Toyota Yaris Trend & Yaris Edition launched

Toyota has launched a pair of special editions for summer – the Yaris Trend and Yaris Edition – with cosmetic tweaks. Not content with flogging 100 units of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid to Europcar, Toyota are intent on mopping up more sales with the launch of a couple of special editions – the Toyota Yaris Edition and Toyota Yaris Trend. Both special editions get a blacked-out C-Pillar and privacy glass to give the illusion of a floating roof, a choice of Tyrol Silver or Cirrus White paint and a three or five-door body.

Nissan Micra facelift (2013) first official pictures

Nissan’s tried to inject some of the styling fizz of the Juke into the Micra supermini, with a package of visual tweaks for 2013. The cabin’s had a nip and tuck too, and Nissan has confirmed prices won’t rise sharply versus the current £9800-14,000 range. What’s new for the latest Nissan Micra?

Aston Martin in talks with Mercedes for engine supply

It has seemed for some time that Aston Martin’s wish-list for future engines revolved around Mercedes. They currently use a V12 developed from Ford’s Mondeo V6 and a V8 that’s a development of the 4.2 litre that was in Jaguars (and Range Rovers) until a few years ago, but new engines (and new platforms) are vital if Aston are to remain competitive. Before the recent investment in AML by Investindustrial, there were plans for Aston to use both engines and platforms from Mercedes (the Lagonda SUV was built on the underpinnings of the Mercedes GL) and even the possibility that Aston Martin would design and build the next generation Maybach.