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Although there are elements...

Although there are elements of the current car in its styling, the next-generation model has bulging wheelarches front and rear, making it wider overall. As well as creating an aggressive appearance, this allows a wider track for improved stability. The roadster will keep its folding canvas roof to save weight, but the interior is set to be restyled to match the tougher exterior. The larger back end will also house a bigger engine than the current 1.8-litre petrol unit.

Although Toyota has...

Although Toyota has been away from the performance coupé market for a long time, that will all change later this year when a new hybrid model arrives. With a price tag of more than ТЈ40,000, it will be out of reach for many, so if youтЂ™re after a rapid coupé, how about its predecessor, the Supra?

An advanced hybrid diesel...

An advanced hybrid diesel engine, capable of returning 60mpg will power the planned production version of Land Rover’s stunning LRX, it has been announced.

And that’s not...

And that’s not surprising, because they are dead ringers for our winning valve-cap monitors, Auto Unique’s Pressure Guard.

A new 150bhp 2.0-litre...

A new 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel is expected to be the most popular powerplant, although a 2.4-litre petrol unit will be available, too. Chevrolet is also planning to develop a 120bhp oil-burner, although bosses have decided against fitting it in the Captiva, instead earmarking it for the Lacetti hatch. A powerful range-topping 3.2 V6 Captiva won"t come to the UK, due to the low demand for thirsty off-roaders here.

An exclusive online...

An exclusive online survey asked readers how often they called out their nominated roadside get-you-home firm - and a whopping 48 per cent said they had never needed to turn to it.

Are you ready for some...

Are you ready for some black magic? Car care giant Turtle Wax has launched its latest product to help get your exterior trim back to its best again.

As part of a major security...

As part of a major security drive, car rental company Avis is pioneering a scheme, with the local police, to help prevent fraudulent rentals occurring at the airport

AUDI could soon be giving...

AUDI could soon be giving the phrase тЂelectrifying performanceтЂ™ new meaning! Insiders at the German firm have told Auto Express that it is planning to reveal an electric version of its R8 supercar at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Auto Express first broke...

Auto Express first broke the news of its plans to develop an all-wheel-drive transmission in issue 881. And in this week"s mag our spies have snapped some stunning shots of the new Leon 4x4.

Believe it or not, this...

Believe it or not, this stunning looking sports car isn’t from a European, American or Japanese manufacturer – it’s Chinese!

BMW unveiled the X1...

BMW unveiled the X1 at Paris, but donтЂ™t let the name fool you... this is no mini-SUV! At a mere 108mm shorter than the X3, the conceptтЂ™s sheer bulk shocked onlookers.

But the significance...

But the significance of the picture goes further than simply looking inside the new people carrier. The S-MAX is the first Ford to be based on the platform of the next-generation Mondeo, and the top-selling family hatchback will have a very similar dashboard design to that seen in the mag.

But this week"s mag...

But this week"s mag has the proof that the maker has a genuine Ford Focus rival around the corner. Exclusive spy shots in the mag show the newcomer testing in the UK - and confirm that plans for a daring sporty coupнѓ© have been axed in favour of a traditional hatchback.

Cheap as chips? Well...

Cheap as chips? Well sat-nav units are getting close, as a booming market means that prices are dropping constantly. At only чЈ129, the Maestro 3100 is the latest entry-level unit from Magellan. In fact, it’s so new that this is a pre-production model – and we’re the first magazine to get our hands on it.

Check out the wide boys!...

Check out the wide boys! Medion’s latest portable sat-nav systems all boast slimline 4.3-inch screens, giving more information to the driver without obscuring the route.

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

Could fuelling foul-ups...

Could fuelling foul-ups be a thing of the past? A new device that prevents dozy drivers putting unleaded into diesel cars has been unveiled – and it couldn’t be simpler!

Councils are being caught...

