Mecan (and mewill) make fun of the Porsche Macan. - Thu, 16 Feb 2012
I love the Germans, I really do. I spent half my professional life working with them, and I have the David Hasselhoff CDs to prove it. Most of my cars are German, and I even went to high school in the Vaterland. And so I feel I’m uniquely qualified to make fun of them. So [...]

The death of displacement. - Thu, 09 Feb 2012
It was a nice try. Those logical German engineers at BMW and Mercedes came up with logical naming strategies that would help those logical German car buyers immediately identify a car’s model and engine displacement just by the badge on the back. Show Chris Cardork a Mercedes C280 and he’ll explain that “C” identifies the [...]

Super Bowl 2012 Car Ad Watch: Dogs Rule, Adriana Lima Drools? - Tue, 07 Feb 2012
It doesn’t matter if you supported the New York Giants or the New England Patriots Sunday night, because there were a few winners at this year’s Super Bowl who never clutched a pigskin, rushed a passer, or performed at halftime. We’ve rounded up what we think are the winners (and, regrettably, a couple of losers) [...]

BMW 328i vs. 335d: Gasoline beats diesel! - Tue, 31 Jan 2012
The final EPA fuel economy numbers are in for the new 2012 F30-chassis BMW 328i, and they’re mighty impressive: 24 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, when equipped with an automatic transmission. The 240-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder isn’t just a miser, it’s powerful enough to catapult the sport sedan to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Not bad [...]

2011: The Highs and Lows - Fri, 30 Dec 2011
After a year of driving lots of different cars, I’ve decided to cobble together a list of highs and lows. Rather than sticking just with new models, which would likely create a roster much like other Best lists, I thought of this instead as a recounting of cars that surprised me—either to the upside or [...]

Are Low-Cost Winter Tires Worth the Bother? - Mon, 19 Dec 2011
We received our first serious snow dump in Ann Arbor last week, but the Automobile Magazine fleet of Four Seasons test vehicles was ready for the cold, since we had fitted each car with a set of winter tires from various manufacturers well before Thanksgiving with the assistance of the Tire Rack, our official wheel [...]

My Five Favorite Cars at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show - Thu, 01 Dec 2011
Honda EV-STER After far too many years of clumsily styled cars, Honda popped up with a really agreeable concept car in the all-electric EV-Ster. It has a nice looking, if totally unneeded, grille shape, makes nice use of blue plastic around the headlamps integrated into that grille, and has a space ship cockpit with twin [...]

The most beautiful naked body I’ve ever seen. - Wed, 30 Nov 2011
For only the third time in my life, Mercedes-Benz is debuting a new SL roadster. Three times in almost four decades isn’t much. In fact, the R107 SL went on sale before I was born, and by the time it was replaced, I owned a car myself. The car that replaced it in 1990, the [...]

Not in the USA: 2012 Jaguar XF 3.0L Diesel S - Mon, 28 Nov 2011
I have distinct memories of our Four Seasons 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged, from the good, to the bad, to the ugly. The leader in the good camp was no doubt the class leading steering and chassis. The XF had a magnificent (and rare) balance of body control, ride quality, and driver involvement. The steering was [...]

Techtonics: What is Skyactiv? - Tue, 15 Nov 2011
What is Skyactiv? Marketing speak, of course. It is the single word Mazda has invented to represent a diverse spread of technologies and strategies aimed at improving efficiency. As such, Skyactiv has a different meaning depending on whether you’re talking about engines, transmissions, chassis, or the vehicle’s body. The most significant piece of Skyactiv-branded hardware [...]

GP3: Vainio ends Estoril test quickest - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Aaro Vainio set the pace on the second and final day of GP3 testing at Estoril to leave the Portuguese circuit with the fastest time of all

F1: Petrov not setting targets for himself - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Vitaly Petrov sees no point in setting targets for himself and Caterham this year - and instead thinks the most important thing right now is simply in getting to understand the team better.

