Owners of the new Audi A8 will be able to use services like Google Earth to search for points of interest, if they choose the optional integrated GPRS/EDGE modem linked to the latest generation MMI navigation plus. Read More...

Tags: Audi,Technology,new cars

John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Scottish Goverment, has give the green light to a 28-mile, £395 million by-pass for Aberdeen.

Read More...

Tags: Roads

A short statement from Spyker signals the end of the road for Saab. The General Motors-owned Swedish manufacturer is now expected to close its doors after 71 years.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,GM,Spyker

When I had my first real drive of the Jaguar XF I was just about as impressed as I hoped to be, given all the compliments that were flying around from those who had driven the new generation Jaguar before me.

Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,executive saloon

Aston Martin has released the first official images of its new Cygnet, previously seen here as a styling mock up.
Read More...

Tags: Aston Martin,Supermini,Concept

BMW has unveiled a new concept vehicle to signal the German marque’s approach to electric vehicles. The BMW Concept ActiveE is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe and is BMW’s second electric vehicle after the Mini E.

Read More...

Tags: alternativefuels,electric,Concept

It was this time last year that BMW first took the wraps off the new BMW Z4. The most notable change was the switch from a soft top convertible roof to a folding steel roof.

Read More...

Tags: BMW,Sportscar

I have to admit that I did not approach my road test of this Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi in a particularly positive frame of mind. After all here was Ford’s 4x4, basically stripped of its most important element – four wheel drive!

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Hatch

BMW has unveiled its new, sixth-generation BMW 5 Series Saloon. The new car is not likely to cause quite the stir that the fifth generation model did when it was announced with its then controversial styling.

Read More...

Tags: BMW,new cars

Spyker Cars, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of specialist sports cars, is relocating its assembly operation to the UK.

Read More...

Tags: Manufacturing,Spyker

A round-up of some of the Formula 1 news from a busy few days end-of-seasons dealings, news announcements and rumours.

Read More...

Tags: Formula1

These are the first official pictures of the new Volvo S60, which the design team say is “sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo car”.

Read More...

Tags: Volvo

It looks the part. It may be based on the ubiquitous Focus, but there is no mistaking the sporting aspirations of the RS.

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Hothatch,Sports

Motor manufacturers constantly have to scan the far horizon looking for signs as to what type of car the buyers of the future will want. It takes time to develop a new model, so you have to have a pretty good idea of what will be the expanding markets in the future.

Read More...

Tags: 4x4,Volvo,SUV

Where on earth did Peugeot get the name? Well, I suppose it has to be admitted they are new to names. (Until now Peugeots have always simply had a number.) But Bipper Tepee. Well it is... unforgettable!



Read More...

Tags: Peugeot,MPV

Citroen is to use the 20th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower and 90 years of Citroen to launch its new Citroen C3.

Read More...

Tags: Citroen,Supermini

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is to unveil its new Ghost, the most powerful car ever to wear the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’, at the Frankfurt motor show on September 15.

Read More...

Tags: Rolls Royce,new cars

If British Leyland executives in the 1970s hadn't forgotten the importance of playing to our strengths, then something like the Daihatsu Copen might have wearing an Austin Healey Sprite badge today.

Read More...

Tags: Sportscar,Daihatsu

At the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (September 15 to 27), Toyota will take the wraps off its Auris HSD hybrid concept.

Read More...

Tags: Toyota,Hybrids

Against all the odds of a difficult market and the bankruptcy in the USA of former parent company GM, Saab has entered its new era of Koenigsegg ownership with the launch of the new Saab 9-5, the flagship of its range.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,new cars

“It’s a door on wheels!” That was the first reaction from interested onlookers when the Toyota IQ first rolled up into the office car park. Sure enough in profile it looks as though the side of the car is almost entirely composed of door.

Read More...

Tags: Toyota,city car

Peugeot has signified that the new RCZ is the start of a new chapter for the French manufacturer as it aims to refocus on driving enjoyment as well as daily transport. I remember those days as a one time owner of two Peugeot 205 GTIs in succession.

Read More...

Tags: Peugeot,Coupe,new cars

The previous Honda Jazz built up a loyal following among those who wanted a practical small family hatchback which came with the promise of reliability that is expected with the Honda badge. The new car builds on that and adds greater levels of refinement.

Read More...

Tags: Hatch,Honda,Supermini

The new Bentley Mulsanne was unveiled yesterday at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance near Monterey, California.

Read More...

Tags: Bentley,new cars

Approached by The Nation’s Best to nominate my best British car of all time (but not the Mini or the E-type which had already been nominated) I plumped for the original Range Rover. Read More...

Tags: LandRover

Kia Motors has issued a series of images showing a sharper, more confident look for future Kia models as they seek to shake of a worthy-but dull-image.

Read More...

Tags: Kia

When I was in the thick of my hot hatch era, one of my friends had an Alfasud. They were great cars to drive, with more than a touch of Italian style and flair, but they were a little lacking in the durability department. The new Alfa Romeo Mito is Alfa’s first real foray back into the small hatchback class since the late lamented Alfasud.

Read More...

