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

Build your Mini Cooper Hardtop

We suspect that your initial inclination upon the discovery of a new model's configurator is to throw gobs and gobs of equipment at a car to see just how high the price will go. After all, that's what we tend to do. It's especially satisfying with German automakers — notably Porsche and BMW — who seem to have turned option pricing into something bordering on absurdist theatre.

Alfa Romeo 159 – upgrades for 2010

Alfa Romeo has updated the 159 for 201 with new trim levels and two new engines The Alfa 159 is arguably the best looking compact executive saloon on the market. We know, it doesn’t sell as well as the German competition, but it is a fine looking car and has a great deal of ‘Alfa-ness’ about it. But Alfa has decided a few tweaks are needed, so it’s throwing a couple of new engines at the 159 and having a play with the trim options.

Poll finds electric car 'confusion'

CONSUMER confusion is the main reason why electric car sales have failed to spark, according to a survey of motorists. Lack of understanding about the practicalities of electric cars is deepest among those keen to buy one, the survey by market research company GfK Automotive found. Just 8% of the 3,161 motorists polled said they would definitely or probably buy an electric car at some stage.