Councils are being caught on camera flouting their own parking laws! We spotted this Smart CCTV car parked on double yellow lines outside a school in Medway, Kent тЂ“ one of the very places itтЂ™s hoping to catch motorists breaking road rules.

Designers clearly think...

Designers clearly think the key to increasing the Cayenne"s appeal lies in the lights, and the mag" simage shows the circular shape of the restyled lamps, complete with all-new detailing and integrated indicators.

Drivers from Nottingham...

Drivers from Nottingham have the highest number of motoring convictions in the UK. The city came top in the latest research into the countryтЂ™s biggest hotspots for driver offences.

Electric car owners...

Electric car owners will soon be able to power up their vehicles without ever plugging them in.

Executives for the Korean...

Executives for the Korean firm were keen to stress that the bold new crossover vehicle reveals the car maker"s future design direction.

Experts at Manchester...

Experts at Manchester University are trying to put the tiny lights on to lamp posts because their better reliability would boost road safety, help cut vehicle crime and reduce taxpayers" bills. LED set-ups have been proven to use less than half the electricity of conventional lamps and last four times as long.

Fancy pushing a Subaru...

Fancy pushing a Subaru to the limit? Then you should try this driving day with Prodrive, the Japanese firm’s World Rally Championship-winning team, at its proving ground in Kenilworth, Warks.

Filling up can be a...

Filling up can be a messy business, but fuel-splattered hands could soon be a thing of the past. A team of Dutch inventors has unveiled the world’s first automatic refuelling robot, and it can top up your tank without you having to leave the car!

Finally, the wraps are...

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

First he emulated his...

First he emulated his great hero Jim Clark by becoming only the second Scot - and fourth Briton - to win the legendary Indianapolis 500.

Following an impressive...

Following an impressive pole position in qualifying, the German put in a mature performance to finish ahead of McLarenтЂ™s Heikki Kovalainen and the BMW Sauber of Robert Kubica.

Following on from our...

Following on from our story in Issue 932, which showed a mildly disguised GT-R testing at the Nürburgring in Germany, this week"s mag can now reveal how the newcomer will look. It retains the distinctive headlights of the original Skyline GT-R concept, which made its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. With narrow, pod-style lenses and black frames incorpчorating deep air intakes - which extend to nearly meet the front splitter - the lamps provide the GT-R with a menacчing look.

Forget 4x4тЂ™s тЂ“ AudiтЂ™s...

Forget 4x4тЂ™s тЂ“ AudiтЂ™s latest estate does two jobs for the price of one!

French giant Peugeot...

French giant Peugeot is set to axe its trademark hard-top on a new cabriolet. An insider has revealed that a convertible version of the stunning RC Z is on the way тЂ“ but it will shun a removable metal lid in favour of a lighter fabric roof.

Get more control over...

Get more control over your vehicleтЂ™s power and efficiency with one of these clever new tuning packages from V-tech.

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!

Has FordтЂ™s kinetic...

Has FordтЂ™s kinetic design language run out of energy already?

Having cruelly lost...

Having cruelly lost the title to Sam Hornish Jr on a tie breaker in 2006, the Englishman is determined not to miss out – and he dominated the opening round of this year’s series, staged on Saturday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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 police vehicle...

Here"s a police vehicle guaranteed to make you move out of the fast lane pretty quick! This liveried lorry, complete with flashing blue lights, has been unveiled as part of a crackdown on dodgy HGV drivers.

Here"s a sports car...

Here"s a sports car thatтЂ™s on a real charge! Among the electric models at the British Motor Show, the Lightning GT was the undoubted star.

HereтЂ™s a neat idea...

HereтЂ™s a neat idea Jaguar fans are sure to love. The new XJ wonтЂ™t arrive until the start of 2010, but buyers can spend the time until then getting their dream carтЂ™s spec just right тЂ“ thanks to this new configurator.

Home-brew biodiesel...