Tags: Alfa

It doesn’t seem that long ago since I was raving about the new Volkswagen Golf GTI, but now there’s an even newer one and I’ve just been driving for the past week.

Read More...

Tags: Volkswagen,Hothatch

Michael Schumacher is about to return to the Formula 1 circuit to take the place of Filipe Massa injured by flying debris in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Read More...

Tags: Formula1

You could almost swear that the Toyota Avensis Tourer came off the same production line as the Honda Accord Tourer, so similar is their appearance. Both have a classic estate car profile with a rising window line that gives a tapering glasshouse towards the rear.

Read More...

When the Suzuki Vitara first hit the UK market it quickly gathered an almost a cult following. Here was a small affordable off-roader with style and presence.

Read More...

Tags: Suzuki,4x4,SUV

If the people at the BBC are looking for something funky to replace the police box in future episodes of Dr Who, then perhaps they should consider equipping the new doctor with a Citroen C3 Picasso.

Read More...

Tags: Citroen,MPV,Hatch

Jay Leno, one of the world's best-known chat show hosts and a renowned car enthusiast, was the host for the launch of the new Jaguar XJ tonight at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,executive saloon

Aston Martin has surprised the motoring world with the unveiling of a new small car concept.

Read More...

Tags: Supermini,Aston Martin

I've always had a soft spot for small engined cars. Ever since my student days when I tried to extract maximum performance from my 875cc Hillman Imp with just the merest whiff of petrol.

Read More...

Tags: Suzuki,Hatch

Last year Audi gave the Audi A3 range a subtle refresh. Knowing the Audi A3 very well, I could spot a few of the updates – the lights, the move of the indicator repeaters to the door mirrors, for example.

Read More...

Tags: Audi,Hatch

Figures announced by the UK Government show that deaths and injuries on Britain’s roads have reached an all-time record low. Read More...

Tags: Safety

We have a month to wait for the announcement of the new Jaguar XJ in July, but Jaguar designer Ian Callum has been giving a little insight into the new car and Jaguar has released some ‘teaser’ images. Read More...

Tags: Jaguar

Scotland’s Transport Minister has launched a new ten-year road safety framework, which sets what are claimed to be the ‘toughest’ targets in the UK for for reduction of injuries and fatalities. Read More...

Tags: Roads ,Safety,politics

General Motors and Koenigsegg have reached an understanding that could pave the way for Saab to return to secure Swedish ownership.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,GM,industry

As teases go, Bentley’s “All-new Grand Bentley” is worthy of a marque with mystique.

Read More...

Tags: Bentley

Mazda Motor Europe has confirmed that Neil Stuart Warrior, Director of Public Relations, was a passenger on Air France flight 447 from Rio to Paris. Read More...

Tags: Mazda,industry

General Motors, which yesterday filed for bankruptcy protection, says it has reached an understanding with a buyer to sell its Hummer brand. The sale is not expected to take place until the third quarter of this year and is subject to a number of conditions.

Read More...

Tags: GM,Hummer,SUV

GM Europe has issued a press statement to make it clear that the European operations of the car giant are continuing as normal and are not included in the moves for bankruptcy protection by the US parent. The statement also confirms that GM Europe has secured bridge financing from the German government and an MOU to partner with Magna International Inc.

Read More...

Tags: GM,industry

General Motors has filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, making it the largest-ever industrial bankruptcy in the USA.
Read More...

Tags: GM,industry

So well known is the Renault Clio that its estate car sibling, the Clio Sport Tourer, is a little in shadows. I coaxed it out to give it the chance to prove itself on a five-day test as my everyday transport.

Read More...

Tags: Renault,estate

In my first road test of the Nissan Qashqai I pointed out that – despite its off-roader-meets-MPV looks, it really was just a normal four or five-door hatchback with interesting packaging. Well, now the Qashqai has grown up. Meet the Qashqai +2.

Read More...

Tags: Nissan,4x4,Family hatch,SUV

The future is electric. That’s the message I got from speaking to industry experts at the All Energy exhibition in Aberdeen this week. Exhibitors and visitors from around the world were showcasing their renewable energy technologies. Read More...

Tags: electric,alternativefuels

When I tested the new Kia Cee’d, I commented that Kia had gone mainstream with a quality product that stood comparison with products of our established favourites. The Kia Pro_cee’d builds on that bridgehead with a car that is even more in tune with European tastes.

Read More...

Tags: Kia,Hatch

The Honda Accord Tourer is probably not the first car that comes to mind when you are looking for an executive estate car. But maybe it should be.

Read More...

Tags: Honda,estate

If the Kia Soul surprised with its rather funky style and individuality the Magentis is much more what we have come to expect from Kia. Practical, conservative and maybe even a tad dull.

Read More...

Tags: Kia

The Shanghai Motor Show demonstrates how the Chinese motor industry is moving ever closer to being a serious challenge in world markets.... and also how good some of their manufacturers are at copy design elements of successful western models. Read More...

Tags: China,MG

Trouble US motoring giant Chrysler, which yesterday filed for Chapter 11 protection against its creditors, has announced what it calls a “global strategic alliance” with Fiat.

Read More...

