Top Gear tonight: The Sweeney, Corsa VXR Nurburgring, Fiat Panda & Ryan Reynolds SIARPC

Hammond directs Ray Winstone's car chase in The Sweeney Top Gear Series 18 Episode 3 with The Sweeney car chase, the Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring, 2012 Fiat Panda and Ryan Reynolds is SIARPC. We’re already nearly halfway through Series 18 of Top Gear, with episode 3 on tonight. And so far, so good; the daftness is still there, but a lot less puerile than other recent Top Gear stuff, and some properly good car stuff too.

LA Motor Show: New Subaru WRX gets downsized engine

SUBARU has revealed a production-ready version of the WRX concept first seen earlier this year. The latest edition of the performance saloon may not be coming to the UK at all, but Subaru has finally given the 268bhp machine the go-ahead for Japan and North America. A new 2.0-litre ‘boxer’ engine carries on the brand’s tradition, bringing with it the same low centre of gravity as the old 2.5-litre unit but with greater environmental credentials.

Skoda Octavia wins 'everyday car' accolade

THE SKODA Octavia vRS has been awarded the ‘Best Everyday Car of the Year’ gong by a leading men’s lifestyle magazine. Judges on FHM’s panel were impressed by the hot Octavia’s interior space, family-friendly practicality, impressive performance and striking style. Its price also struck a chord, with an entry figure of £22,990 0n the road putting it well below less spacious alternatives.