Trucks

100,000,000: General...

100,000,000: General Motors has poured 0million (чЈ49m) into its plant in South Africa to build Hummers - its largest-ever investment in the country.

193,299: Price in pounds...

193,299: Price in pounds of the Ferrari F40 when it went on sale in the UK in 1987. Built to celebrate Ferrari"s 40th anniversary, it was the most expensive new car available at the time.

334,800: The total number...

334,800: The total number of Citroens which were built outside France last year. The company also produced an additional 1,071,300 models at factories in its home country.

ABOUT one in 20 drivers...

ABOUT one in 20 drivers does not have any insurance - that"s a staggering 1.5 million people. Accidents involving these rule-dodgers cost the industry an extra н‚бЈ550million per year. This adds н‚бЈ30 on to every premium.

A car badge that signifies...

A car badge that signifies the driver is a member of one of the UK’s

Adding another model...

Adding another model to the growing convertible market, Audi has revealed its latest new drop-top. The Audi A3 Cabriolet goes on sale in the UK in the spring - and it will turn heads wherever it goes!

A diehard James Bond...

A diehard James Bond fan has reportedly shelled out ТЈ200,000 for a DBS... that doesnтЂ™t work! The car in question cost ТЈ37,500 more than the list price, but itтЂ™s not just a random wreck. ItтЂ™s the model written off by an Aston engineer during filming of the latest Bond epic тЂ“ Quantum of Solace тЂ“ which opens on 31 October.

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.

Alfa"s 159 won the Best...

Alfa"s 159 won the Best Design prize, with the chairman of judges George Emmerson commenting: "It"s a tough marketplace and Alfa is pitching for very high stakes with the 159. But it just looks wonderful, and it"s a great car to drive as well."

Although the supermini...

Although the supermini is the nation"s favourite test car, a safety fault has forced the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to take drastic measures.

A mere 500 models have...

A mere 500 models have been built, based on the 1966 performance version, which was also launched on the "rent-a-racer" programme. Fans of the original will recognise the black and gold paint, the trademark stripes on the bonnet and Carroll Shelby"s signature on the dash. But a racing performance power pack has now been added to the 4.6-litre V8 powertrain. This includes a cold air and muffler kit, plus engine tuning to boost the output to 325bhp, with a peak torque figure of 448Nm.

American Pick-up Trucks...

American Pick-up Trucks is al-ready taking orders for its right-hand drive conversion, and expects to deliver the first cars in May. The range-topping V8 GT will cost around н‚бЈ33,000, while the entry-level V6 will be below н‚бЈ30,000.

And the award didn’t...

And the award didn’t go to a big car supermarket chain: instead, UK Autosite took the honours after notching up чЈ4million worth of sales in the past 12 months.

And they got their wish...

And they got their wish: battling one of the world"s choppiest waterways, the daring duo used two yellow Dutton sea cars in a trip which took seven hours, as opposed to the 90 minutes it normally takes by ferry. The first amphibious Channel crossing in 41 years, it was done to highlight the strength of the vehicles.

And with the funky twin...

And with the funky twin rear doors and a roomy four-seat cabin, onlookers had plenty to see! In profile, the new model"s dimensions look shorter than they are because of the long doors. These open on elaborate hinges, but are likely to be replaced by a barn-style door arrangement on the final production model.

A new front bumper and...

A new front bumper and huge 20-inch alloy wheels add visual muscle, while the cabin has also been revised with black and red Brabus-badged leather. Mechanically, the only modification is a hi-tech self-locking differential, to give the car an even more fiery character and greater traction. Brabus also offers a Racing kit, with extensive engine upgrades and a new exhaust system to boost power from 626bhp to 651bhp. It makes the SLR illegal for road use, but cuts the 0-60mph time by six per cent to 3.6 seconds.

A revised engine range...

A revised engine range and sporty new looks head the changes to the fresh-faced Daihatsu Sirion, which goes on sale next week.

As well as the sky...