Home-brew biodiesel is booming! DIY kits are flying off the shelves according to manufacturers, as derv pump prices rocket to ТЈ1.35 a litre.

Home hopes Andy Priaulx...

Home hopes Andy Priaulx and James Thompson lead the way as the FIA World Touring Car Championship reached the halfway stage with two accident-strewn events in Curtiba, Brazil.

Honda has lifted the...

Honda has lifted the lid on its next S2000 roadster тЂ“ and it will have you going green! The Honda OSM (Open Study Model) shown in this official sketch will be unveiled at next weekтЂ™s British Motor Show as an eco-friendly concept car. But the sleek drop-top also gives us a tantalising early look at the forthcoming S2000.

Hot on the heels of...

Hot on the heels of the fresh-faced VW Golf Mk VI comes the next-generation version of its bigger brother тЂ“ the Golf Plus.

However, while the evil...

However, while the evil Jedi Master is a work of fiction, there"s nothing fake about this uprated SUV. The Murano GT-C is officially billed as a concept, but could reach UK dealerships if it gets a positive reaction at next week"s British Motor Show.

If you can’t get...

If you can’t get on with a hands-free headset, then this clever alternative is perfect. The Jabra SP5050 replaces the firm’s SP500 – the recommended choice in our Issue 945 test – and combines the practicality of a portable Bluetooth solution with the ease of use of a factory-fitted kit.

Insiders at Volkswagen...

Insiders at Volkswagen have confirmed the car will be designed to offer the sporty appeal of the petrol-engined GTI, but in a more economical package. Under the bonnet will be a 168bhp version of the Golf"s existing 2.0-litre TDI powerplant, and the car will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Is the Saab 900 Turbo...

Is the Saab 900 Turbo the coolest Swedish car ever? With its wraparound windscreen, long bonnet and fastback styling, it’s certainly a contender.

It comes with a seven-speed...

It comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and computer-controlled suspension to help keep its massive bulk on the road. High-performance brakes and an advanced traction control system, tuned to work with the all-wheel-drive transmission, have also been developed.

It hasnтЂ™t even hit...

It hasnтЂ™t even hit UK roads yet, but Ford is already chasing the warm hatch pack with the Fiesta Zetec S.

It means a sky view...

It means a sky view and plenty of interior light, even in the winter. But should the sun shine, the roof will disappear under the rear deck in only 22 seconds. The Karmann-designed C-VIEW system is standard on all models.

It’ll be three...

It’ll be three for the price of one on Kia’s Geneva show stand this year! The Korean company will be revealing a trio of concepts based on its forthcoming Soul compact MPV.

It’s a Volvo XC90...

It’s a Volvo XC90, but not as we know it! The Swedish manufacturer unveiled a new R-Design package for its big-selling SUV at the Detroit Motor Show – and this is it.

It’s back to the...

It’s back to the future for Skoda’s original Octavia. The car, first launched in 1998, is set to return to full production as a discount model. It will provide a value-for-money alternative to challengers from the likes of Kia, Hyundai and future rival Dacia.

It’s got power...

It’s got power, 6-appeal, and it’s utterly roofless! This is the new M6 Convert-ible, BMW’s sensational new supercar, which will be displayed for the first time at the British Motor Show in July.

It’s the motorcycle...

It’s the motorcycle influenced by the Ariel Atom – the Brammo Enertia is the world’s first production two-wheeler powered by electricity.

It"s in with the old...

It"s in with the old and out with the new for filling stations.

It"s not only repairs...

It"s not only repairs you can save on by checking online. A new website called www.carservicedirect.com lets drivers search for garages that charge up to 40 per cent less for servicing than franchises, yet still meet manufacturer warranty standards.Youths are in a fix

It"s only just been...

It"s only just been launched, but Volvo is already offering discounts on the V70 and XC70. In an attempt to sway customers, the Swedish firm is selling hi-tech optional equipment at bargain prices.

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 fascinating...