F1: Bottas ready to deliver for Williams - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Valtteri Bottas feels ready to make a big contribution to the Williams team's race weekends this year, after completing his single day of pre-season testing at Barcelona on Wednesday.

F1: Perez: Sauber must build on promise - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Sergio Perez says Sauber has good reason to optimistic for the opening races of 2012 after labelling the new C31 as a good starting point to work from this season

F1: Hamilton confident McLaren will be fast - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Lewis Hamilton is optimistic McLaren has the pace to fight at the front at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix when the season kicks off next month.

F1: Alonso still unsure on Ferrari pace - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Fernando Alonso has conceded that Ferrari may not be heading into the new season with the quickest car - but he still thinks it is too early to judge where the F2012 stands in the pecking order right now.

F1: Blomqvist joins McLaren's programme - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
British driver Tom Blomqvist has joined McLaren's Driver Development Programme, the British squad said on Wednesday.

F1: Hulkenberg stays on top at Barcelona - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Nico Hulkenberg's morning efforts were enough to ensure Force India topped the second day of pre-season testing.

F1: Force India says F1 costs still too high - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Formula 1 must do much more to bring down costs in the future, says Force India's deputy team principal Robert Fernley, if the sport is to remain sustainable.

AUTOGP: Campos Racing confirms 2012 line-up - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Campos Racing has signed Max Snegirev and Giuseppe Cipriani to race in the 2012 Auto GP World Series.

12-plate video: Porsche 911 - Wed, 22 Feb 2012


The Porsche 911 is one of the world’s great sports car icons, so each new version creates a flood of interest.

Skoda Citigo test drive - Wed, 22 Feb 2012


The Skoda Citigo is the most youthful model in Skoda’s range, and is sure to attract urbanites with its low running costs and by being downright fun to own.

Aston Martin Vantage updated - Tue, 21 Feb 2012


The Aston Martin Vantage is to benefit from a range of updates for the 2012 model year.

Latest Euro NCAP results - Wed, 22 Feb 2012


Crash safety organisation Euro NCAP has released results of the first cars tested under the new, more stringent safety criteria for 2012.

Used car values rise four months in a row - Fri, 10 Jul 2009


Used car prices have risen for the fourth month in a row – at a time of year when they usually fall.

One in three under-25s admit to drink-driving - Fri, 10 Jul 2009


A new poll showed 37 per cent of young drivers have driven under the influence of alcohol.

Scrappage scheme slows fall in car sales - Fri, 10 Jul 2009


The scrappage scheme has made a “positive impact” on the new car industry after slowing the decline in new car sales.

Vauxhall buyout will get government support - Fri, 10 Jul 2009


Britain's car manufacturers and its unions are no longer the problem, but the solution, business secretary Lord Mandelson said today.

Depreciation-busting sports cars - Fri, 10 Jul 2009


Buy a car which retains its value and you’ll save money when it’s time to sell. We round up six of the most affordable depreciation-beating sports cars.

Text message scam advice - Wed, 16 Sep 2009


Auto Trader is warning customers to be aware of a new text message scam. Find out what the bogus message is and how to avoid it.

New Russian Sportscar - Wednesday, 22 Fe
Last post by Chilliman

RE: In-car breathalysers become compulsory in France - Wednesday, 22 Fe
Last post by timewatch

- Mon, 09 Jan 2012

- Tue, 20 Dec 2011

Smoother than a silk sock full of single malt - Thu, 15 Dec 2011
The foul frosty crow of winter has got its beak stuck firmly into the East Midlands hinterland. The air hangs sharp and unsympathetic like a spherical switchblade, cutting into all it envelops like a doom-laden duvet of shivering sub-zero. No man nor beast would surely venture amidst this freezing frieze yet there upon the horizon a bold and bulbous blob… more…

Toyota changes mind - Mon, 12 Dec 2011
There was shock amongst car enthusiasts this week with news that Toyota has changed its mind about making a rear-wheel-drive coupe. After years of rumours followed by concept cars, spy photos, brochure leaks, the release of production specs and – finally – first drives of the long-awaited GT 86, sources in Japan say Toyota has experienced a sudden change of… more…