As well as the sky, Cayenne owners will get a better view behind them thanks to a clever new parking camera. When reverse gear is selected, a lens extends from under the rear window and an image is displayed on a screen in the centre console. After use, it retracts back and is hidden under a cover.

Audi believes it"s on...

Audi believes it"s on the way to becoming the world"s most successful premium brand by 2015, following its 11th successive global sales record. The German firm sold 905,100 vehicles in 2006, up from 829,109 the previous year.

Audis" smart sat-nav

Audis" smart sat-nav

Auto Express has already...

Auto Express has already driven the 1.5-litre petrol model in Japanese trim on Page 28, but UK buyers will also have the choice of a 1.3-litre petrol unit and a modified version of Fiat"s 1.3-litre diesel engine. While most are expected to opt for a five-speed manual box, Suzuki will offer a conventional automatic transmission on the 1.5 and a sequential clutchless manual on the 1.3. Prices are expected to start at around н‚бЈ7,000 for entry-level models. To read the first drive, click on the following link Suzuki first drive

A week might be a long...

A week might be a long time in politics, but it flies by on a test drive. Perhaps that"s why Subaru is offering an amazing seven-day trial of its new Tribeca 4x4.

Based on the firm"s...

Based on the firm"s 1.3-litre aluminium MZR four-cylinder, the unit has special valve timing, which keeps the intakes open slightly longer than the standard unit does during the compression stroke.

Both models have a 40/20/40...

Both models have a 40/20/40 split folding rear seat. There"s lockable storage under the boot floor, while the direction of the tail-light beams automatically changes when the car is weighed down with heavy loads. Prices for the V70 start at чЈ26,495 for the 2.5T SE, and rise to чЈ38,280 for the T6 AWD Geartronic.

British Car Auctions...

British Car Auctions (BCA) has launched a dedicated ‘Mini Select’ programme at its Nottingham centre, where around 80 of

British tin-top ace...

British tin-top ace James Thompson is continuing his search for a race seat in this seasonтЂ™s British Touring Car Championship, which blasts back into action in April.

But Fisker’s Tramonto...

But Fisker’s Tramonto isn’t rare enough for some buyers! That’s why the US coachbuilder revealed this incredible 700bhp version at the New York show – and it’s the firm’s fastest production car ever, with a 205mph top speed.

But the Frenchman leapfrogged...

But the Frenchman leapfrogged him in the pits to make it three wins out of three. Wilson ended the race suffering exhaustion, but is now second in the championship standings.

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.

Capitalising on the...

Capitalising on the heritage of the Jeep brand, the front has been redesigned to emphasise the seven-slot grille. The foglamps are also new, while stylists have worked on the car"s bumpers and side mouldings to make them more pronounced. At the rear, the tail-light clusters have been restyled to freshen up the 4x4"s looks.

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 н‚бЈ1,000 - half the price of the car.

Car fans in the Midlands...

Car fans in the Midlands are about to get their very own motor show. More than 30 brands will exhibit at the first Midlands Motor Show at CoventryтЂ™s Ricoh Arena on 1-2 August. Stars will include VauxhallтЂ™s Insignia VXR, and the new Coupé from Norfolk-based sportscar firm Breckland.Т 

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.

Citroen will mark its...

Citroen will mark its 90th anniversary this year, and plans to do it in style by introducing a new look for the famous double chevron badge.

Clip the PL8C70 into...

Clip the PL8C70 into the neat elastic harness, slip it over a headrest, plug the lead into a cigar lighter socket and away you go. The tablet-style player has a seven-inch screen, two speakers on the front panel and can also be used to play DVDs on your home TV.

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.

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 тЂ“ the BO concept, now badged BlueCar. This production-ready machine is a development of the study seen at last yearтЂ™s Paris show. Pininfarina claims it remains on track to launch the all-electric model in 2010 тЂ“ at a price of less than ТЈ15,000. Developed with support from French investor Bollore, the car uses advanced Lithium Polymer batteries, and has a range of 155 miles.

Despite handling 45,000...

