Jaguar XF Sportbrake

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake – the first ever offical Jaguar wagon – has been unveiled less than a week before its debut at the Geneva motor show. Everything from the B-pillar backwards is new compared to the XF sedan, included the extended DLO accent that's highlighted by the gloss black D-pillars, reminiscent of the XJ sedans'. The Sportbrake's overall length grows by only 5mm to 4,966mm, while its weight increases by less than 70kg.

Audi e-Tron Spyder – The CES Star

Audi e-Tron Spyder at the CES Audi keep on dragging versions of their e-Tron out at any given opportunity, usually focusing on a different take on some form or other of electric and/or hybrid propulsion. Our favourite so far has been the Audi A1 e-Tron, which may seem odd to those of you who know of our penchant for the fast and exotic. But hybrid cars are best suited to urban environments – even more so electric cars – and the Audi A1 e-Tron’s combination of electric motors and a range-extending Wankel engine really floated our urban boat.

Don't get caught on car hire 'slippery slope'

'DO IT YOURSELF' holidays are generally seen as a cheaper version of what can be steeply priced and inflexible package deals, particularly in the notoriously expensive ski market. But experts are warning that skiers who make their own way to the slopes this winter, instead of buying a package with transfers included, could be hit by hefty charges for car hire at the airport. According to iCarhireinsurance.com, a specialist insurer, some skiers hiring cars for New Year breaks could pay for their hire car twice over because of added 'extras'.