- Fri, 09 Dec 2011

- Fri, 02 Dec 2011

Buy Sniff Petrol’s new TG book - Fri, 02 Dec 2011
Wondering what to ask for this Christmas? Like Top Gear? Wondering what to give a relative this Christmas? Don’t care if they like Top Gear or not, the ungrateful bastards? Well good news! Sniff Petrol has written a new Top Gear book in league with the very excellent David Quantick, writer of many funny things including TV Burp. The book… more…

- Fri, 02 Dec 2011

Crazy Dave in Brazil 2011 - Fri, 02 Dec 2011
Och aye tha noo muthafukas! Crazy Dave comin’ atcha from tha commentary box wit’ ma man Marty B fo’ tha las’ time. Yea, that’s right. The brother betrayed us. Fo’ shizz. So las’ weekend we slide on over Brazil side for tha Brazilian Gee-ta-tha-Pee. Ay ay muthaflippin’ ay. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaa! He be tha muthafunkin’ world champion but ma boy Sebby V,… more…

Crazy Dave in India 2011 - Wed, 02 Nov 2011
Och aye tha noo muthafukas! Crazy Dave comin’ atcha from the commentary booth. Wait, where are tha muthaflumpin’ windows? Maaan, it be dark in here. So las’ weekend we slide on over India side fo’ tha first evah Indian Gee-to-tha-muthaflippin’-Pee. It be hot, it be dusty, there be a risk that a bro’s gonna eat somet’ing that ain’t good and he… more…

Mr Money: the best car-related bargain of 2012 so far - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
For motorists looking for a cheap day out, this latest cross-Channel deal is the sail of the century.

Famous Ferrari-engined hydroplane for sale - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
A 1953 hydroplane powered by a V12 Ferrari engine is expected to fetch up to £1.26million at auction.

Video: Audi A1 quattro around snow track - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Andrew English tests out the new Audi A1 quattro around a snow track in Sweden.

Audi A1 quattro review - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
The limited edition, four-wheel drive Audi A1 quattro super-hatch raises more questions than it answers.

Top 10 crazy cars - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Audi's £41,000 A1 quattro joins a line up of cars that prove car makers most definitely have a sense of humour.

Rover P6 classic car review - Tue, 21 Feb 2012
The addition of a 3.5-litre V8 transformed Rover's stately saloon into a car that's fondly remembered by the great British public.

Digital radio at your fingertips - Tue, 21 Feb 2012
A 'plug in and play' DAB interface is claimed to be a neat and effective way of upgrading your existing car radio.

Digital radio at your fingertips - Tue, 21 Feb 2012
A 'plug in and play' DAB interface is claimed to be a neat and effective way of upgrading your existing car radio.

What we're driving: Kia Picanto 1.25 Halo - Tue, 21 Feb 2012
Kia's Picanto city car is now available as a three-door, tested here with Kia's 1.25-litre petrol engine.

Geneva motor show preview part 2 - Tue, 21 Feb 2012
More of the star cars set to appear at next month's Geneva motor show, including the BMW 6-series Gran Coupe.

The very best of the Superbowl ads - Thu, 09 Feb 2012
America’s car manufacturers were out in force over the weekend – pick your favourite from these…

Formula One testing kicks off in Jerez - Thu, 09 Feb 2012
Kimi goes fastest in the first shakedown of the new cars (and their new noses)

Ferrari 250 GTO sells for £20.2m - Thu, 09 Feb 2012
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the most expensive car ever sold in Britain…

New Astra VXR to get Geneva reveal - Thu, 09 Feb 2012
You’ve waited long enough: Vaux’ confirms hottest ever Astra to debut next month

This is the Kia Track’ster concept - Thu, 09 Feb 2012
Car enthusiasts, salivate! Well, that’s what Kia reckons will happen when you see this…

Sore points? - Tue, 11 Nov 2008
How much would you pay for an F1 championship point? Cash up front, for the privilege of having it sitting there on your mantelpiece, to impress visitors and so forth. A tenner? A few hundred? How about $28.5 million? That’s how much each of Honda’s 14 champ points garnered in 2008 cost the Japanese team. $28.5 [...]