ItтЂ™s a fascinating discovery! Our sources have revealed that Mercedes is readying a production version of the Fascination Concept, first seen at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

ItтЂ™s a supercar with...

ItтЂ™s a supercar with four doors and a sensible boot! Mitsubishi has confirmed that the most powerful Evo X to date will hit UK showrooms this month, and prepare to be blown away by the FQ-400тЂ™s astonishing turbocharged engine.

ItтЂ™s been a long time...

ItтЂ™s been a long time in the making, but finally ArashтЂ™s AF-10 has arrived. First unveiled at the British Motor Show back in 2006, the original prototype has had to overcome its share of problems as well as numerous revisions to get where it is today but that is all in the past now.

ItтЂ™s go for AudiтЂ™s...

ItтЂ™s go for AudiтЂ™s baby SUV! The German firm has announced that it will put the Q3 into production in 2011, giving it a vital rival to MINIтЂ™s upcoming Crossman and the BMW X1.

itтЂ™s longer than a...

itтЂ™s longer than a BMW 5-Series but easier to park than a MINI... The new Mitsubishi Galant can manoeuvre itself into the tightest spaces thanks to hi-tech sensors.

itтЂ™s the ТЈ6million...

itтЂ™s the ТЈ6million photoshoot тЂ“ so no wonder these two car fans canтЂ™t stop grinning.

It wears a Ferrari badge...

It wears a Ferrari badge, but unlike the Italian brand’s cars, this sat-nav won’t get you to your destination any quicker! Don’t let that put you off, though – with the famous name strapped across the top, the Becker system oozes cool.

Jackson leads way in BTCC test

Jaguar and Land Rover...

Jaguar and Land Rover both face significant challenges in the years to come

Japanese giant Toyota...

Japanese giant Toyota is aiming to bring head and neck protection to the masses, after revealing that it will fit an advanced active headrest to all its new cars from now on.

Just as the company...

Just as the company is offering a variety of models in the supermini segment - the C2, C3 and Pluriel convertible - he said it will do the same with the C4. Drivers can expect to see a three-door version, a lifestyle model badged XTR and perhaps even a proper SUV. However, there will be no cabrio. "We will have to choose which ones we do, but in the short term, there are no plans for a convertible," said Besson.

Let battle begin! Auto...

Let battle begin! Auto Express Performance Car of the Year is go!

Making three world debuts...

Making three world debuts at this yearтЂ™s Paris Motorshow looks like a clever move by Toyota.

Meet the car that"s...

Meet the car that"s putting the "lap" in Lapland! Our team of spies have caught the best pictures yet of BMW"s latest super saloon, the M5, putting its traction control to the test in frosty conditions.

Meet the hottest hatch...

Meet the hottest hatch SEAT has ever produced. This is the all-new Leon Cupra R тЂ“ and it has the same power output as the firmтЂ™s World Touring Car Championship-winning racer!

Meet VolvoтЂ™s latest...

Meet VolvoтЂ™s latest estate! These exclusive spy shots reveal that the Swedish firm is busy working on a replacement for the V50 тЂ“ and it will be based on the same platform as the recently announced S60 saloon.

Merging styling cues...

Merging styling cues from the Modus supermini-MPV and the next-generation Clio, the newcomer will combine style with practicality to give city car buyers yet another innovative compact Renault to choose from.

Microfibre is shaking...

Microfibre is shaking up the car care market, with the hi-tech material’s ability to shift grime and absorb water putting traditional cloths to shame. We only tested wash mitts and cloths in Issue 936, but we wanted to try out the newest product to go on sale, the Mibatowel.

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.

More than 1.5 million...

More than 1.5 million cases of this type of misfuelling are reported in the UK each year and Ford and other leading motor manufacturers are concerned about the effect these could have on future warranty claims.

Named after the famous...

Named after the famous race track in Germany, where much of the hot hatch’s pre-production development was carried out, it’s based on the standard car, but with a number of significant tweaks.

