New Vauxhall Astra Roadster preview

Rendering of the Vauxhall Astra Roadster With the new Vauxhall Astra starting to be pushed by Vauxhall ahead of its official launch at Frankfurt in September, thoughts are now turning to what derivatives of the new Astra are to come. Vauxhall are already committed to the three door hatchback and the estate as the follow up after the launch, but an obvious contender is an open-topped Astra. And if these renderings are to be believed it will be a bit of a show-stopper.

Drivers 'still prefer printed maps'

MOST motorists still prefer printed maps when planning car journeys, according to an AA/Populus survey. Older drivers are the least happy with sat-nav, with only 9% of over-65s ditching printed maps altogether. Overall, 63% of the 23,824 drivers polled have used a printed map in the last six months, while 60% have used an in-car sat nav.

Lexus LF-NX Concept Compact SUV/Crossover makes a statement: Frankfurt 2013

The Lexus LF-NX SUV/Crossover Concept (pictured) arrives at Frankfurt We actually saw the first photos of the Lexus LF-NX – a more compact SUV/Crossover Concept – in the run-up to the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it certainly looked dramatic. In the flesh, the LF-NX actually looks even m0re dramatic; it’s almost cartoon-like in its styling and proportions. Looking a little like Lexus have taken their statement spindle grill, made it bigger and created a body design using origami, the LF-NX is certainly not a shy and retiring, understated Lexus.