Despite handling 45,000 vehicles a day, it scored highly in two key categories - traffic management and fire extinguisher provision. Paul Watters from the AA Motoring Trust - which is a member of Euro TAP - said: "Tunnel fires in Europe have killed around 90 people over the past 10 years. However, the UK has an excellent record for tunnel safety."

Dr Aurelio Gonzalez-Villasenor...

Dr Aurelio Gonzalez-Villasenor led a team of University of Manchester engineers to give the idea of vehicles travelling in high-speed close formation - or platooning - a nudge forward.

Drivers could soon be...

Drivers could soon be seeing red if they attempt to go the wrong way up a one-way street.

Driving a rag-top could...

Driving a rag-top could give you cloth ears! New research reveals convertible drivers could be seriously damaging their hearing, as noise levels can reach 99 decibels тЂ“ equivalent to a chainsaw.

Eight of the firm"s...

Eight of the firm"s models now boast the top five-star rating from Euro NCAP crash tests, but Renault is challenging rivals by going a step further to improve occupant safety, using pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, a new frame structure and Sleep Safe, a special headrest for children, as revealed in issue 881.

Expected to debut at...

Expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the hotter T Sport will be powered by a 225bhp engine. The Toyota will go head-to-head with the new VW Golf GTI and forthcoming Vauxhall Astra VXR when it hits showrooms around September.

GENERAL Motors was set...

GENERAL Motors was set to file for bankruptcy on Monday тЂ“ but Vauxhall and Opel could be saved by Canadian-Austrian parts maker Magna International.

Glasgow City Council...

Glasgow City Council is lobbying the Scottish Executive to introduce fees for parking at work, entertainment venues and out-of-town shopping centres. Supporters claim it is fairer than road pricing, while opponents say it will damage the economy.

He entered several competitions...

He entered several competitions, often racing in his stripey farmer"s boiler suit as he"d come straight from work. And those stripes appeared later on the Cobra 427. By 1954, Shelby was one of the world"s most promising drivers, and set 70 land-speed records in an Austin-Healey. But a serious heart condition, diagnosed when he was 36, forced Shelby to give up racing - and he got involved in car development. In 1961, he mailed a proposal to AC Cars of Thames Ditton, Surrey, suggesting it fit a small-block Ford V8 into the Ace - and four years later, the Shelby Cobra 427 was born. Shelby has been involved with performance Fords ever since...

Here’s a cheap...

Here’s a cheap way to personalise your Vauxhall. London design agency Precious McBane has created tattoos for the firm’s cars.

Here’s an idea...

Here’s an idea that’s sure to stick! Proporta’s Magnetic Dashboard Mount uses tough adhesive pads and magnetism to mount your mobile phone in any car – and stay on the right side of the law.

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: An estranged...

HOLLAND: An estranged mother and daughter from near Utrecht were reunited after they crashed their cars into each other and realised they were related.

Honda brought us the...

Honda brought us the humanoid robot тЂ“ 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.

Hybrids are on the charge...

Hybrids are on the charge. Values of the economical petrol-electric models have soared by чЈ478 in the past 12 months, according to the latest figures from price expert CAP. Rising fuel costs and the fashion for eco-friendly models are being credited for the increase.

If the needle drops...

If the needle drops to empty, the hands stop moving until the watch is wound up again. The smart timepiece, which has been created by luxury designer brand Dunhill, features a few more car-related features.

If youтЂ™ve got ТЈ220,000...

If youтЂ™ve got ТЈ220,000 to spare, this Bentley Mulsanne could be yours for the taking.

Incredibly, old school...

Incredibly, old school US brand Buick is now a bigger seller in China than in its native USA. China loves Buick due to the old emperor being a fan of the brand, so Buick repaid the favour by launching its Invicta large saloon concept to the world in Beijing. The sleek machine is based on the same new Epsilon2 front-wheel drive platform as the Vauxhall Insignia and the concept previews a new executive car, called the LaCrosse, which will go on sale in the US in 2009. There are no plans to bring the brand to the UK.