Never mind 007, this...

Never mind 007, this is Aston MartinтЂ™s very own secret agent, the One-77тЂ¦тЂЁThese leaked images finally reveal the British car makerтЂ™s ultra exclusive super coupe, first shown as a cloaked concept at this yearтЂ™s Paris Motor Show.тЂЁ

NEW PICTURES ADDED!!

Nine years and two canned...

Nine years and two canned projects after the brilliant M12 burst onto the scene, Noble is back! And this time the British sports car maker is setting its sights even higher.

No fewer than six drivers...

No fewer than six drivers are in contention for the title, after double WTCC champ Andy Priaulx failed to score a single point at Monza.

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.

Paul Smith, founder...

Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign commented: "The vast majority of our drivers are reasonable and responsible. They are using safe and appropriate speeds most of the time. On average they go more than 7 years between accidents, and 70 years between injury accidents. We must help them to be even more effective at avoiding accidents, not treat them like naughty school boys.

Pictures in this week"s...

Pictures in this week"s mag give the world its first glimpse of Lexus"s new IS CC. Currently under top-secret development in Japan, the four-seater will also take on canvas-roofed rivals in the shape of Audi"s A4 Cabrio and the Mercedes CLK.

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.

Race fans get ready...

Race fans get ready, as Formula One 2009 prepares for blast off! With new cars and rules, it could be the most thrilling season for decades.

Renault is getting ready...

Renault is getting ready to reveal a luxurious new seven-seat ‘crossover’ car that could feature a hi-tech hybrid powertrain.

Research shows that...

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

Scottish IndyCar star...

Scottish IndyCar star Dario Franchitti’s fight to win his first US crown is under threat after he crashed for the second race on the trot.

Shock! These are the...

Shock! These are the pictures that will make General Motors bossesтЂ™ hair stand on end. This is their all-new electric car тЂ“ the Chevrolet Volt тЂ“ and weтЂ™ve caught it totally undisguised for the first time.

Similar in concept to...

Similar in concept to the firm"s popular One Seven, Cooper Park Lane and Cooper S Checkmate models which were launched in 2005, the Sidewalk package for the first-generation MINI Convertible goes on sale in April.

Speed cameras on Britain’s...

Speed cameras on Britain’s busiest motorway are about to go digital.

Stevens has been hired...

Stevens has been hired by puppeteer Gerry Anderson, who developed the Sixties TV series, as well as other classics including Thunderbirds, Stingray, Joe 90 and Fireball XL5. The McLaren F1 designer"s brief is to produce a new car that will appear in a remake of the show.

Swedish car maker Volvo...

Swedish car maker Volvo is heading into Chinese hands, after owner Ford announced that Geely is in pole position to buy the struggling manufacturer.

Taking the stage at...

Taking the stage at this month"s Shanghai Motor Show was a new four-door version of the Aveo small family car. Codenamed T250, it won"t go on sale in the UK - but three and five-door hatchback variants will arrive here late next year. Aveo is the name given to the Kalos in overseas markets, and we"ve discovered it"s likely to feature in British showrooms, too. A company insider told us: "We said when we transformed the brand from Daewoo we would carry over existing model names, but as cars are replaced we would move to Chevrolet ones.

The 1.8-litre VVT-i...

The 1.8-litre VVT-i engine is found in models across the line-up, but can suffer from excessive oil burning from as few as 50,000-60,000 miles, according to main dealers. The problem is being blamed on the piston ring design, and Toyota says that any unit consuming more than one litre of oil every 1,000 miles will be looked at and, full service history permitting, rectified.

The all-new Scirocco...

The all-new Scirocco was the star of this month’s Geneva Motor Show – and that’s helped turn the spotlight on to older variants.

The big cat is finally...

The big cat is finally out of the bag! Jaguar has released the first pictures and full details of its new XF Diesel S,Т an oilburning flagship that combines class-leading performance with impressive fuel economy.

