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

7 performance cars for less than $30,000 part two: Honda Civic Si vs. Volkswagen GTI

It's hard to fathom, but it's been more than a decade since the peak of the sport-compact craze saw modified Honda Civics cluttering the streets. Enthusiasts salivated over a Type R that wasn't (and still isn't) available on our shores, instead having to settle for the Si. Fast-forward to today and the debut of the ninth-generation Civic for the 2012 model year brings a new Si.

Toyota Prius+ Price & Specs – starts at £26,195

Toyota Prius+ Price - costs from £26k The Toyota Prius+ – Toyota’s 7-seat eco MPV come people carrier – will cost from £26,195 for the Prius+ T4. Arrives in the summer. Toyota’s confusing path with the Prius brand continues with the launch in the summer of the Prius+ (Prius Plus), a people-carrying Prius with a couple of extra seats in the boot for kids.

Problems with your McLaren MP4-12C? Have a ‘McLaren: The Wins’ coffee table book

Ron Dennis apologises to McLaren MP4-12C owners A couple of weeks ago we reported that McLaren was having some teething problems with their new MP4-12C but weren’t, despite reports to the contrary, halting production. The problems seemed to be mainly software related, with issues including warning lights flashing on and battery drainage issues, which seemed to be because the MP4-12C’s electronics didn’t turn off when the car was halted. But it seemed McLaren were working on the issues with the same sort of zeal we’ve come to recognise from their F1 programme, no doubt spurred on by the wrath of Ron Dennis.