Infiniti knows no limits!...

Infiniti knows no limits! Auto Express can reveal Nissan’s premium brand is planning a compact model to tackle BMW’s 1-Series and Audi’s A3.

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.

Instead of going on...

Instead of going on the roof, the firm"s Easybase system locks over a car"s towbar. Priced at чЈ130, it can hold up to 60kg, making it ideal for suitcases.

It delivers 190bhp and...

It delivers 190bhp and 440Nm of torque - 50Nm more than even the equivalent Range Rover. To distinguish it from petrol cars, the newcomer will be badged the 3 TDV6. It will be offered with a choice of two transmissions - manual or auto, both of which are six-speed and come with a separate transfer box.

It looks as if Skoda...

It looks as if Skoda is about to go exploring again. This is the Fabia Scout – a rugged version of the new Estate. As with the Octavia and Roomster Scout variants, it has protective body mouldings and a raised ride height. To that it adds a handy, fold-out rear ledge and a system of luggage straps in the boot. With more room than a Volvo V50 and chunky looks, it should prove popular when it goes on sale next year, priced from around чЈ12,000. A facelifted Octavia will also arrive in 2008.

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 identical to the...

It"s identical to the prototype we featured in issue 839. The three-door VXR has a 240bhp version of the firm"s 2.0-litre turbo engine - making it the most powerful car in its class. That"s mated to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox. Bosses have also announced prices for the three-door Astra Sport Hatch, due in April. With no Expression, Life or Club trim available, the line-up starts at н‚бЈ13,795 for the 1.4 SXi.

It"s only just been...

It"s only just been revealed at the most glamorous event on the motoring calendar, but already the Bentley Mulsanne is proving its worth!

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."

Its turbocharged 1.8-litre...

Its turbocharged 1.8-litre engine develops 215bhp and it gets a close-ratio six-speed manual box. Engineers say this delivers a more positive shift action than the standard unit.

ItтЂ™s a new year and...

ItтЂ™s a new year and a new line-up for the Jaguar XF. Hot on the heels of the firmтЂ™s strong presence at the Detroit Motor Show, prices for the revised range have been revealed.

It uses a portable gas...

It uses a portable gas heater to melt the tarmac around potholes to 215 degrees Celsius in less than eight minutes, and can fix damaged highways for a fraction of the cost of current methods. What"s more, the technology recycles existing road materials.

It was used for advanced...

It was used for advanced tyre testing, and was based on a Maybach SW 38 (image), the last car from the firm before the current saloons. The prototype borrowed the SW"s 140bhp 3.8-litre straight-six, one of the most powerful engines of its time. The vehicle allowed Fulda to trial new tyre designs at speeds in excess of 125mph, but after testing was interrupted during World War II, the car went missing. However, Auto Express has learned that Fulda is researching the one-off car, and with the help of historians is reconstructing an exact replica.

Make sure you’re...

Make sure you’re not tempted to grab your phone while

Mazda has taken the...

Mazda has taken the wraps off its wildest concept ever in Frankfurt. The MX-5 Superlight weighs in at less than 1,000kg and shows just how important weight saving will be for the firm in years to come.

Meet the meanest and...

Meet the meanest and greenest SEAT Ibizas ever! First up is the fire-breathing Cupra, which uses a 178bhp 1.4 TSI engine, fitted with both a turbo and a supercharger. It also gets a seven-speed DSG box with steering-mounted paddleshifters.

MG won its class at...

MG won its class at Le Mans for the second year on the trot. The MG-Lola AER EX264 triumphed in the LMP2 category for lightweight prototypes, and featured Brits Andy Wallace and Mike Newton (image) on the driving force. It wasn’t without its problems, though. A couple of hours from the finish, it had to go into the garage for repairs after battery troubles. But it only lost four laps of its 16-lap advantage over the second-placed car and took an easy victory, finishing ninth. “I’m absolutely delighted,” said sportscar veteran Wallace

Mitsubishi Motors UK...