The Cobra strikes again!...

The Cobra strikes again! Meet the Venom V8 тЂ“ a stunning spiritual successor to the Shelby Cobra from the Sixties.

The company"s CLS monster...

The company"s CLS monster sports saloon has clearly inspired the C-Class"s designers. Despite their best efforts at disguising the car, a pronounced crease clearly arches along the side from behind the front wheel, borrowing heavily from the racy-looking luxury model.

The Corsa is going off-road! These are

The crooks respond to...

The crooks respond to classified ads in the specialist press, and pay for vehicles with high-quality forged bankers" draft cheques. By the time the forgery is spotted - usually days later - the seller has handed over the keys and paperwork. The car is either exported or quickly sold on again.

The current Focus is...

The current Focus is still a force to be reckoned with in terms of driver appeal, but its cabin has begun to look dated, especially when compared to cutting-edge competition such as the Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. Ford"s designers have risen to the challenge and created an interior that is luxurious, ergonomic and very well trimmed. Taking its styling inspiration from the cabin of the C-MAX mini-MPV - itself based on the chassis of the next-generation Focus - the blue oval"s family favourite will also get enough hi-tech wizardry to please even the most dedicated gadget fan.

The distinctive emblem...

The distinctive emblem already adorns the world"s fastest production model, the 252mph Veyron. However, it has an н‚бЈ830,000 price tag, while the new machine is expected to sell for н‚бЈ90,000.

The dramatic styling...

The dramatic styling will be accompanied by a wide range of modern engines and sophisticated technology. But the main feature is the strong curve down the flanks, leading from the low bonnet line to a high bootlid. This is a toned-down variation of the CLS four-door"s design. The new car is built around the underpinnings of the latest SLK, so the rigid chassis should give an impressive mix of ride and handling, while raising the C-Class"s status as a sporting saloon.

The exciting spyshots...

The exciting spyshots are of a new large Hyundai SUV, which aims to build on the success of the firm"s recently launched off-roader.

The firm"s chief executive...

The firm"s chief executive, Wolfgang Bernhard, confirmed the car has been given the green light during a dealer conference in America. Salesmen were even shown a top-secret picture of the model, which will sit between the Passat saloon and the flagship Phaeton.

The front end will be...

The front end will be slightly toned down and the unusual sliding rear doors are set to disappear, but the Omega will definitely retain the bold profile and unusual rear end of the striking prototype. The car will debut at the 2007 Frankfurt show and Vauxhall hopes to have it in dealers by the end of that year.

Thefts of Britain’s...

Thefts of Britain’s biggest-selling must-have car accessory have soared to new heights across the country.

The German firm has...

The German firm has announced a bespoke personalisation scheme for its entire range of cars. Called Exclusive, this offers “virtually infinite customisation possibilities”. “It opens up the palette, with more than 30,000 ready-prepared colours,” explained a spokesman. “But there’s also the option of one-off mixes as long as a suitable sample is supplied.”

The imposing-looking...

The imposing-looking newcomer is set to go on sale next year, and will rival the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class. Bigger than both by at least 30cm, it measures more than five metres in length - that"s longer than the A8.

The Jaguar X-Type has...

The Jaguar X-Type has been given a fresh look – and now, for the first time, the diesel model will be available with an automatic gearbox.

The Lancia Delta is...

The Lancia Delta is back! Following on from the Delta HPE concept car revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, these are the first images of the production model.

The latest version is...

The latest version is a true zero-emissions vehicle, thanks to the advanced E-Flex propulsion system. It does without the original"s 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Instead, power is provided by two sources: an advanced hydrogen fuel cell, carried on board, and a lithium-ion battery.

The Leipzig Motor Show...

The Leipzig Motor Show kicked off last week with the world debut of this stunning special-edition Mazda MX-5. Called the Niseko, it gets a striking bodykit as standard, as well as a strut brace to tighten the roadster’s already sharp handling. Finishing the package are 18-inch alloys and Marble White paintwork.

