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Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Honday Odyssey minivan recalled due to fire risk

Honda is recalling some 886,815 Odyssey minivans manufactured between 2005 and 2010, citing a risk of fire due to a possible fuel leak. The cause of the recall, which was announced on the NHTSA website on March 13, is a a cover on the fuel pump strainer which Honda believes can deteriorate and crack. The manufacturer stated that the fault can lead to a fuel smell or to a fuel leak which would pose a risk of fire.

Redesigned 2013 Lexus LS offers new sheetmetal, safety features

Lexus Division unveiled its new LS 460 flagship luxury sedan that arrives in dealerships this fall, with standard and long-wheelbase editions, a hybrid version and a new F-Sport trim level with improved handling dynamics. Despite its sheet metal changes, the car is actually little changed underneath. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine and eight-speed transmission are basically carryover, at a time when luxury brands are using powertrain technology as a differentiating ploy.