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Demise of kei cars on the horizon?

The kei car has long been a staple of the Japanese automobile industry and its car culture. Too diminutive for Western markets, the tiny cars and trucks are a strong influencer of design in Japan. Now, as The New York Times reports, the Japanese government has hit kei cars with increases in sales tax, gasoline prices and has reduced the kei car tax break introduced to make the cars popular in the first place by 50 percent.

Alfa MiTo Sportiva & Giulietta Sportiva added to range

Alfa Romeo has added a new trim level in the UK – Sportiva – for both the Alfa MiTo and the Alfa Giulietta. Two cars we like very much – depending on trim and engine – are the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta. Both offer style and fun at decent prices and make a nice change from Teutonic sameness.

Subaru Impreza Diesel delayed for UK

Update 2/9/09: Finally, Subaru has announced that the Subaru Impreza Diesel will be coming to the UK, starting at £20,000 OTD for the 2.0D RC. It does get difficult when markets go mad, and currencies fall out of the normal range of values, for none more than the big car manufacturers whose products are sold around the world. The Japanese are really struggling with this at the moment, as the Yen has remained strong in relation to many western currencies, in particular the Pound.