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

Nissan Micra ELLE: It’s a Micra for the Ladies

Nissan has revealed a limited edition Micra – the Micra ELLE – produced in conjunction with Elle Magazine. There is a strong argument that the Nissan Micra is predominantly aimed at the fairer sex, and if that was in doubt the new Micra ELLE confirms it. Nissan has joined up with Elle Magazine to produce a limited run of 500 of the Micra Elle with cosmetic titivation (what else?) including panoramic roof (helps with putting makeup on), extra chrome (nice and sparkly), titanium grey alloys (which will unfortunately show every kerbing dent) and fog lights (for when it’s not foggy).

E85 makes inroads on cost and availability

Three years ago, we embarked on a Midwest road trip in search of what was then the Holy Grail of fuel: E85. Our findings weren't too positive--there were far more E85-compatible vehicles on the road in 2006 (5 million) than there were E85 pumps to fuel them (about 700 out of some 200,000 fuel stations nationwide). In addition, those burning the mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol were paying a pretty penny for their earth-friendly ways, losing about 15 percent in fuel economy while often paying the same price as for regular unleaded.

Audi Q1 sub-compact SUV in 2016

The new Audi Q1 will look like a smaller Q3 (pictured) There was a time when saloon cars ruled the car sales charts, but they eventually went out of fashion to be replaced by the more practical hatchback. But, despite the demonising of the SUV by ‘green’ groups, compact SUVs/Crossovbers have become the favourite flavour for car buyers as they seek something practical and with the promise of a bit of go anywhere credentials (even if they are cosmetic rather than mechanical). So it’s no surprise to see cars like the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur starting to grab sales from small hatches.