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

New cars can save drivers up to 25%

BUYING a new car instead of a secondhand one could save drivers as much as 25% on their motoring costs in the first year of ownership. These savings come from cheaper insurance, lower road tax costs, improved fuel economy and no MoT test. Comparing a brand new Volkswagen Golf with a five-year old model, the new car reduces the annual spend on motoring from £1689 to £1267, saving £422 in the first year of ownership.

Google driverless cars ‘safer than humans’

Google claims that its driverless cars are now safer than human motorists, after analysing testing data gathered over thousands of experimental miles of assessment. The Internet search giant has been developing its controversial autonomous cars for several years, adapting a fleet of 10 vehicles – including six Toyota Prius hybrids, three Lexus RX450h off-roaders and an Audi TT – to drive by themselves. On Bing: see pictures of Google’s driverless carsThe driverless cars are coming – but are Brits ready?

Renault Zoe Preview (2010): the electric supermini

This is the new Renault Zoe concept car, a ‘90% ready’ preview of an electric supermini that will go on sale from 2012. It’s just been unveiled at the 2010 Paris motor show. It did, but it also admitted that that car was very much a flight of fancy with its enormous butterfly doors.