Mitsubishi Motors UK has unveiled the final edition of the current generation Lancer Evolution supercar. Just one version of the new Evolution IX MR (‘Mitsubishi Racing’) will be available, powered by a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. Claimed performance is 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 157mph.

Money canтЂ™t buy taste...

Money canтЂ™t buy taste тЂ“ but it can buy a Bentley Continental GT-based Tetsu GSR.

Most sat-navs have the...

Most sat-navs have the option to select between a man or woman giving the directions тЂ“ but how about a legendary voice thatтЂ™s instantly recognisable to car fans?

Need help getting revved...

Need help getting revved up in the morning? Then try this alarm clock with real V8 engine sound. The Revolution is shaped like a rev counter and has a digital display. When the alarm goes off, the V8 fires up, and the needle sweeps around the clock. There are two versions – one with a radio (чЈ24.99) and one that’s purely a clock (чЈ19.99) – in red/silver, or black/red colour schemes.

NEW camera-controlled...

NEW camera-controlled computer system unveiled by Mercedes to plot likely path of another vehicle or pedestrian outside car. If it calculates that collision seems likely, brakes will be applied.

New research shows more...

New research shows more than 80 per cent of drivers recognise the famous BSI "kitemark", and even more believe it offers an assurance of excellence when it comes to fixing cars. A huge 66 per cent said that they wanted to see the logo adopted by all approved garages. The seal of the British Standards Institute, the kitemark is currently being embraced by the automotive aftermarket industry.

Nissan: special Micra...

Nissan: special Micra 1.2 Urbis features air-con, CD, keyless entry, side airbags, sliding rear seats and rear parking sensors. Prices from чЈ7,995 - a saving of чЈ1,560.

ONE IN three passengers...

ONE IN three passengers are still not belting up for every trip in back of car, according to new Barclays Insurance Services research.

Over the past 12 months...

Over the past 12 months the Auto Express team has put over 1,000 products under the microscope. We"ve come up with star buys in all categories, covering everything from polish to speed camera locators, bluetooth kits to trolley jacks.

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.

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.

Producing in excess...

Producing in excess of 675bhp, the model is set to be the wildest S-Class yet, with a larger-capacity version of the 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 from the S65 (right). With torque expected to be in excess of 1,000Nm, finding a reliable transmission to handle it will have been difficult - but our sources say engineers have managed to do so. In preparation for the introduction of the newcomer, Mercedes has registered the S69 trademark, along with SL69 and CL69. That means we"ve got a whole range of flagships to look forward to.

Reigning BTCC champ...

Reigning BTCC champ Matt Neal’s favourite food is his mum’s Sunday roast and his hobbies include mountain biking, computer games and spending time with his two sons. All extracts from his profile on the new Team Halfords website, which offers race results, behind-the-scenes news, circuit maps, so you can impress your mates with in-depth track knowledge, galleries, profiles, results and blogs and forums. Everything for BTCC followers and an invaluable resource for tracking the remaining seven events.

Reliability is a key...

Reliability is a key area for improvement on all revised 307s, after the current model came last in Auto Express"s Driver Power 2005 satisfaction survey. Inside, equipment levels are set for a boost, while new trim will be available.

Renault has revealed...

Renault has revealed prices for its all-new Laguna Coupé range. The entry-level 2.0 dCi 150 starts at ТЈ20,995, 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 ТЈ22,345 тЂ“ thatтЂ™s ТЈ6,805 less than the equivalent BMW 325i SE Coupé.

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.

RUSSIA: Council bosses...

RUSSIA: Council bosses in Tashtagol have ordered stray cows to be impounded, as they"re causing traffic chaos. Pictures of the animals are shown on TV, and owners pay a fine to get them back.

Spain: Jealous Mario...

Spain: Jealous Mario Susis hid in his wife"s boot, suspecting she"d drive to meet her lover. But she saw him and instead went for a spin on Madrid"s bumpiest roads.

Subaru bosses have given...

