Nissan's new supersized Qashqai may come with two extra seats, but they’ll cost buyers nearly £1,000 each.
With the Qashqai+2 set to hit UK showrooms, the car giant has announced a starting price of £17,199 – £1,800 more than for the entry-level five-seat two-wheel-drive model. The four-wheel-drive range-topper comes in at £23,799.
Russia’s largest car manufacturer AvtoVAZ, donated a complete section of its show stand today to show off its new Lada C-Cross concept in Moscow.
FM transmitters are normally the easiest way to listen to digital music in a car, yet all too often you have to control them from the MP3 player and there is no dedicated screen. With the new eX-10 from Alpine, though, you get a display and a remote.
Lexus' LS460 All-Whel-Drive was the first of the big reveals at this year's Moscow Show.
So far few of the major details are known about the saloon's UK specifications except that it will have impressive dynamic abilities as well as advanced safety systems which will be further strengthened due to the addition of permanent all-wheel drive.
Auto Express has set itself the toughest challenge yet, to find the UK’s hardest roads to reach! Our epic journey took us from the dizzying heights of the Applecross Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands to the murky depths of the Dragonby Mine in Scunthorpe, Lincs – where 160 miles of tunnels lie 90 metres under ground.
Renault has chosen Moscow to take the covers off its new Renault Clio Symbol. The simple saloon was unveiled into a Russian market that has already taken to the current Logan - currently the best-selling car in the country bar the Ford Focus.
Tesla Motors has confirmed its next launch in 2010 will be a sports saloon to compete with the BMW 5-Series and Jaguar’s XF.
The US firm behind the electric Lotus Elise-based Tesla Roadster is planning a whole range of affordable battery-powered models which will be sold globally over the next few years.
These are the first official pictures of the all-new Cruze, which Chevrolet will launch to take the fight to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Jetta.
North America’s 2008 truck of the year is heading to Europe. The CX-9 enjoyed its European debut today in Moscow and is another sporty SUV crossover from Mazda which seems to confirm the Japanese brands intent on its future within the sector - particularly in Russia.
The sleek, roomy SUV is the first Mazda to feature a three row bench and has enough space to comfortably seat six. A lot of emphasis has been placed on delivering a superior ride in the CX-9, with new measures taken to ensure a quieter cabin, plenty of leg and head room paired with a powerful, smooth engine.
Children, dogs and trips to the garden centre can all contribute to a messy car boot. But the Ultimat from Winplus could be the key to keeping your load bay clean.
It is made of a durable, rubber and stain-resistant textile, and mud can be hosed off it, too. The Ultimat is supplied in a universal size and easily trimmed to suit the dimensions of nearly any vehicle, from off-roaders to hatchbacks and saloons.
It looks like Honda is extending its ‘difficult is worth doing’ philosophy to its dealer network. The firm has unveiled new showrooms which use around 30 per cent less energy than standard sites.
A new Nissan system called the Safety Shield promises to make parking dings and minor accidents a thing of the past.
It uses downward-looking cameras and sonar to create a 360-degree bird’s eye view, allowing the driver to park perfectly. The set-up also picks up GPS signals from mobile phones and the navigation systems of other vehicles, sensing whether a collision – with a car or person – is likely. It then flashes an alert to the driver on the dashboard.
The bike is back! As the cost of owning a car rises, increasing numbers of motorists are swapping four wheels for two, according to research by
the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA).
A clever new option on the Audi A3 Cabriolet should make parking a breeze. Not only does the Parallel Parking Assist software inform the driver if a space is suitable, it then manoeuvres the car into it automatically for you.
The new Honda Civic is here – and yet again it’s set to break the mould in the family hatchback sector! These exclusive shots show how the next car will look when it hits the showroom in 2010, and as you can see, the Japanese maker has opted for a shape that is even bolder and more individual than the current model.
If parts need replacing on your new car, you’d expect the dealer to fit them fresh out of the box. But we were surprised to hear that’s not always the case. Readers Sue and James Jennings told us their seven-month-old Toyota Yaris SR had a used gearbox installed after the original broke recently.
Fiat is aiming to boost sales of its Sedici SUV with a new two-wheel-drive version.
The 4x2 offers the style and versatility of the four-wheel-drive variant, according to bosses, but with lower costs, because the transmission weighs less.
Peugeot’s new lion is set to roar in! Currently a work in progress, the RC… will be unveiled at the French maker’s home motor show, Paris, this October.
