Honda Civic (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

This is the ninth generation of Honda’s small car star, which has gestated from trend setting (Civic Mk1 of 1972) to stylistically dull if technically advanced (most) to sci-fi-style wacko but technically mainstream (Civic Mk8). New Civics, over the years, have been about as easy to forecast as David Beckham’s next hairstyle as Honda engineers – never the most predictable bunch – veer from brave to bashful. The new Civic, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, is eye-catching although less off-centre than generation eight, and is closed basely mechanically on its predecessor.

Nigel Mansell Le Mans debut 2010

Nigel Mansell & Sons - Le Mans entrants 2010 Nigel Mansell is still one of our best known racing drivers, despite it being more than a year or two since he hung up his F1 helmet. But that hasn’t stopped him enjoying time behind the wheel of a fast motor or two and guiding the motor racing careers of his sons, Leo and Greg. Last year, perhaps a little tongue in cheek whilst being interviewed by Radio 2 jock and Ferrari nut Chris Evans, Nigel expressed a desire to get back in to F1 and said he could “…jump in a Ferrari [F1] tomorrow and be competitive.” But going backwards is not usually a sensible route – as Michael Schumacher can currently testify - but new challenges – whatever your age – are to be relished.

Lotus Elise (2010): a new face for evergreen roadster

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 16 February 2010 15:19 Lotus has just whisked the covers off the new, sleeker 2011 model year Elise – with a new fish-eyed face inspired by the Evora and a one-off 2007 'concept toy car' made for model car specialists Hot Wheels. The 2011 Lotus Elise will be shown at the 2010 Geneva auto show next month. It's a modest facelift with those wedgier lamps, LED day-running lights, more pronounced grille and fresh rear bumper and engine deck, but many of the changes are under the skin.Lotus Elise 2011: the engineering changesNorfolk continues its engine partnership with Toyota and has swapped the 1.8-litre four-pot for another Japanese-sourced four cylinder, this time downsized to 1.6 for the entry-level Elise S, sporting 134bhp and 118lb ft.It's the 1ZR engine with Valvematic breathing apparatus and a lower redline than the previous, manic 1.8.