Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Alfa Romeo has bolted the 875cc TwinAir engine from the Fiat 500 in to the MiTo to produce a congestion charge busting new MiTo. The new Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir is a logical move by Alfa to produce a MiTo with green credentials but which still offer a decent drive and a dose of fun. In the Fiat 500, the TwinAir engine is a bit of a hoot, sounding a bit like a cross between a lawnmower and a 2-stroke and with bags of character and lively to boot.

VW Passat R-Line introduced

The VW Passat R-Line introduced in the new Passat range But the Passat R-Line (which will be available in both saloon and estate versions) is not really an addition to the Passat range, rather a re-working of the current model options. The Passat Sport and Passat SEL are dropped, and the new range now comprises S, R-Line and Highline. But, just as with the Tiguan R-Line, this is not a power upgrade but merely a cosmetic one.

Who's Where: Felix Kilbertus appointed Fiat chief exterior designer

Felix Kilbertus has been appointed Fiat's chief exterior designer. Kilbertus' move sees him cross Turin, from his previous position as a lead designer at Pininfarina, to Centro Stile. In his new role he is responsible for the exterior design of Fiat-branded passenger vehicles.