Styled by Peugeot’s new design boss Jerome Gallix, the rakish four door, four seater coupe follows on from previous RC Spade and RC Diamond concept cars of 2002, and the eccentric rear engined V12 diesel 908RC luxury saloon revealed at the 2006 Paris show.
Is it a boat? Is it a plane? No, it’s a superyacht-inspired Range Rover!
Seven of the world’s top yacht stylists came up with the creation as part of a unique design competition set up by megayacht broker Edmiston in conjunction with Range Rover.
Checking tyre pressures regularly is vital, yet often overlooked. But now you can keep an eye on them from the comfort of the driver’s seat, with the new Tyresure Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
High design is an expensive commodity – as Jabra’s latest JX20 Pura headset proves. The Bluetooth hands-free kit costs £99.99, and was created by Danish industrial designer Jacob Jensen to offer phone users even more style behind the wheel. An extravagant feel is evident as soon as you open the box – from the sleek desk stand to the pretentious necklace fitting. While this allows you to wear the Pura as jewellery, we don’t expect many will sport it around their neck on a night out.
The patent office is designed to protect company secrets, not leak them to the world! But that’s what has happened with these renderings of Mazda’s next MX-5.
An employee at the EU agency that registers trademarks – the Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market – unwittingly let these pictures loose. And in the process, they revealed the shape of the fresh two-seater.
It's the throttle pedal that bites back! Continental has developed an accelerator that warns drivers of hazards on the road by vibrating and pushing against their foot.
The idea is to ensure you get off the gas and on to the brakes before an accident. It works in conjunction with the ContiGuard safety software – employing radar and cameras to predict imminent collisions, or tell if you’re too close to another car. The set-up can also be used to persuade owners to drive more economically.
Throwing litter out of your car window is a shameful and anti-social habit. But it’s clearly addictive. More than 1.3 million bits of rubbish are dropped on Britain’s motorways every weekend. That’s over 67 million items a year, according to the Highways Agency.
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.
Although many new cars are sold with Apple iPod connectivity as standard, those of us who don’t own the latest wheels can enjoy our MP3 tunes in the car with a Macally FM Port. This FM transmitter enables you to listen to your favourite digital tracks through the standard stereo.
New Zealander Scott Dixon racked up his sixth IRL win of the season with a last-gasp victory at the Kentucky Speedway.
The Ganassi Honda driver stole the lead from Helio Castroneves on the last corner of the final lap, after the Brazilian’s Penske ran out of fuel within sight of the flag. Marco Andretti completed the podium after fighting his way up from ninth.
It’s not only Audi which is doing some sprucing up this summer – Porsche is, too! The Boxster S and Cayman S have both been given special treatment to create these two new spin-offs. Badged Design Edition 2, the Boxster S gets Carrera White paint and grey racing stripes. The red tail-lights come from the RS60 limited edition, while the 19-inch alloys, side air intakes, centre console and dials are all white. The car also comes with a man’s wristwatch – and needless to say, it’s white, too.
Losing that vital nut or bolt in your engine bay can cause real problems – as retrieving anything from the dark, hot and confined space will be tough.
But help is at hand from this Laser 3-in-1 Pick-up Tool – a multifunctional claw, magnet and torch on a stiff but flexible shaft. In use, the torch proved very bright, illuminating the depths of our test car’s bay. The only issues were with the finish of the lens and the poor-quality on-off mechanism. Although the claw uses exactly the same technique for grabbing and releasing, it did impress us with its ability to pick up all we asked of it. Only really large items caused any problems.
Take a look at the ultimate Aston Martin! Never in the history of the British firm has there been a faster or more expensive model – and Auto Express has the first picture of the amazing machine.
Cadillac’s CTS has been given the boot! The American company has used California’s Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance motor show to unveil the Sports Wagon version of its BMW 5-Series rival, and it keeps the bold looks of the striking saloon.
It’s been a long time coming, but we’ve finally put Vauxhall’s replacement for the Vectra on the road! By giving its Ford Mondeo rival a new name and making bold claims about its ‘premium feel’ and enhanced driving experience, the maker has raised expectations.
Development of Jaguar’s muscular flagship saloon is bounding along nicely – and the XF-R is set to be one of the fastest big cats ever.