Subaru bosses have given the cute R1e concept the green light for production. The company is famous for its turbocharged rally cars, but the electric only R1e has been under development for years and originally appeared in 2003.

Suzuki is singing the...

Suzuki is singing the praises of its all-new Alto. The city car debuts at the Paris Motor Show this October, and its sporty looks are sure to make it a popular addition to the range.

That’s the question...

That’s the question currently being asked by the Transport Research Laboratory.

That"s great for economising...

That"s great for economising during a dry spell, but not so good for the bodywork on your car, as grit and other particles can get trapped in the sponge and scratch the paint. However, US valeting specialist Meguiar"s has a neat solution.

That"s what UK marque...

That"s what UK marque Ginetta is doing. This is the first picture of the firm"s G50, which goes on sale in 2008.

THE 1958 FSO Warszawa...

THE 1958 FSO Warszawa owned by the late Pope John Paul II is tipped to make чЈ10,000 at auction in Paris next month.

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 4.7-metre long Kia...

The 4.7-metre long Kia Kue is fitted with a 400 bhp DOHC, supercharged 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine that manages 400 lb ft (542 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted via a full-time all-wheel drive system.

The Auto Express blogs...

The Auto Express blogs allow website users to interact online with the mag"s editorial team. To contribute, select a topic, type your views in the comment box and press "submit comment". Your post will appear several seconds later.

The car will be the...

The car will be the first European Ford to feature hybrid technology. Our spies caught the seven-seater MPV undergoing road trials. In the middle row of chairs is an engineer with a laptop, while directly below him is the nickel metal hydride battery pack, which provides the power for the petrol/electric drivetrain.

The cell pack lasts...

The cell pack lasts for more than eight hours on a single charge, and it can be revived from your PC or in the car. Road Angel displays your speed, as well as the limit when near hazards and traps, and alerts drivers of their presence using visual and audible warnings.

The чЈ19.99 Ultra Mat...

The чЈ19.99 Ultra Mat consists of several squares of high-density foam and synthetic material. It grips both the chair and the car seat to prevent slipping, and spreads the load, reducing the risk of permanent damage.

The covers will come...

The covers will come off the heavyweight SUV"s fresh motor at April"s New York Motor Show. It is expected to be shared with other models in General Motors" North American line-up. The new V8 will join the existing 3.7-litre 241bhp five-cylinder model, but it won"t be made available to UK buyers.

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 facelift comes as...

The facelift comes as the blue oval"s European president, Lewis Booth, admitted the current model didn"t do the job. "This market was slightly different to what we expected," he said. "But we sold 100,000 in Europe last year, so it"s not a total failure." Sources say the Fusion will get a major makeover, including new bumpers, headlamps and grille. Inside, the dash will be redesigned. The move is to try to make up ground on the Vauxhall Meriva and Honda Jazz. UK Fusion sales stood

The first Fiat 500 has...

The first Fiat 500 has been sold in the UK for an amazing чЈ42,000 – that’s around чЈ30,000 more than the expected list price! While right-hand-drive versions don’t officially go on sale until January, one special left-hooker fetched the luxury car price tag in a charity auction. With bespoke bodywork, the 500 was decorated by artist Tracy Emin and sold in London. Prices for models with a standard paintjob have yet to be confirmed, but if you want a truly unique 500, three more Tracy Emin-designed models will be sold.

The Ford Mondeo-rivalling...

The Ford Mondeo-rivalling Avenger starts in entry-level SE trim and comes with either 2.0-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel power, costing чЈ14,995 and чЈ15,995 respectively. Choosing SXT spec adds чЈ2,000 to the price tag, while the range-topper is the 2.4-litre petrol SXT fitted with an automatic gearbox for чЈ17,995. The saloon goes on sale in September.

The gadget doesn"t only...

The gadget doesn"t only fill your car with fuel - it can boost your music collection with a list of digital pop and rock files for your iPod, too.

The Golf GTI is getting...

