To our way of thinking...
To our way of thinking, a facelift in 2003 spoiled the 156"s looks, and you can"t beat the earlier cars when it comes to value for money. The trademark offset number plate, heart-shaped grille and hidden rear door handles were there from the start, and with a decent engine line-up from day one - including the cracking 2.0-litre Twin Spark - there"s much to recommend it. Fragile interior trim and shoddy build are the major weaknesses, so stick to low-mileage cars with a full dealer history to minimise the risks of buying a dud.
Scaled-down R8 ready to blast in
Scaled-down R8 ready to blast in
Bypass the 12-month-long waiting list, save ÷£78,150 and bag the sports car of the moment – an Audi R8! What’s the catch? Well, it’s only a 1:18 scale die-cast model immortalised in zinc – available for an on-the-mantelpiece price of ÷£45.
The highly detailed car sticks closely to the sleek lines of the 187mph Audi, right down to the alloys and distinctive grille. The supercar can be snapped up from Audi main dealers nationwide, and is available to drive away immediately!
Fine threat over carbon cutback
Strict new emissions targets will leave makers facing hefty fines, if they get the go-ahead. In its latest bid to drop average vehicle CO2 outputs, the European Commission is proposing that firms are fined up to 95 Euros for every g/km over 120g/km emitted by their entire model ranges for each unit sold.
The EC says the likes of BMW – which owns MINI and Rolls-Royce – can pool emissions figures of all its brands to cut its average. Targets will vary depending on vehicle weight as well.
However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says it’s concerned the plan is “unrealistic”.
Swiss bow for special Bentley
If a Bentley Continental GT isn’t exclusive enough, Italian coachbuilder Zagato is developing a version with bespoke bodywork. The special Conti is tipped to make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show.
Bentley is the latest in a long line of British marques to get a Zagato makeover. The newcomer will follow in the footsteps of the Aston Martin DB7 in 2002 and the Bristol 405 in 1960. Further details will be revealed closer to the unveiling.