This exclusive picture gives a clear indication of what to expect from the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 rival when it hits UK showrooms in the spring. The XF-R is set to be powered by a new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine producing 500bhp. This will help the luxury cruiser to sprint from 0-60mph in less than five seconds. The body will get a full high-performance makeover, comprising flared wheelarches, lowered sports suspension, lots of air vents on the bonnet and big, ventilated brakes for supreme stopping ability. Tell-tale quad exhaust pipes will also hint at the new car’s performance potential.
Audi has revealed all on its updated A6 range – and Auto Express has the details. Going on sale in the UK this autumn, the luxury saloon will be revealed at the Moscow Motor Show later this month.
This Panda might be cross – but its owners shouldn’t be! Fiat has given its popular supermini a rugged makeover to create the Panda Cross – and at £11,995, it will officially be the UK’s cheapest diesel 4x4.
The tough-looking urban runabout – based on the existing all-wheel-drive car – has an all-new bodykit with revised headlights and contrasting side panels.
This all-new roadster reveals Volkswagen is taking the fight to the Lotus Elise! Fresh from launching its Scirocco, the firm will unveil a new sports car at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
This all-new roadster reveals Volkswagen is taking the fight to the Lotus Elise! Fresh from launching its Scirocco, the firm will unveil a new sports car at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
The automotive world is in shock after one of the most influential men in sports car design was killed in a road accident.
Andrea Pininfarina was the boss of the Italian coachbuilder founded by his grandfather, Battista Pinin Farina. It’s believed that his motorcycle was in a collision with a car in Trofarello, Italy, near the company’s home city of Turin.
Motorists are officially driving slower. But it’s not speed cameras that are keeping them in check – it’s soaring fuel prices!
Drivers can gain an extra 3mpg, saving up to six pence per litre at the pumps, by adopting a slower, less erratic style, according to the experts at the AA Motoring Trust. And the group claims thrifty motorists have been noticeably easing off the gas as a result.
A trio of E-Class models are due next year - and our spies have managed to capture them all out testing at the famous Nurburgring circuit!
The E-Class saloon and estate, both codenamed W212, are due to be launched at next year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, with the more powerful top-spec E63 AMG following later in the year.
As I stared out through the broken windscreen of the car, the medic asked me to breathe in deeply. Trapped behind the wheel, and with possible spinal injuries, I couldn’t move. I heard the chilling cracks as the ultra-powerful ‘jaws of life’ tool cut through the vehicle’s pillars, one after another, until daylight flooded in as the roof came off.
Our spies have lifted the lid on Mercedes-McLaren’s most sensational cabrio to date. The SLR is fast approaching the end of its seven-year lifespan and the Anglo-German partnership has no intention of letting the controversial supercar drive off quietly into the sunset.
Now this is what we call multi-tasking! Binatone’s new T430 not only gives the usual sat-nav benefits but doubles up as a reversing camera, too – the first system of its kind to do so.
Inconsiderate parking is the latest excuse for traffic wardens to slap a fine on your windscreen.
Leaving your car too far from the pavement or in front of a dropped kerb – even where there is no warning sign or road marking – are among the actions which could lead to penalty charges, if Department for Transport plans get the go-ahead.And motoring group the AA fears drivers could have a tough time appealing unfair tickets, as fines will be issued to vehicles parked in streets without restrictions.
Jeep is bringing boxy back! Following the lukewarm reception received by the current Cherokee’s curvy lines in 2001, the US firm has reverted to the square styling of its Nineties model.
The new Cherokee, on sale this month, also gets uprated suspension and steering, plus leather trim and an optional ‘Sky Slider’ canvas roof. There’s only one engine – a 2.8-litre diesel – and manual or auto boxes. Prices start at £24,595.
Underneath this all-in-one body suit is Fiat’s answer to the forthcoming VW Up! and Toyota iQ - it’s the Topolino inspired micro-car! Despite its tiny 3200mm platform, this elaborately disguised car, will offer enough seating room for four.
Still in the early stages of testing the new Fiat mini-car will share its platform with the Panda and have a strong resemblence to the 500.
It’s the latest mule from the Prancing Horse! This is not a shock replacement for the F430, but the latest one-off ‘speciale’ that the Italian supercar maker occasionally builds for buyers with a fat enough wallet.
It’s another surprise from Fiat’s Abarth tuning arm! The sporty brand has come to a special agreement with Lotus, allowing it to use the next-generation Elise to underpin a standalone sports car – and this is what it could look like.
Nissan has unveiled details of its new ground-breaking safety technologies set to join the current Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. The forthcoming All-Around Collision Free prototype will include two all-new systems – Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP).