Taking the Piquet - Fri, 07 Nov 2008
Is it just me, or is it strange that Flavio Briatore has signed Nelson Piquet Jnr at Renault for another year? Or is it not so strange? Maybe it’s not so strange at all. I usually get too deep into figures in these blogs, but don’t panic, this one has only one figure: 0.513. That’s the [...]

Brazilian GP: F1.com vid - Fri, 07 Nov 2008
Check out the Brazil video on Formula1.com, it’s awesome. And the part where the Ferrari mechanic, after telling Massa’s dad that Felipe hasn’t won the world championship, smashes the huge sign in the garage is classic. You can’t beat a bit of Italian passion. Looky here. ������

Brazilian GP: Coulthard’s off - Wed, 05 Nov 2008
It was a shame that DC finished his last ever F1 race as disastrously as he did on Sunday - going out on the first corner - but it kind of summed up his career. He always had a lot of promise, but never really delivered. Like when he lead the Oz GP in ‘95 [...]

Brazilian GP: in the Glock - Mon, 03 Nov 2008
I don’t usually agree with reprinting verbatim an F1 team’s press release, but considering all the furor surrounding Timo Glock yesterday, I figure it’s best to get this interview with him up as it is… How did the rain at the end of the race affect your strategy? “In the final laps we saw that we had [...]

Brazilian GP: relive it - Mon, 03 Nov 2008
This is still super tense even the morning after, but it’s well worth another watch (although it won’t be up for long). You’ve got to feel bad for Felipe’s dad: As expected, this has since been taken down, but you can go here to watch highlights and that. ������

Brazilian GP: thrill in Brazil - Sun, 02 Nov 2008
I’ve been lucky enough to see a few world championship finales but I’ve never before witnessed one like this. After more than 3,400 miles of racing in 18 Grands Prix, it all came down to the last half mile. Quite incredible. I saw Richard Cregan, the team manager of Toyota, ducking the rain and rushing through [...]

Brazilian GP: Lewis is king - Sun, 02 Nov 2008
Lewis Hamilton takes the world championship title. I’m going to allow myself a little ‘hell yeeeeeeah!’ in there. But crikey it was tense wasn’t it? I can’t think how it could have been anymore edge of the seat than it was. Lewis certainly proved he’s learned a thing or two since last season’s finish, and drove [...]

Brazilian GP: pole shot - Sat, 01 Nov 2008
Not great, but no disaster. That’s the best way to sum up Lewis Hamilton’s final qualifying session of 2009. On a day when Ferrari and McLaren tried to outdo each other in appearing to remain calm under pressure (’We’re treating this like any other grand prix’. Yeah, right) it was Ferrari who won out. While McLaren [...]

Brazilian GP: quali - Sat, 01 Nov 2008
Lewis Hamilton’s left himself with a lot to do for tomorrow’s race after ending today’s qualifying session in fourth spot, right behind Kimi Raikkonen and just in front of Lewis’ teammate Heikki Kovalainen. It’s not the ideal place for the Brit to be, but then again it’s not as bad as the ITV crew seemed to [...]

Geneva motor show 2012: Mercedes A-Class - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
These are the first pictures of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The interior shots were released today as Mercedes announced its new iPhone-integrated media system.

The car maker hopes the technology, which involves hardware called Digital Kit Plus and a Digital DriveStyle App, will appeal to a younger generation of drivers. Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series buyers are being targeted.

The new system has social media at its heart, providing virtually complete connectivity with the user's iPhone including Facebook and Twitter accounts, contacts, SMS, email and music library.

It also boasts personalised internet radio, which works in a similar way to Apple's Genius tool, allowing you to choose music by genre or artist and listen to recommended playlists based on personal taste.

Navigation, meanwhile, is catered for by Garmin mapping and internet-streamed traffic updates.