The Golf GTI is getting even faster - and you"ll have to be quick to get one! To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the hot hatch legend, VW is set to introduce the limited-edition Golf GTI Edition 30.

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 historic Tour de...

The historic Tour de France visits Kent for three days, before continuing across the Channel. A total of 126 miles of road between Central London and Canterbury will be closed to allow the race to take place. The most severe disruption will occur on Sunday, when towns including Dartford, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells will all become no-go areas for cars.

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 idea is to prevent...

The idea is to prevent dumping, but critics have argued it"s admitting defeat in the battle to get drivers to dispose of old bangers themselves. That can cost up to н‚бЈ50, so people abandon them instead.

THE long-running threat...

THE long-running threat of a breakaway grand prix championship is over, after the car makers competing in F1 signed a new, five-year deal with series supremo Bernie Ecclestone. This supersedes the existing Concorde Agreement that runs out at the end of 2007.

The Luton firm notched...

The Luton firm notched up more than 33,000 registrations last month, making it June"s best seller. Most popular was the Astra, while the Zafira, Vectra and Corsa headed their respective classes.

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 MINIKITis Bluetooth...

The MINIKITis Bluetooth enabled, and will keep you legal while driving. Ideal for drivers who don’t like clip-on earphones, the MINIKIT is ultra-compact, weighs only 3.5 ounces and is about the size of a wallet – perfect for mounting in the car. The batteries give 10 hours’ talk time and will last more than a week on standby. A full recharge takes three hours.

The Proton Impian has...

The Proton Impian has been facelifted with a new grille, rear lights and a set of seven-spoke alloys.

The Quik-Chek, from...

The Quik-Chek, from Tyre Pressure Monitor systems (TPM), replaces the valve dust cap. All you do is screw it on and press the device until the window shows green, or a combination with red or orange. After that, you simply check whether the colours change: if a red line appears above the green, that means the tyre is underinflated, while orange shows if there"s too much air.

There are three styles...

There are three styles, inspired by motoring legends Porsche, Ferrari and Triumph. The first – the Carrera – is a putty-coloured shoe with burgundy accents, while the black leather Testarossa has pillar-box red trim.

The revolutionary blower...

The revolutionary blower features a tiny automatic transmission that switches the supercharger between two gear ratios. This means that it runs extra fast at low engine speeds, to boost pressure and increase low-end torque, resulting in better performance. It then changes up at higher speeds to a more traditional supercharger performance.

There were more than...

There were more than one million thefts from vehicles in 2004 and 2005, according to the British Crime Survey, but with the high-security notebook case you stand a much better chance of hanging on to your kit.

The struggling Williams...

The struggling Williams F1 team scored its first point since May’s European GP after Mark Web?ber finished eighth in China. Technical chief Sam Michael said: “The variable conditions aside, the car has definitely improved both in reliability and performance, and we’ll go to the last two races looking to score again.” The outfit believes unreliability this season has cost it about 50 points in the constructors’ championship. Meanwhile, it’s re-signed test driver Narain Karthikeyan.

The study, commissioned...

The study, commissioned by Primary1.co.uk and carried out by Cardiff University, revealed that peppermint, citrus and lavender scents have the most pronounced effect on motorists. If you have trouble concentrating at the wheel, lemon is a good choice to wake you up, and lavender can help to calm you if you"re stressed.

The super-Swede will...

The super-Swede will be based on the front-wheel-drive Astra platform, and powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine or a normally aspirated V6. Plans to base both roadsters on the rear-wheel-drive chassis of the US-only Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky have apparently been shelved, because of the mammoth cost of converting it to right-hand drive.

The Swedish maker has...

The Swedish maker has launched a stylish upgrade for its current Sport trim models, called R-Design.

The usually conservatively...

The usually conservatively styled Chrysler Sebring saloon caught showgoers" eyes on the firm"s Detroit expo stand with this sporty version. And the good news is it could be coming to the UK!

The vehicle was a totally...

