to 40 degrees, and the three 240mm discs bring the scooter to a halt 20 per cent quicker than a two-wheeled machine

Copa load of this ‘super’...

Copa load of this ‘super’ Leon – it’s the most powerful car SEAT has ever made!

Could his be the move...

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

Could this be the ultimate...

Could this be the ultimate safety device? ItтЂ™s a bumper mounted camera that can actually read road signs and then warn the driver about hazzards, from changes in speed limits to no overtaking zones.

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.

Developed in conjunction...

Developed in conjunction with off-road expert Mitsubishi - its version will be the next-generation Outlander - the cars are designed to tap into the boom in urban crossover vehicles.

Development of MercedesтЂ™...

Development of MercedesтЂ™ new supercar is flying along! This prototype wears heavy camouflage, but thereтЂ™s no disguising the gullwing doors тЂ“ theyтЂ™re inspired by MercтЂ™s 300SL from the Fifties, and revealed for the first time in this leaked picture.

Due on sale in 2009...

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

Engineers at Hyundai...

Engineers at Hyundai haven’t only been working on the new Coupé seen in our Spyshots section. They have also turned their attention to the firm’s award-winning Santa Fe SUV – and it’s now better value, with the launch of this model featuring up to чЈ1,200 of extra kit.

Finally, the wraps are...

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

First came the teaser...

First came the teaser images... Now feast your eyes on the real thing!

German firm Volkswagen...

German firm Volkswagen has announced prices for the all-new Polo тЂ“ and the supermini star will kick off at only ТЈ10,035 for the base 1.2-litre S petrol.

Get ready for the Big...

Get ready for the Big Cat with the tiny engine! After unveiling the XJ saloon at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar is ready to start testing a plug-in electric hybrid engine тЂ“ with a 1.2-litre powerplant.

Gordon Miller has been...

Gordon Miller has been issued with a five-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for "intimidating and harassing" drivers. It"s the first time an ASBO has been used on a cowboy clamper - they are usually given to nuisance neighbours or gangs of youths who cause trouble in an area.

Government fat cats...

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

Hard pressed car maker...

Hard pressed car maker Subaru will unveil its brand new Legacy at this yearтЂ™s Detroit Motor Show.

Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures that show Mitsubishi is expanding its off-roader line-up... with this compact SUV designed to lock horns with FordтЂ™s Kuga.

Here is the picture...

Here is the picture that proves VauxhallтЂ™s Meriva is hotting up! This is the first spy shot of the forthcoming VXR version тЂ“ a flagship firecracker that will boast a 200bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

Here’s a golden...

Here’s a golden opportunity for the Government to raise even more money from beleaguered motorists. A leaked Treasury paper – which has been circulating in Westminster – has revealed that Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling is looking to introduce an extra ‘purchase tax’ on models with high CO2 emissions.

Here"s a car that can...

Here"s a car that can see around corners! Japanese maker Mazda started public road trials of its Advanced Safety Vehicle, the ASV-4, which alerts drivers of oncoming traffic at blind corners.

HereтЂ™s a pair of sports...

HereтЂ™s a pair of sports cars set to KO the competition!

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 thereтЂ™s one thing...

If thereтЂ™s one thing the Gallardo LP 550-4 doesnтЂ™t need, itтЂ™s an injection of insanity! But that hasnтЂ™t stopped LamboтЂ™s engineers from developing a wild limited edition in honour of its most renowned test driver.

In June, the 35-year-old...

In June, the 35-year-old Canadian will race one of the company’s new diesel-powered 908 sports proto?types, alongside fellow ex-F1 drivers Pedro Lamy and Marc Gene.

In Manchester last month...

In Manchester last month similar devices tore through a woman"s car, narrowly missing her nine-month-old daughter

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 what must be one...

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

italian giant Piaggio...

italian giant Piaggio claims its XEvo is a business class scooter – and after a week with both the 125cc and 400cc models, we have to agree, as they offer more than your average twist-and-go two-wheeler.

It certainly looks that...

It certainly looks that way. That"s because the David Richards-led buyout was financed by a group of businessmen from the Middle East, and it"s believed the deal is the first in the motor industry to be fully compliant with Islamic sharia law, which opposes the speculative borrowing of money.

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 based on the Iveco...

It is based on the Iveco LMV, a new military vehicle that has won several high-profile contracts - including an 800-unit order from the British Army.

It’s a blast from...

It’s a blast from the past for BMW! This stunning concept has been built as a tribute to the 1978 M1 – the firm’s first and only true supercar.