The lid has been lifted...

The lid has been lifted on FiatтЂ™s drop-top 500. Auto Express has learned that the newcomer will be available with a roll-back roof тЂ“ just like the Fifties original.

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 Materia will be...

The Materia will be based on the Japanese firm"s D Compact Wagon, which was a concept at this year"s Geneva Motor Show. A spokesman for the company told us: "It"s quirky looking and will certainly polarise opinion. We see it as quite a niche model."

The newcomer, badged...

The newcomer, badged Trophy in line with the special-edition Mнѓ©gane announced at the Geneva Motor Show, is currently being developed at the Renaultsport factory in Dieppe, France. That"s where it will eventually be built in a limited production run of 500 cars.

The new high-performance...

The new high-performance Mitsubishi, which is scheduled to appear in the firm’s UK showrooms early next year, will be offered with the option of a conventional five-speed manual gearbox or a brand new two-pedal clutchless set-up.

The new Mercedes SL...

The new Mercedes SL has broken coverтЂ¦ And Auto Express has the first official pictures.

The new Skoda Fabia...

The new Skoda Fabia has failed to earn a full five-star safety rating for adult protection in Euro NCAP crash tests. While key rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207 and Renault Clio have achieved this feat, the Fabia scored four.

The new Vauxhall Astra...

The new Vauxhall Astra made its worldwide debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the news that the fresh compact family car will kick off at чЈ15,675.

The off-roader has already...

The off-roader has already proved a hit in both the US and Japanese markets, and it"s now going to be introduced across Europe in an attempt to take sales from the new BMW X3 and Lexus RX300.

The Puma burst into...

The Puma burst into showrooms in 1997 as the second car to showcase Ford’s ‘new edge’ design philosophy. Coming hot on the heels of the Ka, the coupé’s looks and excellent proportions made it the only Ford at the time to have a waiting list. This was due in no small part to a memorable ad campaign featuring the late Steve McQueen blasting round San Francisco’s streets.

There may be a new MINI...

There may be a new MINI Clubman on the block, but to fans of the original, this car will always be fondly remembered. And if you’re looking for a real used car legend, then the 1275GT should be on your list. As any enthusiast will know, it was one of the best pocket rockets of its time.

THEREтЂ™S no rest for...

THEREтЂ™S no rest for the wicked at Vauxhall! Only weeks after the InsigniaтЂ™s British Motor Show launch, engineers were back in Germany honing the rangeтЂ™s performance flagship тЂ“ the fire-breathing VXR.

THEREтЂ™S some shady...

THEREтЂ™S some shady business going on at VW. It has released official images of this new special-edition Eos White Night.

These are the first...

These are the first official shots of the new 207 CC. And comчpany bosses hope it will go straight to the top of the coupé-cabriolet class.

These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the car, bringing 1,660 litres of cargo-carrying practicality to the range. That"s 10 litres more than the BMW 5-Series Touring, but still some way behind Mercedes" E-Class Estate, which has 1,950.

These exclusive pictures...

These exclusive pictures show the R36, a machine which is expected to boast a 280bhp 3.6-litre V6 engine teamed with the company"s 4Motion all-wheel-drive set-up.

The spiritual successor...

The spiritual successor to the legendary Quattro is powered by a bored-out 350bhp version of the 3.2-litre V6 which appears in the current range-topping TT. The performance model will feature uprated brakes, stiffened suspension and four-wheel drive.

The two-seater wowed...

The two-seater wowed showgoers with its looks and jet-style opening canopy! Inspired by Saab"s aircraft heritage, the Aero X has no side doors to speak of. Instead, the entire panoramic glass roof, wraparound windscreen and side body panels move up and forwards, by remote control, to give access to the cabin.

The VW can sprint from...

The VW can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 184mph

The wraps have finally...

