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High-five for Mini's new, larger hatchback

THE LONG-RUMOURED five-door Mini hatchback has finally been unveiled, featuring an extra seat, more legroom and a larger boot than the three-door. By using a longer and wider body, the five-door is able to offer 72mm more legroom for rear passengers, who can also now access the new row of three seats via small but useful rear doors. Boot space is up to 278 litres, which although still comparatively low is 67 more than the three-door hatch can boast.

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe steps out before New York auto show debut

Following the unveiling of the striking S550 Coupe at the recent Geneva motor show, Mercedes-Benz has now taken the wraps off the even more powerful S-class two-door: The 2015 S63 AMG Coupe. It's set to make a public debut at the upcoming New York auto show. The plush, leather-lined four-seater, which will lock horns with the Bentley Continental GT when North American sales get underway later this year, runs a carryover twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine from its predecessor, the CL63 AMG.

Government driving down electric avenue

THE GOVERNMENT is to lead by example by buying more than 150 electric and plug-in hybrid cars for its fleets. All fleet managers will have funding allocated with a view to buying ultra-low-emission vehicles (ULEVs) to replace older vehicles as part of the their normal working life cycle. According to Westminster sources, a long-term plan is in place to make such cars and vans entirely commonplace.