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

Vauxhall Astra (2009): first interior photos

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 18 June 2009 15:15 Vauxhall has released the first interior pictures of the new sixth-generation Astra, showing that the inside of the five-door hatch has been heavily influenced by the bigger Insignia's. The architecture broadly follows that of the Insignia, with (at least in top-spec models) a high-set sat-nav system, sitting above the audio and air-con controls and flanked by the central air vents. The air vents themselves are more angular than the items you'll find in the Insignia, and the dash itself also appears more upright.

Concept Car of the Week: Renault Argos (1994)

The 1994 Renault Argos concept is the little sports car based on the humble Twingo that continues to resonate in design terms. Designed by current PSA Director of Design, Jean-Pierre Ploué, the minimalist three-seater ushered in a new design movement dubbed ‘Esprit Nouveau' (New Spirit) that re-instated The Car as an industrial machine after a period of organic, Bio-design influence. Pared-back, broken down into its component parts and proudly bare, the Argos mixed the post-industrial functionality of a contemporary fighter aircraft with a twist of Steampunk fantasy.

Consumer Reports releases 2013 reliability rankings

Japanese brands continue to dominate the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability rankings, while some European brands gained and Ford Motor Co. continued to rank near the bottom of the industry. Lexus, Toyota and Acura swept the top three spots in the 2013 rankings and Japanese brands took seven of the top 10 places.