Concept Car of the Week: Ford Ghia Focus (1992)

As far back as the 1960s, Luigi Colani was preaching about organic design, and the 'biodynamic' forms that eventually became his signature. However, organic design didn't gain widespread popularity among car designers until the late 1980s and early '90s, and no car paid a greater tribute to nature and its forms than the Ghia Focus. Designed entirely by Taru Lahti only two years after graduating, the concept was a real breakthrough for the usually conservative American brand.

Lexus LF-A roadster at Geneva

By Guy Bird Motor Shows 06 March 2008 14:02 What’s new on Lexus’s Geneva Motor Show stand? In global unveil terms, the Lexus stand had nothing new. The LF-A roadster concept first revealed at the 2008 Detroit show two months ago took centre stage for its European debut, flanked by the IS-F and various big hybrids from the GS450h to the LS600h L… oh and a groovy cut-away version of the RX400h.

Audi Q3: new entry-level 1.4 TFSI & new S Line Plus trim option

The new Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI (pictured) offers a sensible petrol alternative Although we all now seem as obsessed in the UK by frugal diesel engines as Europe has been for many years, there’s a lot to be said for a petrol engine. So the launch of the Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI petrol as the new entry point for the Q3 range should make private buyers – and those who don’t do mega miles – sit up and take notice. The Q3 1.4 TFSI only comes with front wheel drive, but it does offer a sensible alternative to the 2.0 litre TDI 140 for many buyers, with 148bhp, a 0-62mph of 9.2 seconds (8.9s with the optional S tronic ‘box), official economy of 47.9mpg and emissions of 137g/km.