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

98% fear UK road safety not improving

Research conducted for the latest issue of the Auto Trader Owner’s Guide suggests that a staggering 98% of British motorists fear that the government is failing to improve safety on UK roads. Of the 3,000 drivers surveyed for the quarterly publication, 77% also want theory and practical driving skills to be taught in schools, while 60% are convinced the coming fixed penalty fines for careless driving will do nothing to benefit safety. Find out how much a used car costs on Auto Trader On Bing: see pictures of safe cars Going further, 81% felt the ever increasing rise of in-car gadgetry, including the ability to make hands-free phone calls and check social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, represents a “hazardous distraction” to drivers.

Audi S3 Cabriolet for 2014 Geneva Motor Show

The Audi S3 Cabriolet will make its public debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show next month. The range-topping version of the new A3 Cabriolet uses the same powertrain as the S3 hatchback, Sportback and saloon variants, with a 300hp turbocharged engine driving all four wheels. Audi quotes a 0-62mph time of just 5.4 seconds for the S3 Cabriolet, which will be available to order from April, with the first UK deliveries expected in July.

Vauxhall launches powerful 1.0 petrol engine

OLD-FASHIONED 1.6-litre petrol engines in Vauxhall cars are about to be replaced by a clever new 1.0-litre alternative. The tiny newcomer has only three cylinders, but thanks to a turbocharger it coughs up more power and torque than many normal 1.6-litre equivalents. It’s set to debut in Vauxhall’s funky Adam supermini, although the new engine will be display-only when it emerges at the Geneva Motor Show next month.