It"s Aston MartinтЂ™s...

It"s Aston MartinтЂ™s first four-door sports car тЂ“ and if youтЂ™ve got the cash to afford one, it could prove to be a steal.

It"s happening because...

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

It"s not the first time...

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

It"s one in, one out for Kia!

It"s one in, one out for Kia!

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."

ItтЂ™s a classic thatтЂ™s...

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

ItтЂ™s a Porsche double...

ItтЂ™s a Porsche double whammy! Thanks to images leaked on the Internet, after appearing on the German companyтЂ™s own website, Auto Express can show you the facelifted versions of the Cayman and Boxster.

It will debut at next...

It will debut at next week"s Detroit Motor Show, and rival the all-new Mercedes S-Class, which only has a seven-ratio self-shifter.

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.

Legendary off-road ability...

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

Lewis Hamilton’s...

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

Maserati"s GranTurismo...

Maserati"s GranTurismo is set to become a carbon-clad cracker. To enhance the sporting character of its coupé even further, the Italian firm has created a fresh selection of carbon fibre upgrades.

McLAREN revealed its...

McLAREN revealed its vast new 850 sq m ‘Brand Centre’ at Silverstone. The three-floor paddock- based unit has an entertainment area, rest rooms, offices for the team and a restaurant space. It takes two days to construct and the same to take down.

Meet MGтЂ™s hot new...

Meet MGтЂ™s hot new fastback тЂ“ which could be heading here! Set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show at the end of April, the MG6 is based on the Roewe 550 тЂ“ successor to the Rover 45 and MG ZS.

MITSUBISHIтЂ™S latest...

MITSUBISHIтЂ™S latest new car is looking to achieve Colt status. Last week (Issue 1,031), Auto Express published a teaser picture of the facelifted supermini. It showed little more than an Evo X-style grille and a set of round headlights.

Motorists have been...

Motorists have been warned not to fit headlight adaptors for driving on the Continent themselves. The advice comes from the AA, and follows an investigation by Auto Express, which revealed more than half of drivers heading for Europe canтЂ™t mount them properly!

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.

NEW PICTURES ADDED!!

NEW PICTURES ADDED!!

Noisy diesels are back!...

Noisy diesels are back! Modern engines have become nearly as smooth and silent as their petrol counterparts тЂ“ but all that looks set to change.

On sale in February...

On sale in February, it will compete with Land Rover’s Freelander, Nissan’s latest X-Trail (driven here) and the forthcoming Ford X-MAX.

Porsche has confirmed...

Porsche has confirmed UK prices for its forthcoming four-seat Panamera gran turismo, which goes on sale on 12 September 2009.

Pressure to make cars...

Pressure to make cars more eco-friendly could force showroom prices up by six per cent, industry experts warn. In the latest bid to cut emissions, the European Commission has proposed that manufacturers reduce their vehicles’ average CO2 output to 120g/km by 2012.

Production of the sporty...

Production of the sporty MG TF was due to begin in the West Midlands at the same time as the first MG7 saloon rolled off the line at the Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC) plant.

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.

Radical gadgetry is...

Radical gadgetry is being lined up that enables the next-generation family challenger - which is due in 2008 - to take the strain out of accelerating, braking and steering during rush-hour traffic.

Refinement is second...

Refinement is second to none, and superb ride comfort proves that VW knows a thing or two about suspension set-up.

Research shows that...

Research shows that good service when you purchase a second-hand car can often be followed by poor aftersales care.

Seen in the mag demonstrating...

Seen in the mag demonstrating its cornering balance, the ST was spied at the Nнѓбјrburgring in Germany. The yellow lines painted on its huge alloys help engineers accurately measure the speed, while the low side skirts and sports exhaust spice up the Focus"s conservative looks.

Sharp new looks at a...

Sharp new looks at a budget price – Hyundai’s i10 city car

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.

So much so, the firm...

So much so, the firm is even importing an all-new version, the VXR8, from Australia later this year (read test here).

Specialist car makers...

Specialist car makers will be on display at a new motor show next month. Race Retro Live will feature Morgan, Marcos (image), Chevron and Proteus. Track rides and more will be on offer at Donington Park, Derbyshire, on 18-19 August.

SubaruтЂ™s Legacy is...

SubaruтЂ™s Legacy is getting longer тЂ“ and here are the pictures that prove it! This is the Japanese firmтЂ™s all-new model, which will make its debut at the New York Motor Show next week.

Suzuki has gone supersized!...

