Driven: Vauxhall Astra GTC

Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and VW are in perpetual battle for the C-segment title, the toughest European segment to compete in. Visual differentiation is key, but so is practicality and performance – all attributes that the respective offering must possess. And so the fight continues, heating up with the arrival of the latest contender, the Vauxhall Astra GTC.

Hyundai ix20 revealed

The Hyundai ix20 will debut at Paris As is often the case, ‘revealed’ is perhaps too strong a word for what we have on Hyndai’s latest offering – the Hyundai ix20. One up from a tease and not quite a reveal, Hyundai has sent us a sketch of the ix20 which will debut at the Paris Motor Show in a  few weeks time. Just like a bus, you get nothing new in the oxymoron car sector (mini MPV) for ages and then two crop up at once.

High-five for Mini's new, larger hatchback

THE LONG-RUMOURED five-door Mini hatchback has finally been unveiled, featuring an extra seat, more legroom and a larger boot than the three-door. By using a longer and wider body, the five-door is able to offer 72mm more legroom for rear passengers, who can also now access the new row of three seats via small but useful rear doors. Boot space is up to 278 litres, which although still comparatively low is 67 more than the three-door hatch can boast.