2006 06 Vespa Lx150 Gas/ Fuel Tank Assembly 78816 on 2040-parts.com

Chevrolet Volt leads satisfaction survey

The Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid has topped Consumer Reports' latest owner-satisfaction survey after its first year on the market. The magazine said 93 percent of respondents who own a Volt said they would definitely purchase one again, making it the highest-rated car in the annual poll. Two second-place finishers, the V8-powered Dodge Challenger and the Porsche 911, drew the most-favorable grade from 91 percent of buyers.

2013 Mazda MX-5 Facelift on sale next week

The mildly revised 2013 Mazda MX-5 – with a new nose and some minor tweaks – goes on sale in the UK on 1st December. Perhaps the only really noticeable bit of the ‘upgrade’ for the MX-5 is a tweaked nose with a slightly bolder front bumper, but there are other changes too. The seven model MX-5 lineup for 2013 sees the arrival of the 2.0-litre MX-5 Sport Tech Nav models – yes, you guessed it, they get SatNav – and the bonnet gets an active bonnet system to pop up if you happen to scoop up a passing pedestrian, mitigating injuries.

Concept Car of the Week: Ford 021C (1999)

As Australian-born designer Marc Newson this week joined Apple, we can only wish that he brings with him the same smart-yet-playful approach as he did with his radical Ford 021C concept. Presented at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, the project began when Marc Newson was commissioned by Ford global design director, J Mays, to create an innovative interior. Their mutual passion for design and their enthusiasm led to a much larger project and Newson eventually delivered a complete working prototype.