Suzuki has gone supersized! These are the first official pictures of the all-new Kizashi saloon тЂ“ revealed at a special launch in Detroit this week.

Take a look at the world"s...

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

Take a look at ToyotaтЂ™s...

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

Taking your sat-nav...

Taking your sat-nav with you at the end of your journey is usually a security necessity rather than a matter of choice. But HP reckons its new model is different. It says the iPAQ 314 Travel Companion works as well in your hand as it does in your car.

That"s the forecast...

That"s the forecast from a top analyst - and it"s a blow for manufacturers investing millions in alternative fuels.

The all-wheel-drive...

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

The Audi R8 is on a...

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

The big cat had the...

The big cat had the opposition licked at this yearтЂ™s Detroit Show, with not one, but two 500bhp newcomers! As well as the XF, the entire XK line-up has undergone a mid-life facelift and engine revisions.

The British outfit has...

The British outfit has secured the final two places on next year’s F1 grid, and if all goes to plan, it will become the official McLaren-Mercedes B-team. As with Hamilton before him, Paffett is currently a test driver for McLaren – a role that puts him in a great position to secure a plum seat with the promising Prodrive set-up, should the proposed deal come to fruition.

The dramatic move is...

The dramatic move is a blow to fast Ford enthusiasts in the UK -a key market for the firm"s performance models. They"re still reeling from the scrapping of the Fiesta RS project last year. The decision means the ST badge will be Ford"s current sporting flagship.

THE Energy Station serving...

THE Energy Station serving the two Red Bull teams was too big for the Monaco paddock - so it was built on a barge and floated into the harbour. To construct the barge, bosses needed 45 trucks on top of the 25 that transport the Energy Station between races. It took 12 hours and a total of 7,000 man hours to put together.

The firm"s version of...

The firm"s version of the Peugeot 1007 will differ from its sibling by having four conventional doors, instead of two sliding ones. Inside, the four-seater features the removable, folding rear chairs found in the standard C2. In a bid to match the practicality of Renault"s new Modus, the back seats also slide backwards and forwards, giving owners a choice between improved rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room or increased luggage space in the boot. The Plus will also retain the functional split-opening tailgate of the conventional supermini.

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 hi-tech plipper...

The hi-tech plipper is called the AviStart 4400, and the н‚бЈ350 system is produced by Californian company Directed Electronics. Motorists can remotely start their car at the touch of a button, as well as setting the desired interior temperature.

The Highway differs...

The Highway differs from other receivers as it’s not part of a standard system or hard-wired to it. Instead, it uses FM modulator technology, similar to that used in some in-car aftermarket MP3 players, to transmit sound through the ICE speakers. Radio station interference can be a problem for FM transmitters, but Pure hopes to overcome this by including quickSCAN to find free wavelengths, and provides four presets to easily swap between them.

The Japanese brand is...

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

The Japanese newcomer...

The Japanese newcomer, which has Volvo"s XC90 and Land Rover"s Discovery 3 in its sights, features a versatile seven-seat cabin and sporty looks. Strong performance and agile handling are also on the cards, and buyers will be able to choose between both two and four-wheel-drive variants.

The Japanese team has...

The Japanese team has confirmed that two-time Junior World Rally champ Per-Gunnar Andersson will drive the second SX-4 in the outfit’s debut season in the WRC top flight.

The main styling changes...

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

The Mercedes S-Class...

The Mercedes S-Class rival debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, billed as the LF-Sh. And although the car pictured here is a display model, the real thing is now production-ready, complete with the lower-case letter "h" signifying its clever petrol-electric hybrid motor.

The most common reason...

The most common reason cited for not attending was the venue, and the fact that it"s difficult and costly to get to for the majority of UK residents. Others who responded to our survey criticised the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which organises the event, for holding a car show in a city which is unfriendly towards drivers.

The new bulbs now have...

The new bulbs now have revised filaments that should be able to cope better with rough roads, but without affecting the beam they deliver. The development team has also changed the gas mix to reduce dazzle for on-coming motorists, particularly in poor weather when light is reflected off a soaking road. As with the outgoing version, PIAA claims the bulbs, rated at 65/55 watts, deliver a light output equivalent to 110/100 watt lamps. Despite this increase in claimed performance, the bulbs are E marked and are legal to use on UK roads.

The new executive machine...

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

The new Honda Accord...

The new Honda Accord has landed – and here are the first official pictures of both the saloon and estate!

The Porsche Cayenne...

