Topgear News

In California, the car has always been more than just a mode of transportation. It has been a vehicle to dream - of freedom, of a more perfect version of ourselves, of the future. So it seems only appropriate that the world’s leading car designers - almost all of whom are concentrated in and around Los Angeles - should be invited to realise their fantasies and come up with their idiosyncratic idea of what will turn drivers on 10, 20 or 30 years from now.

Then Auto Express tested Mazda’s all-new MX-5 against its competitors in issue 883, we were smitten with its lively handling, styling and well built cabin. Our only major complaint concerned the engine.

The entry-level machine’s 1.8-litre petrol powerplant feels breathless on demanding roads, and has to be worked hard by the driver in order to deliver its full potential.

However, there is an alternative as the car finally hits British streets for the first time this week: buyers also have the option of a more potent 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

In recognition of the fact that the SUV and 4×4 market is rapidly growing, and now accounts for at least 30% of the UK market, Top Gear are updating our 4×4 alloy wheels pages with new and exciting products. With a whole section now dedicated to 4×4 and SUV Alloy wheels, drivers of these kinds of vehicles can easily find wheels without having to trawl through hundreds of products that are irrelavent.

If when looking you are unsure of the tyre size for your vehicle, fear not. The professional team at Top Gear can advise you on what tyres will best suit your vehicle and price a wheel / tyre package accordingly.

Your family is growing, your priorities are changing and you are ready to swap a sporty hatchback for a more down-to-earth MPV… or are you? The people carriers of tomorrow look set to become more attractive and desirable than ever - and Citroen has already given us a glimpse of what’s to come.

When the C-SportLounge concept was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, it merged coupé styling with family car practicality.

Don’t be fooled by the familiar look of Toyota’s new RAV4 - the original ’soft’ roader has actually toughened up. Rivals such as the Land Rover Freelander, Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V have forced a redesign of the 4×4. And after exclusively driving the newcomer, we can report that the effort has been very worthwhile.

The new RAV4 is bigger than the old car, measuring 180mm longer and 70mm wider, while the outgoing model’s platform, drivetrain and suspension set-up have all been ditched.

Solar-powered cat’s eyes are helping drivers to leave a motorway at the right junction. The LED studs have been fitted at Junction 6 on the M40 in Oxon. They can be seen up to 900 metres away so drivers don’t miss the turn-off, hidden by a bend. Meanwhile, the Highways Agency aims to make overhead lights dim automatically when there’s no traffic.

(this bulletin was taken from autoexpress.co.uk)

It’s the Viper that promises to take an even bigger bite out of its supercar rivals! The V10-engined legend has always had a fearsome reputation, and this new coupé ¶ersion shows no sign of letting that slip.

With its 8.3-litre engine, the latest incarnation of America’s ultimate muscle car has a 190mph top speed and will blast from 0-60mph quicker than any Ferrari currently on sale. But does the fact that it has a proper roof enhance the driving experience, or ruin it?

Few estate cars fall into two distinct categories these days: stylish, trendy tourers, and boxy, practical load-luggers. But VW is aiming to blend the two together with its Passat Estate.

The model has just hit UK showrooms, and there’s no doubt it makes a good first impression. Our test car - an economical 138bhp 2.0 TDI diesel - manages to combine the handsome lines of the acclaimed saloon version with a vast carrying capacity.