Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

New Honda Civic Black Edition launches

New Honda Civic Black Edition launches The Honda Civic in normal guise – as opposed to the Type R – might not be the most inspiring car on the market, but it offers a convincing package nonetheless of great quality and decent looks and, in the latest Civic, better ride and better handling. As a Ford Focus and VW Golf competitor, the Civic perhaps suffers from a slightly boring image, which would explain why Honda has launched the Civic Black Edition with a meaner look to entice buyers who want a Civic that looks a bit less an older generation car. There are no power upgrades, suspension tweaks or promise of more dynamism from the Civic Black Edition, but it does get exterior gloss black elements and black side skirts and rear bumper, together with gloss black roof spoiler, integrated covers for the door mirrors and a gloss black fuel filler lid.

Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet price cut – down by £5,600

The VW Golf R Cabriolet (pictured) drops in price by £5,600 We’ve long wondered why Volkswagen hadn’t built a Golf R Cabriolet. But when they did finally bite the bullet and take the top of the Golf R for a production run, it was a bit of a let down. It was a let down because it seemed so cynical.

New Mercedes B-Class (2012) exterior photo leaks

2012 Mercedes B-Class - it's the one on the left (click for bigger image) We did wonder if Mercedes were trying to keep exterior photos of the 2012 Mercedes B-Class under wraps until it launches at Frankfurt next month. Not much chance of that now the first official exterior photo has leaked out. In case you’re wondering, the 2012 B-Class is on the left, with the 2008 B-Class on the right.