The Porsche Cayenne is bucking the trend for larger and heavier cars. These spy pictures reveal the next evolution of the popular SUV will be smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

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 been an influx...

There"s been an influx of Bluetooth mobile phone kits on to the market to help you stay clear of a чЈ60 fine and points on your licence. But we’ve never tested one that costs more than чЈ200 – until now!

The supercar is gunning...

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

The tiny proportions...

The tiny proportions make it great in urban areas, although poor refinement and a small cabin rule the Jimny out for long-distance or family drivers

The wraps are off VauxhallтЂ™s...

The wraps are off VauxhallтЂ™s new Insignia estate, which will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Called the Sports Tourer, it will go on sale in the UK in Spring 2009 rivalling Ford"s Mondeo Estate and Honda"s Accord Tourer.

This is Mercedes’...

This is Mercedes’ answer to the successful BMW 1-Series. Set to be called the BLK, the new model is expected to attract younger buyers to the brand by offering sharp looks and a more affordable price than other models in the range. And there will be hatch and convertible versions, as well as the coupé revealed here.

This is the car Cadillac...

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

This is the Mercedes...

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

This is the model that...

This is the model that until now has been known by the codename TRM, and the Malaysian-built five-door hatchback is designed and engineered by the British company. The sporty styling includes ground-hugging ride height, a short stumpy nose and a wing-shaped grille.

This satellite navigation...

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

This year’s evo...

This year’s evo road and track day season promises to be the best yet, with a host of features to make our events not only good value but also memorable experiences.

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.

Time to raid your savings!...

Time to raid your savings! Volvo has revealed pricing and specs for its much anticipated new SUV, the XC60 тЂ“ and you wonтЂ™t get much change out of ТЈ25,000.

To be unveiled at the...

To be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, it features a more attractive face than at present. It has Peugeot-style headlamps which sweep up into the bonnet, as well as an oval grille and neatly integrated foglights. At the rear, the tail-lamps have been revamped, too, while both ends get a new bumper design to give the car a more rounded look.

Touring car top guns...

Touring car top guns Jason Plato and Fabrizio Giovanardi go head-to-head at Knockhill as the duel for this year’s Dunlop British Touring Car Championship crown reaches fever pitch in Fife on Sunday.

Toyota bosses are in...

Toyota bosses are in for a real shock! ThatтЂ™s because pictures of the new Prius hybrid have been leaked. And thatтЂ™s not the only scoop тЂ“ Auto Express has details of a cut-price version of the petrol-electric model, too.

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 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.

Using an FM transmitter...

Using an FM transmitter to relay music from your MP3 player to your in-car car stereo can be a disappointing experience. Often, the frequencies are too cluttered to get a clear signal, particularly if youтЂ™re driving around town.

Using an in-ear hands-free...

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

Vive la revolution!...

Vive la revolution! Citroen has pulled the wraps off the supermini of tomorrow тЂ“ the Revolte.

Want to save fuel and...

Want to save fuel and cut down your CO2 emissions? The DTI has just unveiled the “Act On CO2” initiative to encourage car buyers to purchase more fuel-efficient motors. Auto Express has conducted its own research to find Britain’s 100 most economical motors.

Want to see a host of...

Want to see a host of new car debuts this summer? Well, head to the Goodwood Festival of Speed rather than the British Motor Show! Organisers say they’ve pulled out all the stops to make the West Sussex event as much a showcase of new metal as it is a motor-sport gathering. So, it could upstage the exhibition at ExCeL in London’s Dock-lands just over a week later.

Wearing the bold scorpion...

Wearing the bold scorpion badge of the famous tuning arm, the models are set to debut alongside the new baby next year. And as you"ll see from our sensational pictures, which are based on insider information, they"ll certainly cause some excitement.

We learned of the newcomer...

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

When it comes to the...

When it comes to the environment, if thereтЂ™s a WILL thereтЂ™s a way! Hyundai is readying an advanced hybrid concept for the Seoul Motor Show, which opens on 2 April, known as the BLUE-WILL.

Whether you are heading...

Whether you are heading for London’s Big Ben or Blackpool’s Tower, Mio’s newest sat-nav will guide you there thanks to its innovative 3D landmark display.ч 

While the French maker...

While the French maker denies there is a manufacturing defect or design fault with the catch, it is taking action to prevent further failures

Winter may be on its...

Winter may be on its way, but the temperature is on the rise at Auto Express! Our team of spy photographers has bagged a raft of sizzling new models, including AudiтЂ™s RS5, which we caught testing at GermanyтЂ™s Nürburgring circuit.