4 Motorcraft Bsf42 Spark Plugs on 2040-parts.com

BMW 7-series facelift (2012) first pictures

BMW has given the 7-series the mildest of mid-life facelifts for 2012 – with a series of cosmetic tidy-ups, fettled engines, extra kit and the UK's first hybrid 7-series. The ActiveHybrid7 isn't the most expensive 7-series (that's the 760Li at £101,805), but at £66,040 the petrol-electric saloon is some £8k pricier than the biggest-selling 730d. As the diesel is also cleaner and more economical, we suspect the hybrid Seven will remain a niche seller over here.

Autoweek in review: Sergio Pininfarina dies; ZL1 and GT500 hit the drag strip

The automotive world lost one of its most influential figures this week. Sergio Pininfarina, longtime chairman of his family's Italian design firm, died on July 2 after an undisclosed illness. He was 85 years old.

New Nissan Qashqai: Price from £17,595 to £27,845

The new Nissan Qashqai (pictured) costs from £17,595 The new Nissan Qashqai is a big deal for Nissan as the old Qashqai managed to create a shift from hatchbacks to crossovers almost single handed. But the new Qashqai does look pretty convincing. Revealed last week, the new Qashqai is better looking and better equipped than the old model and, even though prices have nudged upwards, it seems to offer a more convincing package for family transport than before.