Further functionality comes in the form of Siri-style speech-recognition, a feature of the iPhone 4GS, which allows users to use natural language to make calls, fix appointments, and check the weather, news or even stock prices.

The digital media system will be available on the new A-Class as an option, and is expected to cost around £150. It will be offered as an addition to Mercedes'standard Audio 20 system and as an enhancement of the optional Comand online multimedia system.

Given that Comand comes with a £1995 price, however, most buyers, providing of course they have an iPhone, are expected to opt for the much cheaper DriveStyle.

Ralf Lamberti, director of infotainment and telematics at Daimler, and the man responsible for developing the system, said compatibility with Android and Windows smartphone platforms will follow, but no date for this has yet been set.

DriveStyle will make its debut in the new A-Class, before being rolled out to the B-Class, C-Class and E-Class ranges starting later this year.

2012 Seat Exeo ST review - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
The Seat Exeo ST has been updated for 2012.

Changes include new optional bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights for SE and Sport trims, improved economy and reduced CO2 emissions across the range.

There are also upgraded cabin materials and new alloy wheels to choose from.

There are three 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines on offer, with outputs of 118-, 138- and 168bhp. CO2 emissions now start at 132g/km, rising to 146g/km. A single 159g/km CO2 208bhp TSI petrol engine is available, too.

Economy for both the 118- and manual 138bhp engines is up 3.2mpg while Co2 output falls by 4 g/km CO2. The 168bhp engine improves by 2.7mpg and 6 g/km.

We tested the 138bhp diesel. Not surprisingly, it’s likely to be the biggest seller, because it’s available with all trims and is the only engine that can be paired with the optional Multitronic automatic gearbox.

What’s it like to drive?
The Exeo ST shapes up well alongside tough competition from family estate cars such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat

Some rough surfaces can be felt through the steering wheel, but in the main larger bumps and uneven surfaces are soaked up confidently and the car feels well balanced and precise at speed.

Around town, the Exeo is easy to drive, thanks to nicely weighted controls. It also feels compact compared to leviathans like the Mondeo.

The motorway is where the ST really excels, though. The strong, flexible diesel engine ensures little gear changing is needed and road and wind noise is well suppressed.

What’s it like inside?
The Exeo’s cabin is based on that of the previous-generation Audi A4, which was launched in 2001. It shows its age in some dated switchgear, but it’s impressively classy and well built.

Head room is good in the front and rear seats, but legroom in the back is disappointingly tight and at 442-litres (with the rear seats in place), the boot space isn’t exactly huge.

A wide opening and square-sided shape make it useful enough, however, and with the seats folded flat there’s enough load lugging capacity to satisfy most needs.

Entry-level S trim gets climate- and cruise control, Bluetooth and USB connection while SE trim adds auto wipers and lights and rear parking sensors.

The ‘Tech’ package adds a 10-speaker BOSE sound system, leather seats and sat-nav for £900.

Should I buy one?
Our pick of the range is the TDI 140 S. That’s £745 cheaper than an equivalent Ford Mondeo Zetec model, but that’s before you get a big discount on the Ford, which is roomier and better to drive.

Rivals
Ford Mondeo Estate
Volkswagen Passat Estate

What Car? says


Rory White

Geneva motor show 2012: New Audi A3 - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Images of the new Audi A3 appear to have been leaked on the internet – two weeks ahead of it planned debut at the Geneva motor show.

Russian websites revealed studio images of the car earlier today. They show a neat evolution of the current A3’s exterior styling, with a sharper, more focused front end – incorporating LED daytime running lights - and the retention of the A3’s characteristic thick rear pillar. The white studio car has five-spoke alloys and a subtle integrated roof spoiler.

The sites also posted cabin images, confirming rumours that the next A3 makes a bigger step inside than out. The new fascia appears smaller than before, freeing up cabin space, and the sat-nav screen looks as though it emerges from a slot in the top of the dashboard. After it is deployed, the screen will ‘float’ above the fascia in a manner that's similar to systems in more expensive Audis such as the A7.