The wraps have finally come off the all-new Subaru Impreza WRC2008. Bosses opted to unveil the car ahead of schedule, and bring its competition debut forward to Greece’s Acroчpolis rally at the end of May, in a surprise move to get the team’s disastrous season back on track.

They caught this Cooper...

They caught this Cooper S soft-top on a shakedown test - and despite the bright sunshine, its hood stayed firmly shut. The sporty four-seater is pure MINI to the A-pillar, but then it"s all change!

They like to tease over...

They like to tease over at Kia. This official picture previews the Korean maker’s forthcoming large 4x4.

They"re swinging the...

They"re swinging the axe at Vauxhall! The firm’s much anticipated Omega replacement has been canned after getting a lukewarm reception from potential customers.

This is VW"s all-new...

This is VW"s all-new Dune version of the family hatchback, and it features off-roader looks, combined with a 20mm increase in ride height.

This month"s New York...

This month"s New York Motor Show sees the international debut of a new, long-wheelbase version of Chrysler"s executive bruiser. Engineers have added an extra six inches to the 300C"s already sizeable frame, to create a Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8-rivalling amount of interior space.

This scout really is...

This scout really is prepared for anything! Skoda has released official pictures of the rugged new Fabia Scout тЂ“ a downsized rival to the Audi A4 allroad and Saab 9-3X. And all three of these beefed-up estate cars will break cover at the Geneva Motor Show.

This weekend’s...

This weekend’s HiQ British Touring Car Championship round at Rockingham will pay tribute to David Leslie and Richard Lloyd, who lost their lives in an air crash near Biggin Hill in Kent last month.

Thousands of faulty...

Thousands of faulty logbooks have been stolen from the DVLA and "several hundred" are already in circulation being used to sell cloned cars, says the red-faced Government agency responsible for driver data.

Three new family cars...

Three new family cars have been given a glowing report by independчent crash test body Euro NCAP. It’s just awarded five-star ratings to the Mercedes C-Class, Renault Laguna and Volvo V70. The top marks were handed out for good adult occupant protection – where each model scored 36 points.ч

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.

Utterly silent, soft...

Utterly silent, soft and relaxing, no matter which powerplant you opt for, this is a cruiser that"s unbelievably soothing, and yet also immensely capable.

Vehicle designers are...

Vehicle designers are perfecting the extra-long bendy bus with a cab at each end so that it can be driven in either direction without having to turn around.

Welcome to the most...

Welcome to the most important motoring awards of the year! Auto Express’s annual New Car Honours booklet is essential reading for anyone thinking about buying a new model in 2007, as we’ve named the top choices for every budget.

We revealed the rugged...

We revealed the rugged version of the British car in Issue 1,029, ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut next month. And its innovations are already causing a stir.

When it comes to show-stopping...

When it comes to show-stopping unveils, the Focus is on Detroit! Rumours are gathering that Ford is preparing to reveal its third-generation Focus in saloon and hatchback form at the US expo next week.

When it comes to sporty...

When it comes to sporty Smarts, could three be the magic number? Auto Express has uncovered these amazing drawings, recently filed with the European patent office by the Mercedes-owned company. And they show a three-seater car!

When the car hits dealers...

When the car hits dealers next month, buyers will be able to specify a variety of add-ons, including the Sport Plus bodykit (see image). It includes a lower front spoiler with a distinctive orange nose - as on the original SAV concept.

While all navigation...

While all navigation units promise to get you to your destination, TomTom’s 930T guarantees to do so via the quickest route – and it’s set to shake up the market.

While Gatsos can be...

While Gatsos can be used 24 hours a day, there has been a problem with mobile units at night - but the new pink technology has solved this. Steve Callaghan, from the Cumbria Road Casualty Reduction Partnership, explained: "Cameras haven"t been used at night due to the problems with the flash distracting drivers, but the pink bulb of this new device overcomes that.