Tags: industry,Chrysler,Fiat

OK, I’ve brought you my report of the new Ford Fiesta, so what’s different with the Econetic? Well let’s start with the fact that this car is so low on CO2 emissions that you get handed your tax disk totally free-of-charge.

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Supermini,economy,environment

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed government’s introduction of a scrappage incentive scheme to kick-start demand in the car and van market. Read More...

Tags: SMMT,Government

Kia make cars you buy with your head, not your heart. They’re a bit like sensible shoes. Reasonable price, practical and they make sound sense. But they are not going to get the pulse racing.

Read More...

Tags: Kia,Hatch

Increasing political chatter suggests that we are moving closer and closer to a 50 mph blanket speed limit on single carriageway roads. But is this really fired by any evidence that it will actually improve road safety? Read More...

Tags: politics,Safety

If you simply count the number of vehicles sold, the Vauxhall Vectra has to go down as a successful model. But as Ford found with the Mondeo, being the darling of the fleet buyers can be a double-edged sword.

Read More...

Tags: Vauxhall

The new Seat Ibiza offers budget price motoring with a keen purchase price and great fuel economy. Just don’t expect it to feel too sophisticated.

Read More...

Tags: Seat,Hatch

UK Government ministers are said to be considering a default 50 mph speed limit for all single-carriageway roads. Read More...

Tags: Speed ,politics

It would be hard to overestimate the importance of the Volkswagen Golf to the Volkswagen Group. Ever since the European demise of the original Volkswagen Beetle, the Golf has been the mainstay of the range.

Read More...

Tags: Volkswagen,Hatch

Following consultation with the UK motor industry, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2010 British International Motor Show. Read More...

Tags: Motorshow

Aberdeen and District Motor Club is celebrating its centenary this Saturday, with a dinner addressed by former top co-driver and BMW, then Ford competitions boss Stuart Turner Read More...

Tags: Motorsport

The Skoda Superb offers limousine accommodation, lots of practicality and more than a little luxury. Pity about the rather naff name.

Read More...

Tags: Skoda,executive saloon

Ford’s Iosis Max concept car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, points the way to the future design direction for Ford.

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Concept

The Jaguar XF still causes a stir everywhere it goes, with people queuing up to sit inside and see the surprise-and-delight features of pulsing start buttons, rising gearchanges and swivelling vents.

Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,executive saloon

After 20 years of foreign ownership by General Motors, the future of Saab Automobile is once again in Swedish hands. Read More...

Tags: Saab,industry

Prior to the Geneva Motor Show, BMW has taken the wraps off a new 5 Series concept.

Read More...

Tags: BMW,Concept

After a bad start due to the snow, I grew to like the BMW 318d. Just keep off the white stuff!

Read More...

Tags: BMW

The famous Citroen DS stopped production in the mid 1970s. Now, more than 30 years later, the DS is back... well, in name at least.

Read More...

Tags: Citroen,Concept

Anyone familiar with the Audi Q7 will be in no doubt about the manufacturer of the new Audi Q5. It looks pretty much like a more compact, more manageable version of the Q7. And it is.

Read More...

Tags: Audi,4x4

Ford has unwrapped its latest offering in the 40-year story of Ford RS, the much-awaited new Ford Focus RS. It is the first RS for six years. .

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Sports

It has taken the French motor giants some time to take the plunge into the 4x4 market. Peugeot Citroen made the move with the help of Mitsubishi, using the Outlander as the basis for the Citroen C-Crosser and the Peugeot 4007. Now, finally Renault has taken the plunge.

Read More...

Tags: Renault,4x4,SUV

Jaguar unveiled its new XFR at the Detroit Auto Show 2009, the performance version of the much acclaimed Jaguar XF.

Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,Sports

One of the stars of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is an all-new mid-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster concept from Volkswagen.

Read More...

Tags: Volkswagen,Concept,Cabriolet,Sportscar

After a disappointing time with the last Mercedes-Benz, the A-Class has restored my faith in the products of Stuttgart.

Read More...

Tags: Mercedes,Hatch

The Suzuki Splash offers offers four-door convenience for supermini buyers.

Read More...

Tags: Suzuki,Hatch,Supermini

Chrysler has announced a new electric models bearing the Dodge and Jeep badges.

Read More...

Tags: alternativefuels,electric,Chrysler,Jeep,Dodge

Fiat’s Qubo has an unusual name and different looks, but aims to provide a high level of versatility and practicality for family motoring.

Read More...

Tags: Fiat,MPV

Plans for the development of Donington circuit – home of the British Grand Prix from 2010 – were approved today.

Read More...

Tags: Formula1,Motorsport

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, may have made a breakthrough in finding a truly green way to fuel zero-emission vehicles in the future.

Read More...

Tags: alternativefuels,environment

Ford’s Verve concept, unveiled last summer, hinted at a radical new look for the Ford Fiesta. It wasn’t all show either, the new Fiesta is remarkably faithful to the look of the concept car and, as a result, it is quite a looker. The even better news is that it matches good looks with all round ability.

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Supermini,Hatch

A cross-border battle is raging over the funding of the new Forth Bridge.

Read More...

Tags: Roads,Scotland