Other features include a further development of the A1-esque circular air vents, and cupholders sited in front of the gearlever, almost underneath the dashboard. There’s also one notable absentee – a handbrake lever – suggesting that the A3 is switching to a button-operated electric brake.

Audi has not issued any technical details about the vehicle – and it’s unlikely to do so ahead of the A3's official debut on the eve of the Geneva show on March 5.

The A3 will go head-to-head with the latest BMW 1 Series and new Mercedes A-Class. Another key rival will be the new Volvo V40, images of which have also been leaked ahead of its Geneva debut.

John McIlroy

Geneva motor show: Volvo V40 - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
The new Volvo V40 has been revealed ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva motor show next month.

Leaked images of the new model – which is expected to replace the S40 saloon and V50 estate – have appeared on various websites. The images – which appear to be genuine – show the five-door hatchback has a similar look to Volvo’s S60, V60 and XC60 models.

The V40 is expected to go on sale later this year and will give Volvo a much-needed rival to the Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1 Series and VW Golf.

More details are expected to be released closer to the Geneva motor show.

Leo Wilkinson

New Volvo V40 images leaked - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
The new Volvo V40 has been revealed ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva motor show next month.

Leaked images of the new model – which is expected to replace the S40 saloon and V50 estate – have appeared on various websites. The images – which appear to be genuine – show the five-door hatchback has a similar look to Volvo’s S60, V60 and XC60 models.

The V40 is expected to go on sale later this year and will give Volvo a much-needed rival to the Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1 Series and VW Golf.

More details are expected to be released closer to the Geneva motor show.

Leo Wilkinson

Geneva 2012: Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
This is the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse – a high-performance version of the Veyron Grand Sport open-top model that makes its public debut at the Geneva motor show 2012.

The Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is based on the Veyron Super Sport and has the same W16 engine. It has four turbochargers and produces a staggering 1184bhp and 1106lb ft of torque. The Grand Sport Vitesse’s top speed is likely to be only a fraction short of the Super Sport’s 268mph maximum.

Bugatti says there are chassis modifications to handle the power, but hasn’t released any further details.

There’s no word on production dates or prices, either, but the Grand Sport Vitesse is likely to cost at least £2,000,000.

More details will be revealed at the Geneva motor show next month.

Leo Wilkinson

New Euro NCAP test results released - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Crash test results for the Honda Civic and Jeep Compass have been released by safety body Euro NCAP.

Honda's Civic received the maximum five-star rating, after scoring highly for adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian and safety assist.

It was also given a Euro NCAP Advanced award for its Collision Mitigation Braking Assist system – a £1900 option with adaptive cruise control on top-spec EX GT models.

The Jeep Compass scored just two stars overall, with poor crash performance in the side pole test highlighted – despite being fitted with the standard thorax airbag. It scored just 23% on pedestrian safety, with the bonnet generally providing poor protection where an adult’s head might strike.

New test rules for 2012 mean cars have to score at least 80% in adult protection, 75% for child protection, and 60% for both pedestrian and safety assist to get five stars.

Reassessed cars get top marks
Various cars originally tested last year were reassessed, with the top five-star rating awarded to the following models:
BMW 1 Series
BMW X1
Ford Focus
Mercedes M-Class
Nissan Leaf
Subaru XV
Volvo V60.

Rosie McMahon

1 in 6 cars on the road are write-offs - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
More than 17% of cars on the road have previously been written-off, according figures from vehicle-check site MyCarCheck.

The research looked at more than 46 million cars.

Of 46,456,106 cars checked, the research revealed 448,307 (17.37%) were previously classified as ‘Cat A’ – described as having suffered too extreme damage to be repaired and should not be in use.

Additionally, 2,049,415 ‘Cat B’ cars – classed as having significant damage and not repairable – were found, while 3,889,630 ‘Cat C’ cars suffering reparable damage that exceeds the vehicle’s value were also identified.

Roger Powell divisional head at CDL Vehicle Information Services, said: According to our data, 17.37% of the total vehicle pool are previous write-offs. If you add in ‘outstanding theft’ categories, the number of vehicles with some sort of insurance marker against them leaps to around one in four.'

