Mazda 2 facelift (2010) first picture

While it's not the best supermini out there (Ford's excellent Fiesta currently occupies that throne in CAR's world view), we've always had something of a soft spot for the second-generation Mazda 2, the principal reason being its non-subscription to the usual theory that bigger is better. Weighing in at under a tonne, it's almost a throwback to superminis of yore - and we mean that in a good way.Thankfully the new Mazda 2 doesn't appear to have changed much. The front end has received attention from the stylist's pen in order to bring it in line with Mazda's current line-up, and features new headlamps alongside a layered grille.

Renault Laguna GT (2008): first official pictures

By Chris Chilton First Official Pictures 22 February 2008 13:02 There are no Renaultsport badges anywhere on the new Renault Laguna GT but the crack chassis team have been hard at work under the skin. The same people who brought us the brilliant Clio Cup are behind the four-wheel steer system on this Laguna’s Active Drive chassis. Twenty years ago Japanese car makers seemed fascinated by the potential benefits of steering cars using both axles (and not just by nailing the throttle in your Starion) but the idea seemed to have disappeared until now.

Lada launches new design competition

Lada and Russian social network community VKontakte have announced a competition calling for amateur designers to express their visions for future Lada models. Designs can be submitted as hand-drawn sketches or created using computer programs, and there's no limit on style, class or models. The only condition is the design has to have the brand's logo on the grille.