★(2) Likenew Tires Bridgestone 175/65/15 Ecopia Ep422 84h M+s Mini Cooper #24344 on 2040-parts.com

CAR Most Wanted of 2014: Mazda MX-5

By the CAR editorial team First Official Pictures 03 January 2014 18:30 It’s still the ultimate sun-loving, value-packed roadster that’s untouchable this side of a Porsche Boxster. The rear-drive, two-seat MX-5 is an icon and, frankly, fans cringe that it’ll be messed up, such is its consistent excellence.  Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy should keep standards up, by bringing the 2014 roadster’s weight down. Mazda’s ethos is to optimise every component, from chassis architecture to drivetrains, to boost efficiency and driveability.

German Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton beats Vettel to pole

Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes (pictured) takes pole at 2013 German Grand Prix It looks like ‘Tyre-Gate’ has been quashed before it started at the German Grand Prix, with a new tyre from Pirelli, no punctures and teams under order for minimum tyre pressures. But new tyres or not, it’s still Mercedes and Red Bull at the front of the grid, with Lewis Hamilton snatching pole position from Sebastian Vettel in the last throw of the dice in final qualifying by 0.103s. Behind Vettel was Mark Webber in the second Red Bull, followed by Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean in Lotus and Daniel Ricciardo in the Toro Rosso.

New Kia Rio (2011 / 2012) starts at £10,595

New Kia Rio - on sale 1st September Last week we had the reveal of the 3-door Kia Picanto, and today confirmation that the 2012 Kia Rio - revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in the Spring and first cousin to the Hyundai i20 – will be on sale in the UK on 1st September from just £10,595. Busy times for Kia. The new Kia Rio will launch as a five door, but we can expect to see a sportier three door version in the New Year.