A recent survey – from the same company – revealed that 21% of respondents would consider buying a previously written-off used car to save money.

Used car precautions
For more advice on how to avoid the pitfalls of buying a used car, follow our guide to 'Buying a car: used car precautions'.

Rory White

Geneva motor show: Toyota FT-Bh - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
More images of the Toyota FT-Bh concept car have been released ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

Toyota has previously revealed a sketch of the new car, but the two new images show more details. One shows the rear light and tailgate, while the other appears to be a close-up of the headlight.

The FT-Bh name stands for Future Toyota B-segment Hybrid. The B-segment part refers to the conventional supermini category that includes cars such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

Toyota says the FT-Bh has a ‘downsized’ hybrid powertrain and is built using ‘economically viable methods and materials.’

Despite the FT-Bh having the same dimensions as a full-size supermini, Toyota says the sub-800kg car weighs less than an Aygo 3dr.

Toyota launched an all-new Yaris last year, and a Yaris Hybrid goes on sale in June, so any production model based on the FT-Bh would appear to be some years away.

More details of the FT-Bh concept car will be revealed at the Geneva motor show.

Leo Wilkinson

2012 Fiat Panda review - Wed, 22 Feb 2012
The 2012 Fiat Panda is a practical five-door city car that's longer and wider than the model it replaces.

It has a more rounded body than the previous Panda, and that theme continues through to the cabin, where many of the features also have a more rounded look.

Initially, the new Panda will come with three engines and three trims, with prices from £8900 for a 1.2 Pop. You’ll need to stretch to Easy to get remote central locking and air-conditioning, and the range tops off with the diesel-engined 1.3 Multijet Lounge at £12,250.

This brings the promise of more than 70mpg, as well as alloys, electrically adjustable door mirrors and front foglights.

What’s it like to drive? On the road, there’s an endearing and enjoyable quality to the way the Panda drives: it’s easy to manoeuvre in town, mostly smooth-riding and with a mature feel on the open road.

Other than wind noise from around the side windows, the Panda copes well with motorway journeys, while it grips surely and displays balanced handling along the most twisty country roads.

Even the basic 1.2-litre engine gives decent performance around town and will happily cruise at 70mph. Compared with the larger engines, its relatively limited torque is only obvious at higher speeds, where you often need to drop down a gear to cope with the ebb and flow of traffic.

In this respect, the Twinair petrol engine and the 1.3 Multijet diesel are less demanding, and there’s no denying that their performance is stronger all round. However, given how much extra they cost, and that most Pandas will lead a predominantly urban life, the 1.2 makes more sense.

That conclusion is reinforced by the fact that the 1.2 is also the most refined of the three engines. The Twinair unit is particularly noisy in its native environment of stop-start urban traffic, while the Multijet unit is quite noisy when revved.

What’s it like inside? The Panda’s cabin features dials, stereo and ventilation controls that have a more rounded modern look than the previous car's.

There’s a two-tone colour scheme to the upholstery, although it has to be said that some combinations are rather garish. Similarly, the materials aren’t the last word in quality – there are no soft-touch luxuries in here, just hard-wearing plastics – but they are nice and colourful, especially on the upper two trims (Easy and Lounge).

Up front, head- and legroom are decent, and although the cabin is no bigger than in the old car, Fiat says there’s more room because the front seat backs are thinner.

As long as those front seats aren’t slid too far back, a couple of adults will fit in the back; and, while taking four six-footers is a squeeze, the Panda is very practical for a city car. Its boot is a decent size, while also nicely shaped and with a wide opening that makes it easy to use.

Should I buy one? The Panda is a thoroughly endearing small car, so it should certainly be on the shortlist of anyone considering a city car.

We’re not especially taken with versions that use the Multijet or Twinair engines – especially given their price – but the 1.2 Easy (with remote central locking, air-conditioning and a smarter interior than on Pop cars) looks a fine way to get change from £10,000.

Rivals
Hyundai i10
VW Up

What Car? says


Andy Pringle