The vehicle was a totally standard car, fitted with sat-nav, CD autochanger and rear DVD player screens. Powered by its twin-turbo 2.7 litre diesel, the aluminium-body XJ averaged 53.5mpg on the voyage.

They come complete with...

They come complete with ‘pick-up’ aerials, and while you’re not going to set any lap records in the battery-powered fairground-style dodgems, you can enjoy battering your rivals. And as with the real thing, the joy doesn’t come from precision steering, but from simply trying to collide with your opponent.

Think the 380bhp 4.3-litre...

Think the 380bhp 4.3-litre Aston Martin V8 Vantage is not powerful enough? The firm is now offering a 20bhp upgrade for owners of the recently replaced coupe. The retrospectively fitted kit features a revised induction system that boosts bhp up to 400, while torque is increased by 10NM to 420. WhatрЂ™s more, those drivers can also specify the Sports Pack handling upgrade as seen on the new 4.7 V8 Vantage. Both upgrades are available from franchised dealers costing ВЈ1,500 and ВЈ3,300 plus fitting, respectively.

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 wild looking Jazz...

This wild looking Jazz is the work of Honda"s equivalent of Mercedes AMG division, and is fully loaded with MUGEN accessories that include: 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminum oil filler cap, front sports grille, front under spoiler, side spoiler, rear under spoiler, sports silencer, rear emblem, quick shifter, shift knob, sports pedals (MT), sports floor mats and a mirror cover. Far from being a concept the parts on this show car will be available to US buyers through Honda dealers. There"s no word on availability in the UK, however, a MUGEN spokesperson said they would be happy to supply British owners, if there was enough demand.

Treat your car to a...

Treat your car to a good old rubdown! And when you’ve washed off all the dirt, Grove Mill’s Chamois Leather is ideal for getting it properly dry without leaving any streaks.

Under the new Waste...

Under the new Waste Incineration Directive - to be implemented on 28th December 2005 - companies that incinerate waste oils such as, power stations and road stone coaters, must meet strict new environmental regulations. As a result, the price of disposal is expected to increase.

Unveiled at the Essen...

Unveiled at the Essen Motor Show in Germany, the Formula Racing (FR) model has new bumpers, honey-comb grilles, titanium-coloured door mirrors and twin tailpipes to help distinguish it. Inside, a unique steering wheel and white instruments set it apart from lower-spec cars.

Unveiled in China this...

Unveiled in China this week, it"s the size of a two-seater sports car, but has a 2+1 configuration, with a pair of front seats and a rear bench offering space for an adult or two children. It"s powered by an electric motor that gives a 0-60mph time of around 10 seconds, a top speed of 85mph and a range of 180 miles.

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.

Visitors to the Bread...

Visitors to the Bread and Butter show in Berlin can view the collection of body panels. There are 20 in total, and each features a unique design.

"We are very disappointed...

"We are very disappointed the SMMT has decided not to move forward with our exciting proposals. Feedback from visitors and exhibitors to the new-style show at the NEC in 2004 was very positive. Given the support we were enjoying for our new proposals, we are incredulous about this decision and once the automotive industry has come to terms with it, we would not be surprised to see a backlash and defections from the show. We will watch with interest the industry"s response. We remain convinced the NEC and Birmingham is still the most suitable location for the show."

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.

While the latest new...

While the latest new models from Audi and Volkswagen vied for attention inside the Detroit Motor Show halls, it was a bizarre stunt outside that drew the biggest crowd.

Who said electric cars...

Who said electric cars had to be slow? Audi has stolen the show in Frankfurt with a fully electric supercar based on the R8.

With a wider rear track...

With a wider rear track, stiffer suspension and bigger brakes, the M Roadster will be a real enthusiast"s car when it goes on sale in two years" time. It"s set to be joined by a hard-top version, which will share the same engine and be targeted at Porsche"s recently revealed Cayman. But before then, a facelifted Z4 range will appear, featuring new front and rear bumpers, revamped light clusters and an iDrive-style cabin control system. The wraps are expected to come off the revised car at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.