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The safest cars of 2014 revealed by Euro NCAP

Safety in modern cars continues to move on at a relentless pace, and in 2013 the story was no different. We saw the first Chinese car ever to get a full five-star Euro NCAP rating with the Qoros 3, signalling Chinese manufacturers are really starting to think about the needs of other markets around the world – in fact, just to prove that point, Euro NCAP voted the Qoros 3 the safest car of 2013. What a result.

First sight: Volkswagen Passat (2015)

In recent years, European buyers have been switching their mid-size sedans and wagons for smaller cars, crossovers and SUVs. The Volkswagen Passat, Europe's most successful company car, has defined this market segment pretty much since it arrived back in 1973, and this latest, eighth-generation model has been designed to attempt to reverse that buying trend. When we catch up with design director Dr Klaus Bischoff at the car's unveiling, he's certainly confident that the new car represents a significant step forward.

Icona reveals first render of Vulcano super sportscar

Icona will unveil a one-off super sports car dubbed Vulcano at next month's Shanghai auto show. The Vulcano was coachbuilt in Italy and was designed by the Shanghai-based Italian design house to show an evolution of its design language, first seen on the 2011 Icona Fuselage concept designed by Samuel Chuffart, Icona's design director. Icona says the design aims express the power within the hood while keeping the shapes harmonious.